Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
A gripping psychological thriller, Fracture, is captivating Netflix audiences, largely due to Anthony Hopkins‘ chilling performance as Ted Crawford. Some viewers are even suggesting that his portrayal of this “evil and despicable” character surpasses his iconic role as Hannibal Lecter. The 2007 film centers on Crawford, a wealthy aeronautical engineer from Ireland residing in Los Angeles with his wife, Jennifer.
A Crime of Passion, Coldly Executed
Upon discovering Jennifer’s affair with police detective Robert Nunally, Ted calmly confronts her before shooting her in the head, leaving her for dead within their luxurious home. He meticulously repositions her body, discharges four shots from his firearm, gathers the spent casings, incinerates the attire worn during the violent act, and diligently removes any traces of gunshot residue from his hands.
The case seemingly appears straightforward. Ted remains at the scene, no other suspects are apparent, and he calmly awaits Nunally’s arrival, insisting on speaking with him exclusively.
Following a tense exchange where both parties agree to disarm, Ted admits to the crime, confessing to the stunned officer that he simply “snapped” and shot his wife. However, beneath the surface, there is much more to Ted than one might initially perceive.
A Calculated Trap
The moment Nunally realizes Jennifer is the victim, he is overcome with rage and assaults Ted. This rage plays directly into the carefully constructed trap Ted had meticulously laid out.
Ryan Gosling Enters the Fray
Ryan Gosling portrays the district attorney assigned to prosecute the case. He views it as a simple stepping stone before transitioning from public service to a prestigious corporate law firm where custom-designed offices and lavish social gatherings are commonplace.
His confident approach piques Ted’s interest, initiating a strategic cat-and-mouse game between the two men, with Ted having intentionally introduced inconsistencies to prevent his conviction.
Crucially, the licensed firearm recovered from the crime scene isn’t the weapon that discharged the shot that wounded Jennifer, and Ted’s confession is invalidated after his startling courtroom revelation of Nunally’s affair with his wife.
Gosling’s character undergoes a compelling transformation, evolving from an arrogant, self-assured figure into a committed individual determined to deliver justice against a cunning, intelligent, and manipulative perpetrator.
The Prosecutor’s Struggle
- Initial arrogance gives way to determined pursuit of justice.
- Faces challenges due to Ted’s meticulous planning.
- Must overcome personal and professional hurdles to succeed.
Anthony Hopkins: A Villainous Masterpiece
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Ted is chillingly captivating – he exudes menace yet maintains a composure so serene it borders on sociopathic.
Despite Gosling’s character, William ‘Willy’ Beachum, seeing through him, Ted has skillfully engineered the evidence to fail, rendering prosecution impossible.
Both lead actors deliver exceptional performances, with some Netflix viewers drawing comparisons between Hopkins’ ruthless Ted and the notorious cannibalistic murderer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
Fans React to Hopkins’ Performance
- “People always praise Anthony Hopkins for his villainous roles in Silence [of the Lambs] and Westworld, but nothing compares to how evil and despicable he is in Fracture.”
- “Hopkins’ character is completely out of control with zero redeeming qualities.”
Another user added to the discussion, stating: “All of the pre-planning/premeditation by Hopkins was amazing. His ‘lackadaisical’ attitude in the courtroom made him a smug a**hole. Love this movie.”
Elsewhere online, further praise emerged as one viewer contributed, “I love this movie! One of the best thrillers in a long time! Anthony Hopkins is one of the most amazing actors ever! Definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen it!”