A Kind of Murder 2016
Directed by
Andy Goddard
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Plot Summary
As Walter Stackhouse, a character portrayed by Patrick Wilson, grapples with his dual roles as an architect and an aspiring crime novelist, his initial curiosity surrounding the murder of a local woman evolves into an all-consuming obsession. His seemingly innocuous visit to Kimmel, whose wife was the victim, at the latter’s used bookstore takes on an air of deceit. There, Stackhouse pretends to be just another customer in search of architectural literature while discreetly probing deeper into the chilling case.
Simultaneously, Stackhouse’s tumultuous marriage becomes painfully apparent when the chilling discovery of his wife Clara’s body echoes the tragic fate of Kimmel’s spouse. This shocking revelation ignites a whirlwind of suspicion and blame among the key players involved.
On the hunt is Detective Corby, whose instinct leads him to believe that the husbands are tangled in the sinister plot surrounding their wives’ deaths. As he digs deeper, flashbacks unfold, revealing a complicated web woven from deceit and exploitation. Stackhouse is revealed to have had an affair with nightclub singer Ellie Briess, further complicating his relationship with Clara, whose demise might have been influenced by Stackhouse’s unintentional suggestions.
As the tension escalates, Corby orchestrates a strategic divide between Kimmel and Stackhouse, alleging that Stackhouse is mimicking a killer, which inspires Kimmel to turn against him. The stakes heighten dramatically when Kimmel joins forces with Corby to pursue Stackhouse, culminating in a frantic chase through the maze of passages beneath Ellie’s nightclub.
In a tumultuous turn of events, Kimmel accidentally kills an officer, only to face the horrifying realization of his mistake as he corners Stackhouse, knife in hand. The police, responding with urgency, are forced to act decisively, resulting in Kimmel’s tragic downfall.
As Stackhouse finds himself injured on the ground, a twisted smile plays across his face, revealing his contemplation of the thin lines that blur between fiction and harsh reality. The film reaches its poignant climax as the typewriter rattles its way through the concluding phrase, > “THE END.”
Timeline
Walter Stackhouse's Dual Life
Walter Stackhouse is introduced as an architect with aspirations of becoming a crime novelist. His life is marked by a struggle to balance these conflicting identities while also dealing with personal tensions in his marriage.
Murder Investigation Begins
The mysterious murder of a local woman sets off a series of events that captivates Stackhouse's curiosity. His visit to the used bookstore owned by the victim's husband, Kimmel, symbolizes a descent into a web of deceit.
Clara's Shocking Discovery
In a tragic twist, Stackhouse discovers the body of his wife, Clara, eerily mirroring the fate of Kimmel's spouse. This revelation stirs a mix of grief and suspicion, worsening the already strained dynamics.
Detective Corby's Investigation
Detective Corby becomes embroiled in the case, drawing parallels between the two husbands. His instincts suggest that Stackhouse and Kimmel may share a sinister connection linked to their wives' deaths.
Affair with Ellie Briess
The narrative unfolds to reveal Stackhouse's affair with nightclub singer Ellie Briess, complicating his marital issues further. This emotional turmoil adds to the tension as Stackhouse grapples with guilt and desire.
Corby's Strategy to Divide
Corby employs a strategy to create a rift between Kimmel and Stackhouse. He suggests to Kimmel that Stackhouse is emulating a killer, fueling suspicion and betrayal that pushes them further apart.
Kimmel's Alliance with Corby
In a dramatic turn, Kimmel decides to ally with Detective Corby against Stackhouse. This partnership sets the stage for increasing confrontations, heightening the suspense surrounding Stackhouse's fate.
Chase Through the Nightclub
The tension culminates in a frantic chase through the dark passages of Ellie's nightclub. Kimmel, driven by suspicion and anger, pursues Stackhouse amidst the chaos of hidden truths.
Accidental Death of an Officer
During the escalating conflict, Kimmel accidentally kills a police officer, triggering a cascade of horrifying consequences. This moment marks a turning point as Kimmel is struck by the gravity of his actions.
Confrontation Between Kimmel and Stackhouse
Kimmel corners Stackhouse with a knife in a desperate bid to confront the truth. The confrontation is fraught with tension, as the emotions and fears of both men collide amidst the chaos of their lives.
Police Response and Kimmel's Downfall
As police respond urgently to the violent confrontation, they are forced to act decisively. Kimmel's tragic downfall becomes apparent as the repercussions of his actions seal his fate.
Stackhouse's Injured Revelation
In the aftermath of the chaos, Stackhouse is left injured and reflective. A twisted smile emerges on his face as he contemplates the blurred lines between fiction and the stark realities of his life.
The Final Climax
The climax of the film is encapsulated in Stackhouse's realization of the thin boundaries separating his fictional world from his painful reality. The narrative crescendos as the typewriter echoes the final message, marking the end of his tumultuous journey.
Conclusion: 'THE END'
In the closing moments, the phrase 'THE END' rattles through, symbolizing the conclusion of both Stackhouse's story and the conflict that has engulfed his life. This poignant ending leaves the audience contemplating the complexities of truth and storytelling.
Characters
Walter Stackhouse (Patrick Wilson)
Walter is a complex character torn between his dual passions for architecture and crime fiction. His initial curiosity grows into an obsession, leading him to make reckless decisions that deeply affect his life. Stackhouse grapples with guilt and betrayal, showcasing his troubled psyche as he interacts with other key characters.
Clara Stackhouse
Clara is depicted as a victim of circumstance, caught in her husband's web of deceit and infidelity. Her character reflects the emotional strain of a crumbling marriage, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. Her untimely demise serves as a pivotal moment that accelerates the film's escalating tension.
Kimmel
Kimmel is a key player in the unfolding mystery, initially seeming innocent but ultimately reveals deeper ties to the crime. His interactions with Stackhouse shift from camaraderie to suspicion, embodying the theme of betrayal. His desperation culminates in a tragic act that seals his fate.
Detective Corby
Detective Corby is relentless in his pursuit of truth, driven by intuition and instinct. His character serves as both investigator and commentator on the chaos unfolding between Stackhouse and Kimmel. Through his perspective, the narrative raises questions about morality and justice.
Ellie Briess
Ellie is a nightclub singer who becomes entangled in Stackhouse’s life and serves as a symbol of temptation and danger. Her relationship with Stackhouse is fraught with tension, highlighting the allure of infidelity. Ellie’s character adds layers to the narrative of desire and tragic ends.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflective of modern societal norms and relationship dynamics. This current era allows the narrative to explore themes of obsession and infidelity, resonating with today’s audience. The tension in Stackhouse's life mirrors the complexities of contemporary marriage and crime.
Location
Kimmel's Bookstore, Nightclub, City
Kimmel's bookstore serves as a central hub for the unfolding mystery, known for its eclectic selection of literature. The nightclub, where Ellie performs, adds a layer of intrigue and danger, echoing the emotional turbulence of the characters. The city backdrop provides a gritty atmosphere that heightens the overall tension of the film.
Themes
🖊️
Obsession
Obsession intertwines with creativity in Stackhouse's pursuit of understanding the murders. His fixation on the crime mirrors his aspirations as a novelist, blurring the line between fiction and reality. This theme explores how one's passions can lead to destructive paths, ultimately affecting those around them.
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Infidelity
The theme of infidelity is prevalent in Stackhouse's troubled marriage and his affair with Ellie. This betrayal not only complicates his relationships but also serves as a catalyst for the unfolding tragedy. The consequences of these actions reverberate throughout the narrative, deeply affecting the characters' fates.
🔍
Deception
Deception runs rampant as characters navigate their own hidden truths. Stackhouse's disguise as merely a bookstore customer exemplifies this theme, leading to greater conflicts. Detective Corby’s investigation unearths layers of lies, revealing how appearances can be misleading and trust can be easily broken.
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