"Compulsion"

It's time for a throwback review.

Director Richard Fleischer's "Compulsion" (1959) tells the tale of two smart, wealthy young men who decide to commit "the perfect crime." Why? Well as the movie poster reads: "You know why we did it? Because we damn well felt like doing it!"

Set in Chicago in 1924, the film opens with Judd Steiner and Artie Strauss as they are leaving a fraternity house. While it is unclear to me what kind of crime they commit here-- I believe it's theft-- what is glaringly evident is the strange nature of Judd and Artie's relationship. Artie, played by Bradford Dillman, not only holds the reins within the friendship, but also possesses more attractive looks, better social skills, and an overall like-ability--however false it may be-- than Judd. Played by Dean Stockwell, Judd, who is smaller, mousier, and ever the more creepier, proclaims he wants to be instructed by Artie-- an odd intimation that inevitably displays Judd's lack of confidence. As the film progresses, the two friends plot to commit murder with the desire to outsmart everyone by never getting caught.

Unfortunately for Judd and Artie, the crime was not committed without fault. As they celebrate their success with unassuming friends, dance, and drink, they learn from Sid, a fellow student who works the late shift at The Globe, that a recently killed young boy's body was accompanied by a curious piece of evidence: a pair of glasses. Frenzied by this news, Artie and Judd bolt from the socializing to the incredibly creepy bedroom of Judd-- similar to Norman Bates's strange fascination with taxidermy, Judd is a renowned ornithologist and his room is filled with disturbing stuffed foul. Despite a manic search of his room, Judd cannot locate his glasses anywhere; this mistake was certainly not planned.

Regardless of Artie and Judd's intelligence, the police put two and two together and link the young men with the murder. After conflicting confessions from Judd and Artie, the case is brought to trial; Orson Welles plays famed attorney Jonathan Wilk. Hired by Artie and Judd's wealthy parents, Wilk delivers an unforgettable monologue in hopes of persuading the judge against capital punishment for Judd and Artie.

Based on a true story, "Compulsion" portrays the intriguing troubles of two overprivileged, genius, and unstable young men. This film is definitely worth a watch: 3.5/5.