Murder by Numbers film review

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MURDER BY NUMBERS

Dealing with the technical aspects of committing the perfect murder is one thing, anticipating the psychological effects is quite another. The absorbing and suspenseful Murder By Numbers explores the unravelling relationship of two privileged and bright teenagers who carry out their crime and then brazenly defy the police to prove their guilt. What all their planning and arrogance hadn't allowed for was Detective Cassie Mayweather (Sandra Bullock), whose instincts and attitude provide the boys with a worthy adversary.

Based on the famous 1924 murder case of Leopold and Loeb, Murder By Numbers is a well crafted thriller that pulls and twists the emotional strings that bind the central characters as each manoeuvres for an advantage. One regret is that the mental chess game that serves so effectiveIey throughout is discarded in favour of a clichéd and melodramatic finale.

Richard Haywood (Ryan Gosling) and Justin Pendleton (Michael Pitt) are, on the surface, very different. Haywood is as ebullient and sociable as Justin is morose and introverted. What they do have in common is wealthy, uncaring parents, a searing intelligence and a desire to carry out the perfect murder. They study forensic books to help formulate their foolproof plan while joining in "A pact made with relentless fire that requires while some live, others die." Both Gosling and Pitt provide convincing portrayals of their psychopathic characters who are drawn to murder more out of boredom than an inherent sense of evil.

Despite her looks, Bullock has a plainness that prevents her from eclipsing the characters she plays. In an unusually dark role, she captures perfectly the sassy, but troubled Mayweather, who is haunted by a violent past. Her sudden mood swings from vulnerability to ferocity are legion, finding her few friends amongst her colleagues and making her new partner Sam Kennedy (Ben Chaplin) wary. The two form an uneasy alliance as they investigate the murder of a young woman. There are few clues until the boys deliberately draw the spotlight on themselves, relishing the opportunity to taunt and outsmart the police. But as their dangerous game of catch-us-if-you-can unfolds, and they squabble over the attentions of their classmate Lisa (Agnes Bruckner), their loyalty and pact come under increasing strain.