In Cold Blood (re-release) 2006
Directed by
Richard Brooks
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In a series of haunting flashbacks, two former inmates, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, cross paths in rural Kansas during the haunting autumn of 1959. Their unlikely friendship flourishes in the shadows of shared experiences behind bars and pervasive disillusionment. As they devise their next steps, their ambitions turn toward the seemingly serene farmstead of Herbert Clutter, a prosperous patriarch rumored to have hidden cash behind a wall safe. They concoct a plan to infiltrate the unsuspecting household under the veil of darkness, but their pursuit of wealth takes a grim turn as they quickly find that Herbert’s assets are tied up in paper checks rather than cash.
As desperation grips them, the situation spirals into senseless violence, leaving a path of tragedy in its wake. The victims - Herbert, his wife Bonnie, and their teenage offspring, Nancy (16) and Kenyon (14) - succumb to the duo’s brutal attack, mercilessly gunned down by a shotgun. The shocking discovery of the Clutter family’s lifeless bodies initiates a rapid investigation, led by Detective Alvin Dewey of the Finney County sheriff’s department alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The KBI quickly identifies Smith and Hickock as key suspects after a lead from a former cellmate of Hickock’s surfaces. The two fugitives manage to evade authorities, fleeing to Florida and traversing the southwest until they find themselves crossing into Mexico. After two weeks embroiled in a life of exile, they attempt to return to the United States, hoping to regain their footing in Las Vegas casinos. However, fate catches up with them when they are apprehended for driving a stolen car, along with violations of their parole and checks that bounce.
Subsequent interrogations conducted by the Las Vegas Police and the KBI portray Smith as a man of few words, contrary to Hickock’s increasingly candid demeanor. Even though both maintain their innocence regarding the Clutter murders initially, the pressure culminates in Hickock breaking down, admitting to his presence at the scene but pleading for immunity from capital punishment, claiming he was merely a passive observer as Smith executed the killings. Hickock’s confession raises suspicions, leading to Smith’s narrative taking over, revealing how he, not Hickock, was the one who wielded the knife and executed the four family members, insisting Hickock was actively involved as his accomplice.
As the gears of justice begin to turn relentlessly, the fates of the notorious felons, Smith and Hickock, become sealed. Convicted of multiple charges of first-degree murder, these two once-fugitive outlaws find themselves confronting an inescapable reality—the hangman’s noose looms ominously ahead. Despite traversing every possible avenue for appeal, their efforts prove futile as their pleas go unheard. Ultimately, the condemned men are escorted to their grim fate: the gallows. On that fateful day, a heavy atmosphere envelops the scene as law enforcement officials, alongside media representatives, bear witness to the somber culmination of two lives irrevocably altered by the very crimes they perpetrated.
Timeline
Perry and Dick's Reunion
In the haunting autumn of 1959, former inmates Perry Smith and Dick Hickock meet up in rural Kansas. Their unexpected friendship blossoms in the backdrop of shared hardships from their time behind bars, facing a world that has left them disillusioned.
The Plan Against Herbert Clutter
The duo begins to devise a plan to rob Herbert Clutter, a wealthy man rumored to have hidden cash. They are convinced that this heist will set them on a path to wealth and hope, pushing them to infiltrate the Clutter household under the cover of night.
The Grim Turn
Upon entering the Clutter home, the plan quickly spirals out of control when they discover that Herbert's wealth is tied up in checks rather than cash. This discovery triggers a desperate and violent reaction from Smith and Hickock, leading to a tragic outcome.
The Brutal Attack
In a horrific series of events, Herbert, his wife Bonnie, and their two children, Nancy and Kenyon, are mercilessly gunned down by Perry and Dick. Their violent act leaves the Clutter family lifeless, escalating the gravity of their crime beyond mere robbery.
Discovery of the Bodies
The shocking discovery of the Clutter family’s bodies sends shockwaves through the community. A rapid investigation led by Detective Alvin Dewey and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation begins to unfold as they seek to uncover the truth behind this gruesome act.
The Investigation Begins
The KBI quickly tracks Smith and Hickock as key suspects, driven by a lead from a former cellmate of Hickock's. As the investigation intensifies, the two fugitives manage to elude authorities and embark on a desperate journey through the U.S.
Fleeing to Mexico
After fleeing through Florida and the southwest, Perry and Dick cross into Mexico seeking refuge. They experience a life on the run, struggling with the anxiety of being hunted while trying to plan their next move.
Attempt to Return
After two weeks of exile, the duo decides to attempt a return to the U.S., hoping to find stability in Las Vegas. Yet, their plans are thwarted when they are apprehended for driving a stolen vehicle amidst other legal violations.
Interrogations Begin
Upon their arrest, both men undergo intensive interrogations by the Las Vegas Police and KBI. The stark contrast in their dispositions emerges, with Hickock’s eagerness to talk standing in sharp contrast to Perry’s silence.
Hickock's Confession
Under the pressure of the investigations, Hickock breaks down and confesses to being present at the crime scene. He pleads for immunity from capital punishment, claiming he was merely an observer while Perry committed the murders.
Turning Point in Narratives
Hickock's confession raises suspicions about the extent of each man's involvement. As the authorities dig deeper, Perry takes center stage in the narrative, eventually asserting that he, not Hickock, was the one who killed the Clutter family.
Guilty Verdict
As the judicial process unfolds, both men are convicted of first-degree murder, sealing their fates. Their once bright ambitions are overshadowed by the reality of their egregious acts, setting them on a path toward execution.
Desperate Appeals
Despite their attempts to appeal the verdict, all efforts made by Smith and Hickock to avoid their grim fate are in vain. Their pleas for leniency go unheard as the justice system prepares to carry out the sentence.
The Day of Execution
As the day of execution arrives, a heavy atmosphere looms over the gallows. Law enforcement officials and media representatives gather to witness the finality of the court's decision, bearing witness to the end of two lives forever altered by crime.
Characters
Perry Smith
Perry Smith is a complex character marked by deep emotional scars and a penchant for violence. His quiet demeanor often belies the turmoil within, making him both a sympathetic and fearsome figure. As the narrative progresses, his actions reveal a chilling aspect of his personality, where desperation drives him to commit unspeakable acts.
Dick Hickock
Dick Hickock is a more overtly charismatic character, displaying a blend of charm and manipulation. His initial appearance as the more vocal of the duo contrasts sharply with the dark implications of his actions. The unraveling of his character throughout the film showcases the impact of pressure and guilt, ultimately leading him to betray his accomplice.
Alvin Dewey
Detective Alvin Dewey stands as the relentless investigator tasked with unraveling the Clutter family murders. His character reflects the dedication of law enforcement to uphold justice, even in the face of despair. Dewey's determination highlights the challenges faced by those seeking truth amidst chaos.
Setting
Time period
1959
The events unfold during the autumn of 1959, a period marked by societal changes and a rise in criminal notoriety. This time reflects a post-war America, grappling with the complexities of prosperity and disillusionment. The stark contrast between the idyllic setting of Kansas and the turbulent lives of the protagonists highlights the era's darker undercurrents.
Location
Kansas, Florida, Mexico, Las Vegas
The movie takes place primarily in rural Kansas, where the Clutter family's farmstead symbolizes both prosperity and tragedy. Other significant locations include Florida and Mexico, representing the fugitives' attempts to escape their past, and Las Vegas, where they hope to start anew amidst the glitz and glamour. Each of these locations contributes to the unfolding of a chilling narrative filled with desperation and violence.
Themes
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Friendship
In a landscape shaped by despair, the unlikely friendship between Perry Smith and Dick Hickock illustrates the complexities of human connections. Their bond, forged in the context of shared experiences and criminal aspirations, showcases how desperation can lead to tragic decisions. Ultimately, their friendship becomes a catalyst for violence, highlighting the thin line between loyalty and betrayal.
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Violence
The theme of violence permeates the narrative, culminating in a shocking act that forever alters the lives of the Clutter family. This brutal act serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and desperation. The senselessness of the violence contrasts sharply with the characters' initial motivations, revealing the dark depths of human nature.
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Justice
The pursuit of justice is a central theme, as the investigation unfolds and the characters face the repercussions of their actions. The relentless drive of law enforcement to uncover the truth signifies societal expectations for accountability. However, the complexity of the narrative also challenges the notion of justice, illustrating how flawed human decisions can lead to irreversible consequences.
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