Fracture (DVD, 2007, Widescreen)

This film centers around the death of one man's wife and the drive of one lawyer Ryan Gosling) set out to prove his strong belief that the man is guilty. Anthony Hopkins is in a role with many similar charecteristics as in Silence of the Lambs Just when all things appeared lost, a simple spin in events causes the case to be risen from the dead. This one leaves you with the impression that Fracture 2 is on its way but then again many movies end like this and the sequel never happens!!

Recommended by a friend and both these actors are favorites of mine, so I
was not disappointed in the suspense and thrillful way this movie went.
Without giving very much of the movie out - just to say -if you like thrillers
and suspense--this movie is for you. Best for the older members of the family
though.

Arrogance meets Cocky when Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins and Oscar Nominee Ryan Gosling match wits in the entertaining and ridiculous legal thriller 'Fracture'.
On the defense side of the aisle is Hopkins, as imperious Aeronautical Engineer Ted Crawford, who admits he shot his wife but still expects to get off. For the prosecution is Gosling; smug Los Angeles Assistant District Attorney Willie Beachum, a man who doesn't like to lose, but who needs to wrap up the case quickly so that he can start his new cushy corporate job.
It would be a terrific setup, if it were possible to care about either character and if the story didn't so quickly unravel into the completely unbelievable.
The drama never gets better than in its opening scenes as it sets up the attempted murder of Crawford's Wife Jennifer (Embeth Davitz), as well as his motivation in wanting her dead.
Director Gregory Hoblit ("Primal Fear", "Frequency") keeps the suspense taut, so even though anyone who has seen the trailer knows what is about to happen, the event is still shocking. The introduction of the SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiator Rob Nunally (Billy Burke) add another layer of intrigue. It's only when the plot is actually enjoined — when Crawford is arrested and Beachum assigned to the case — that the movie falls apart.
"If you look close enough, you'll find everyone has a weak spot," is the movie's tagline, echoing what Crawford tells Beachum during their first meeting. Screenwriters Daniel Pyne and Glenn Gers should have taken that bit of dialogue to heart and scoured their own script for its weak spots. There are plenty as they have put together a courtroom drama that is plotted like a soap opera trial or an old episode of 'Perry Mason'.
The trial starts almost instantaneously after the murder. In court, Crawford completely manipulates the situation and the supposedly whip smart Beachum has no answer for him (or much legal sense, since the circumstances virtually scream mistrial). Late in the movie, Beachum does not even appear to have a layman's knowledge of the American Legal System, let alone a lawyer's, as he has to consult his law books for answers on a glaringly obvious point. It is one thing to take a little bit of dramatic license; this goes way beyond that and the film suffers for it.
The film's biggest weakness is not the haphazard and poorly structured plotting, but Beachum himself. As portrayed by Gosling; a lazy performance that offers none of the nuance that characterized his Independent Spirit Award-Winning turn in "Half Nelson", Beachum is arrogant, narcissistic, and used to winning. He is someone who has carefully managed his career and his caseload so that this graduate of a No-Name Law School could join the boys and girls of the Ivy League at a cushy Corporate Firm. He is not a drunk nor is he incompetent. There is nothing in his makeup that explains his miscues in court, adding another layer of implausibility to the story.
Beachum also is not particularly likeable and neither is Crawford, as Hopkins offers yet another variation on his Hannibal Lecter Character, albeit one not as charming as that gourmand Serial Killer. With no rooting interest in either man, it simply becomes a case of Good vs Evil.
'Fracture' does have a few points in its favor. At least, it is never dull. It has a great supporting cast; but just never delivers it's promise as a film.
What Ought To Have Been An Engaging Battle Of Wits; Simply Isn't....

awesome movie, great story, can someone really get away with murder? well anthony hopkins is going to try. he finds out his wife is having an affair and shoots her. now can the police prove he did?

Someone else said that this movie reminded them of Silence of the Lamb. I disagree. Even though Anthony was a bad boy again there was nothing the same. Very suspenceful. It had me on the edge of me seat waiting to see if they- well I don't want to give it away. I would highly recommend this movie.
Kathleen

I didn't think it was as good as I expected it to see. Hopkins was his usual self- quite brilliant yet twisted, but I just didn't think Gosling fit the part. Reminded me of Silence of the Lambs to some degree. I would rent before buying- for me seeing it once was enough.

I decided to buy the movie after I caught it on cable during the court scene where he accused the officer of well....you'll have to see for your self. That alone was worth finding out more about this movie. I had to watch twice to catch exactly what he did at the start of the movie. Another plus in my book as this kept me intrigued.

This movie had me guessing all the way through. I love the "solve it before the movie ends" kind of suspense. I am usually pretty good at solving the crime, but this one took my a bit by surprise. Love Anthony Hopkins movies and this was a top of the line suspense. Recommend to anyone who loves Anthony Hopkins and the crime/suspense movies.

Features Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling & David Strathairn.
Running Time:112 Min.
Rating: R
DVD Extras: Two alternate endings, deleted scenes, alternate scenes and a theatrical trailer.

Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins) is the CEO of the successful aeronautical firm which bears his name. The multi-millionaire drives a six-figure sports car and lives in a hilltop mansion overlooking Los Angeles with a trophy wife (Embeth Davidtz) half his age whom he absolutely adores.

However, that thin line between love and hate evaporates soon after he discovers that she's been conducting a steamy affair with a hunky, young homicide detective (Billy Burke). Instead of confronting them about the illicit liaison, Ted sets about carefully concocting an elaborate plan for revenge. Then, he shoots his spouse in the head and rather than try to cover up the crime, he simply waits for the police to arrive and matter-of-factly admits the dastardly deed to the investigating officer, who happens to be her shocked lover, Detective Nunally.Crawford is carted off to jail for what appears to be an open-and-shut case, especially since he decides to represent himself. However, Nunally never informed prosecutor Willy Beacham (Ryan Gosling) about his relationship with Mrs. Crawford who was left comatose in a vegetative state with the bullet still embedded in her brain. Because the cops could never find the murder weapon, the state's case comes apart at the seams when the defendant makes an undisputed accusation that his confession had been beaten out of him by an officer who had been secretly sleeping with his wife.
Meanwhile hotshot attorney Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) is about to abandon the district attorney’s offices for more lucrative lawyering grounds associated with a big firm. He’s assigned one last case and thinks it will be an easy one since there’s a signed confession. However, it turns out to be Ted’s case and it will be anything but easy as Ted has a few tricks up his sleeves.

Will keep you guessing until the end!
Hope this helps you decide.Thanks for reading! :)

If you like movies with suspense, then this is the one for you. Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins play off each other as if they were really the characters. Ryan Goslings' character has other life plans, but Anthony Hopkins keeps pulling him back.

Loved the DVD. Anthony Hopkin's character is unexpected, but quite interesting. The ending is great and not predictable. Loved it.

It has been a while since the item was received. It is in near perfect condition. It took long time to get it, but it was worth the wait. Thanks.

Ryan Gosling does a great job in Fracture. One of the best movies he's done, right up there with The Notebook. Recommend seeing it!

Really interesting movie. I would recommend to all of my friends. I brought the movie because I saw a couple of years ago and could get the wonderful storyline out of my head.

Anthony Hopkins does it again. This movie gives you a little bit of everything. This is one of my favorites and is a must see in my book. This is one of those movies where you shouldn't miss. We have watched it several times since we got it.

I would use this seller again, quick shipping and item is as described. Excellent condition! Great.........................................

Very exciting with a twist you don't expect. Anyone that likes Anthony Hopkins will enjoy this movie. Decided to buy it after seeing it at the movies.

Received the video within a few days after I submitted payment. I was contacted the next day through email stating the video was sent out and given the tracking number to track the parcel. I am very happy with the fast response and the quality of the product. The video was packed in a installed package to ensure that it was not damaged in the mail. I would recommend this seller to other users.

I saw a preview on TV and just had to have it.... never a dull moment and worth the money... Buy it, you won't regret it!

Not action filled, but suspence filled, an intelligent thriller. Sir Anthony Hopkins is excellent as always, while you might see the end coming, you still have no idea how it is going to get there.

I like to buy used dvd's, because they are way cheaper than new ones. But I usually pretty happy with minor scratches on it. When I won the auction for this dvd, I thought I was gonna have the same thing. Turned out, this item was new, still in its original wrap.So I was happily surprise. Not to mention the fast shipping, and great communication from the seller.

This movie has a really great surprise ending. It has a very interesting web and flow. The movie is very well made, definitely a thriller. Anthony Hopkins in a must see role.

This movie was very entertaining. I would buy from seller again. I decided to buy this product because I love the artors. I actually didn't know what to expect but nevertheless, I was surprrised and very happy that I bought it.

This movie is one you gotta watch more than once. And if you dont own it, you should. Anthony Hopkins does it again and just when you think hes going to get away with shooting his wife,think again when Hopkins pulls the plug on his wife. Definately a movie you gotta watch and then watch again.