Clunky is the best word to describe Crime Story and despite its 17% Rotten Tomatoes, the two leads Mira Sorvino and Richard Dreyfuss are such beautiful actors (inside and out) that you’ll follow them anywhere.
I did my due diligence to see what’s true about Crime Story (the first title card says ‘based on true events’), but came up nil.
What’s wrong with the movie is the lack of back story….it subtracts from us caring about the folks involved. Yet the plot is intricate (similar to Stillwater) and I appreciated those many layers.
I also appreciate Adam Lipsius’ direction and the cinematography choices (by John DeFazio) to focus on Dreyfuss’ unique tough as nails, f’ it attitude. The director dedicated the movie to his father as well, an MD who died recently. Perhaps he saw the Dreyfuss’ character in his Dad, a tough, “Whatever gets you through the night” type mantra.
Mira Sorvino is simply gorgeous and brings a sincerity that can transcend any clunker. Again, for her and Richard Dreyfuss alone, Crime Story is worth a watch and perhaps a fun Mystery Science Theater mock session.
Crime Story, How Great Actors Can Save a Film
