After an advance screening of "Fracture" last night at The Grove, the audience clapped enthusiastically and people walked out telling each other how good it was. I agree! It's a thriller about a brilliant man (Anthony Hopkins) who tries to kill his unfaithful wife then delights in manipulating the legal system - including a young prosecutor (Ryan Gosling) as he is brought to trial.
Let me say this first off: the Hopkins character does not seem in any way like a real human being. He's a brilliant perfectionist and it's fun to watch his outfox Gosling but we have no idea who this guy is and what makes him capable of shooting his wife in the face so methodically. He's so methodical about it all and Hopkins comes off a bit like Hannibal Lechter in his jailhouse face-off scenes with Gosling. There's a lot of far-fetched stuff here but Hopkins is awfully fun to watch though.
Gosling on the other hand, MAKES the movie. His portrayal of a young prosecutor who does some questionable things to get hmself a high-paying corporate job is outstanding. But before beginning his lucrative new gig, he's got a trial to finish for the district attorney's office.
While the plot is at times unbelievable, Gosling makes his character believable at all times. He's cocky, he's flirty, he's smart, he's determined, he's SEXY. He's got the world by its tail. But this case turns that world upside down. I found myself thoroughly engaged in the film due to Gosling's performance.
Also loved that it was filmed in LA with all kinds of location shots around the city. "Fracture," released by New Line Cinema, will bow in theaters on April 20.