In Cold Blood (re-release) 2006
Directed by
Richard Brooks
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In 1959, through a series of haunting flashbacks, ex-convicts Perry Smith and Dick Hickock cross paths in the peaceful rural setting of Kansas. United by their desperation, they hatched a sinister plan to invade the Clutter family farm, convinced that the wealthy patriarch, Herbert Clutter, stashed a significant fortune within a wall safe. However, as the two intruders broke in under the cover of night, they were met with disappointment; Herbert relied on checks rather than cash for his business dealings, leaving them empty-handed.
In a horrific turn of events, to eliminate any witnesses and cover their tracks, Smith and Hickock committed cold-blooded murder, viciously taking the lives of Herbert and his family members—his wife, Bonnie, and their two teenage children, Nancy aged 16 and Kenyon aged 14—using a shot gun. The grisly discovery of the Clutter family’s bodies the following day triggered an extensive investigation led by detective Alvin Dewey from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
The narrative unfolds as a tip from a former cellmate of Hickock places them squarely in the frame for the heinous Clutter murders. Although they narrowly escape capture, fleeing toward Florida and journeying further into Mexico, they eventually make their way back across the US-Mexico border, targeting Las Vegas in hopes of turning their fortunes around in the gambling scene. However, their luck runs out when they are apprehended for driving a stolen vehicle and other offenses.
In separate interrogations by the Las Vegas Police Department and the KBI, both men fluctuate between deception and denial regarding the murders. Despite admitting to passing bad checks, they maintain ignorance about the brutal killings. The KBI applies intense pressure, suggesting they left a witness behind, while slowly peeling back layers of their defense with incriminating evidence, including a bloody footprint tied to Smith. The tension escalates until Hickock’s resolve crumbles; he confesses his presence at the crime scene but tries to exculpate himself, asserting it was Smith who committed the murders.
Faced with the weight of their confessions, both men are charged with first-degree murder and ultimately found guilty. They receive death sentences by hanging, and in a grim conclusion, after exhausting all avenues for appeals, they pay the ultimate price for their horrific crimes, with law enforcement officials and the media witnessing their grim fate. >“This isn’t just about me!”
Timeline
Perry and Dick's Encounter
In 1959, ex-convicts Perry Smith and Dick Hickock meet in rural Kansas. Their shared desperation leads them to devise a troubling plan to rob the wealthy Clutter family.
The Clutter Farm Invasion
Under the cover of darkness, Perry and Dick break into the Clutter family farm, expecting to find a fortune. To their dismay, they discover that Herbert Clutter does not keep cash, leaving them with nothing.
The Murders
In a horrific turn of events, Perry and Dick murder Herbert Clutter and his family to avoid leaving any witnesses. Bonnie Clutter and their two teenage children, Nancy and Kenyon, are also brutally killed using a shotgun.
Discovery of the Bodies
The grisly discovery of the Clutter family's bodies the following day sends shockwaves through the community. An extensive investigation is launched, spearheaded by Detective Alvin Dewey from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
Tip-off from a Cellmate
A former cellmate of Dick Hickock provides crucial information to the police, placing both men at the murder scene. This revelation sparks a manhunt for the two ex-convicts who have already fled.
Fleeing the Scene
Perry and Dick attempt to escape by heading toward Florida and then Mexico, trying to evade capture. While on the run, their journey takes unforeseen twists as they search for a new life.
Arrest in Las Vegas
Their luck runs out in Las Vegas when they are apprehended for driving a stolen vehicle. The police realize their connection to the Clutter murders as the investigation unfolds.
Interrogation by Police
After their arrest, both men are interrogated separately. They go back and forth between lying and denying any involvement in the murders, though they admit to passing bad checks.
Intensifying Investigation
The KBI applies immense pressure on Perry and Dick during their interrogations, suggesting they might have left a witness behind. This psychological tactic begins to unravel their defenses.
Bloody Footprint Evidence
The investigation takes a pivotal turn when incriminating evidence, including a bloody footprint linked to Perry Smith, is presented. This evidence shifts the dynamic and raises the stakes dramatically for the two men.
Hickock's Confession
Under mounting pressure, Dick Hickock breaks down and confesses to being at the crime scene. However, he attempts to shift blame onto Perry, claiming he was the one who committed the murders.
Charges of First-Degree Murder
With their confessions and evidence, both Perry and Dick are charged with first-degree murder. The judicial proceedings begin to unfold as their fate hangs in the balance.
Sentencing
Perry and Dick are found guilty of their crimes and sentenced to death by hanging. This decision marks the culmination of a series of tragic events that began with their desperate robbery attempt.
Execution
After exhausting all avenues for appeals, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock meet their grim fate. Their execution is witnessed by law enforcement officials and media, bringing closure to the horrific saga.
Characters
Perry Smith (John Forsythe)
Perry Smith is depicted as a deeply troubled and complex character, whose troubled past and inner turmoil lead him down a violent path. Despite his remorse and vulnerability, he becomes embroiled in heinous acts driven by desperation. The film explores his conflicting emotions and the psychological scars that haunt him.
Dick Hickock (Robert Blake)
Dick Hickock is characterized as the more impulsive of the duo, whose bravado masks a lack of deeper understanding of their dire actions. He oscillates between arrogance and fear during the investigation, showcasing his struggle to assert dominance over his partner while grappling with the horrific reality of their situation.
Alvin Dewey (Scott Wilson)
Detective Alvin Dewey represents the relentless pursuit of justice and the moral backbone of the investigation. He is determined and methodical, often confronting the emotional weight of the case as he unravels the truth behind the Clutter murders. His character drives the narrative forward, representing law enforcement's resolve against violence.
Setting
Time period
1959
The events of the film take place in 1959, a time marked by post-war optimism and the rise of suburban life in America. This era also witnessed significant social change and the emergence of crime noir films that often depicted the darker sides of human nature. The murder case at the heart of this story garnered public attention, reflecting changing societal views on crime and justice.
Location
Kansas, Las Vegas, Mexico
The movie is set primarily in the peaceful rural landscape of Kansas, known for its vast fields and small-town charm. As the story progresses, it shifts to the bustling atmosphere of Las Vegas, famous for its vibrant nightlife and gambling opportunities. Briefly, the narrative encompasses a journey across the US-Mexico border, highlighting the characters' desperation and the contrasting environments they traverse.
Themes
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Violence
The film delves deeply into the theme of violence, exploring the brutal acts committed by the protagonists in a desperate bid for financial gain. It highlights the cold, calculated nature of their crimes, presenting a harrowing portrayal of how desperation can lead to unspeakable acts. The aftermath of their violent deeds also raises questions about morality and justice.
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Investigation
Another prominent theme is the investigation that follows the murders, showcasing the relentless work of law enforcement to uncover the truth. Through detective Alvin Dewey's efforts, the narrative unveils the complexities of criminal psychology and the intricate dance between deception and truth. The tension of the investigation adds layers to the story, revealing the characters' attempts to evade capture.
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Justice
The theme of justice is central to the film, examining the consequences of the characters' actions and the legal ramifications that follow. It culminates in their ultimate sentencing, portraying the harsh reality of the justice system. The narrative forces viewers to confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding capital punishment and the societal response to heinous crimes.
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