In Cold Blood

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  • R
  • 1967
  • 2 hr 14 min
  • 7.9  (28,880)
  • 89

In Cold Blood is a 1967 American crime film directed by Richard Brooks, and it is based on Truman Capote's novel of the same name. The movie tells the true story of the murders of the Clutter family in Kansas in 1959, and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Smith.

The film stars Robert Blake as Perry Smith, a sensitive and troubled ex-convict who is haunted by his past and desperate for money. Scott Wilson plays the role of Dick Hickock, a charismatic but ruthless criminal who convinces Perry to join him in a robbery that he believes will make them rich. John Forsythe portrays Alvin Dewey, the lead detective on the case, who is determined to bring the murderers to justice.

The movie opens with a montage of life in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, where the Clutter family was living. The audience is introduced to Herb Clutter (John McLiam), his wife Bonnie (Ruth Storey), and their children, Nancy (Brenda Currin) and Kenyon (Paul Hough), as they go about their daily routines. Meanwhile, Dick and Perry are shown driving through the Midwest, planning their crime and fantasizing about the wealth that they will soon possess.

The scene then shifts back to Holcomb, where the Clutter family is brutally murdered in their home. The crime scene is depicted in great detail, with the camera lingering on the bodies and the bloodstained walls. The impact of the murders on the town is also shown, as the people of Holcomb are horrified and outraged by the senseless killings.

Alvin Dewey is soon called in to lead the investigation, and he quickly realizes that the case is going to be difficult to solve. However, by piecing together clues and conducting interviews with suspects, Dewey is eventually able to identify Dick and Perry as the culprits. The two men are rounded up and brought to trial, where their guilt is established beyond a doubt.

Throughout the movie, In Cold Blood explores themes of violence, justice, and the human condition. It portrays the killers as complex and tragic figures, rather than simple villains, and it delves into their backgrounds and motivations in order to understand why they committed such a heinous crime. The psychological toll that the murders take on both the killers and the investigators is also shown, as they struggle to come to terms with the horrifying events that have unfolded.

The film's cinematography is notable for its use of color and lighting to convey mood and atmosphere. The scenes in Holcomb are shot in bright, naturalistic colors, while the scenes involving Dick and Perry are shot in deep shadows and low light, emphasizing the sinister nature of their characters. The movie's editing is also notable, as it uses quick cuts and jump-cuts to create a sense of disorientation and chaos during the murder scene.

Robert Blake's performance as Perry Smith is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the film. He portrays the character as both vulnerable and dangerous, with a simmering rage and sadness that is always just beneath the surface. Scott Wilson's portrayal of Dick Hickock is also impressive, as he manages to make the character both charming and terrifying at the same time.

In Cold Blood was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a classic of the crime genre. Its masterful direction, powerful performances, and harrowing depiction of real-life events have made it a landmark film in American cinema.

In Cold Blood is a 1967 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 89.

In Cold Blood
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Where to Watch In Cold Blood
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  • Release Date
    1967
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 14 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (28,880)
  • Metascore
    89
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