IN COLD BLOOD (1967)

[The Burgomaster]

I hadn't seen this movie in about 10 years, but I recently bought the DVD and watched it tonight.  What makes this movie great is the fact that it is successful as a thriller, a detective story, and a docudrama (most movies have trouble succeeding in ONE genre).

This is a "must-see" version of Truman Capote's "must read" book about actual killings that occurred in Kansas in the late 1950s.  This version is much better than the TV remake that came out a few years ago.

Robert Blake and Scott Wilson play a pair of ex-cons who brutally murder a family during a robbery.  The acting is top-notch, the direction is pseudo-documentary style, the cinematography is in stark black & white, and the dialogue is crisp and riveting (especially during the interrogation scenes).  The stellar supporting cast includes John Forsythe, Gerald S. O'Laughlin and Will Geer.

A highly-recommended "true life" horror story with disturbing images that will stick with you long after you watch it.



Post Edited (05-12-04 22:43)

[StatCat]

Good movie, watched it recently too.  The family home murder scene was filmed at the house it actually happened in just to mention which makes it even more creepy.

[Deej]

I've read the book, but never gotten around to watching the movie. I rented it once, but never managed to find the time to actually watch it. I'll definitely give it another shot, as the book was friggin' frightening in it's portrayal of the killers.

[Scott]

I've seen IN COLD BLOOD on the shelve for years and never rented it. I'll have to put it on my list. Was always curious about it. I think the name Truman Capote turned me off since he once betrayed Marlon Brando many years ago. Not to mention that Robert Blake of LITTLE RASCALS fame is in it.

[The Burgomaster]

Scott:

In my opinion, Robert Blake turned in excelIent performances in both IN COLD BLOOD and ELECTRA GLIDE IN BLUE.

I read IN COLD BLOOD about 15 years ago (right around the same time that I read HELTER SKELTER).  I found it to be a riveting true crime story . . . and the movie is equally riveting.