FRACTURE Film Review - 1/7/07

I had seen Gregory Hoblit's name attached to this as Director ("Frequency"/"Fallen") and also knew that Anthony Hopkins was in the lead so that had immediately attracted my attention to this film project. A twisty turny manipulative thriller trundles off into a bog-standard courtroom affair with Hopkins character accused of attempted murder up against Ryan Goslings up and coming lawyer. Even with a great cast consisting of David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz and Xander Berkeley (With an appearance from Fiona Shaw who I haven't seen in anything recently except "The Black Dahlia" for a very long time) this is entertaining enough; but goes from atmospheric thriller with lush visuals, to a dreary twist with sub Hannibal Lecter overtones. For better work by the Director Gregory Hoblit see the above films listed instead!