Anatomy of a Fall

We all know the rules of courtroom dramas. We welcome the confusion we feel during the case and the sense of release upon hearing the jury’s decision: this is true in Witness for the Prosecution, Anatomy of a Murder, and, of course, The Verdict. But what if the feeling of disorientation that we enjoy in the middle of these films was heightened and then examined by the director as a subject on its own? Join Mike and Dan for a conversation about Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet’s terrific film that offers multiple readings but no guidance on how to make those readings valid. It’s exactly like The Turn of the Screw by Henry James—and exactly the opposite of Basic Instinct. So turn down those steel drums already and listen to this instead!

Robert Traver’s 1958 novel Anatomy of a Murder is the archetype to which many courtroom dramas, including this one, respond. Listeners may also want to visit the film’s official site to see how their judgment compares to that of other viewers.

Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music this week is by Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band.

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