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Murder by Decree
“Murder by Decree” is a gripping thriller movie released in 1979, written by John Hopkins and directed by Bob Clark. The story revolves around Sherlock Holmes (played by Christopher Plummer) and Dr. John Watson (played by James Mason) on their investigation of the Jack the Ripper killings in late 19th century London.
The movie is based on the book “The Ripper File” written by Elwyn Jones and John Lloyd. However, unlike other movies that explore the legend of Jack the Ripper, “Murder by Decree” presents an alternative theory of the true identity of Jack the Ripper that is both believable and shocking.
The Plot
The film opens with a series of brutal murders committed against prostitutes in Whitechapel district. The media dubs these killings as work of Jack the Ripper. Concerned citizens begin to protest and demand action from Scotland Yard.
Holmes and Watson are hired to investigate these murders, but they soon discover that there may be more than one person responsible for these killings. Their investigation takes them through dark alleys, opium dens, morgues, and even Buckingham Palace itself!
The Casts
Christopher Plummer delivers a brilliant performance as Sherlock Holmes. He is the quintessential detective – intelligent, methodical, observant, and eccentric in his own ways. James Mason is equally impressive as his sidekick Dr. John Watson. His dry wit and impeccable timing give some much-needed comic relief to an otherwise grim story.
The supporting cast also includes some notable veterans of the British acting scene such as Donald Sutherland, David Hemmings, and Geneviève Bujold.
The History
“Murder by Decree” is set in late 19th century Victorian London. The movie beautifully captures the mood and atmosphere of that era – the poverty, the filth, the class divide, and the general sense of despair among ordinary people.
While there have been countless movies made about Jack the Ripper over the years, “Murder by Decree” stands out because it does not simply follow the familiar tropes of whodunit genre. Instead, it tries to offer a fresh perspective on a case that has fascinated people for over a century.
The Music Score
The movie’s haunting and evocative soundtrack is composed by Paul Zaza. It goes perfectly with the movie’s dark and atmospheric tone, and helps to heighten the tension in some of the film’s most suspenseful scenes.
The use of traditional British folk songs such as “The Last Rose of Summer” and “Green Grow the Rushes, O” also adds to the authenticity of the movie’s setting.
The Evaluation
“Murder by Decree” is a well-crafted movie that keeps you on edge from beginning to end. The acting, direction, and production design are all top-notch, with particular attention given to creating an authentic period setting.
However, what really sets this movie apart is the unexpected twist in the plot that challenges everything we thought we knew about Jack the Ripper case. It is a bold move that pays off in a big way, making “Murder by Decree” not only a great thriller but also a thought-provoking commentary on how we perceive history and myth.
The Cinematography
The movie’s cinematography by Reginald H. Morris captures the dark and murky atmosphere of Victorian London with aplomb. The use of shadowy lighting, high contrast shots, and claustrophobic camera angles enhance the feeling of suspense throughout the movie.
The scenes shot inside opium dens and morgues are particularly striking, with Morris using a mix of close-ups and wide shots to create an unsettling ambiance that draws the viewer into the world of the movie.
The Analysis
While “Murder by Decree” may not be the most historically accurate representation of Jack the Ripper case, it does offer a compelling alternative theory that challenges some of the more popular narratives about this infamous serial killer.
The movie also raises important questions about how we remember and interpret history. By exposing the darker side of Victorian society, “Murder by Decree” forces us to reconsider our assumptions about power, politics, and morality that shaped that era.
The Opinion
I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much when I first watched “Murder by Decree”. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and thought-provoking it turned out to be.
The performances by Plummer and Mason are superb, and the twist in the plot is genuinely surprising. The movie’s attention to detail in recreating Victorian London is also commendable.
Overall, “Murder by Decree” is a must-watch for fans of mystery-thrillers who are looking for something that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
The Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes in “Murder by Decree” is the opium den sequence where Holmes and Watson disguise themselves as Chinese sailors in order to infiltrate the den. The scene is both visually stunning and tense, as our heroes navigate through a sea of doped-out patrons.
The scene at Buckingham Palace where Holmes confronts the prime minister (played by John Gielgud) is also noteworthy. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and Plummer’s performance is nothing short of brilliant.
The Criticism
While “Murder by Decree” received critical acclaim upon its release, it has not been without its fair share of criticism. Some viewers have found the movie too slow-paced and talky, with too much emphasis on historical accuracy at the expense of dramatic tension.
Others have criticized the use of a conspiracy theory to explain Jack the Ripper killings, arguing that it detracts from the real social issues that were prevalent in Victorian London at that time.
The Production
“Murder by Decree” was produced on a modest budget but the final result belies this. The production design by Harry Pottle is exceptional, recreating the slums of Whitechapel with great attention to detail.
The costumes by Yvonne Bonnamy are also noteworthy, with the actors dressed in authentic Victorian-era clothing that further adds to the movie’s sense of realism.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in “Murder by Decree” is sharp and witty, with some memorable one-liners thrown in for good measure.
For example, when Watson asks Holmes if he believes in God, Holmes replies: “God has nothing to do with it. It’s a matter of practical anatomy.” The exchange perfectly captures Holmes’ detached and analytical persona.
The Gossip
Rumor has it that Christopher Plummer was not initially interested in playing Sherlock Holmes but was persuaded to do so by his wife. He reportedly regretted this decision and later referred to the role as “an albatross around my neck”.
Despite this, Plummer’s performance has been widely praised and is considered one of the best portrayals of Sherlock Holmes on screen.
The Special Effects
“Murder by Decree” does not rely heavily on special effects, but the few that are used are effective in creating a sense of unease and tension.
For example, the smoky and hazy lighting in the opium den sequence adds to the disorienting effect of the drugs, while the use of quick cuts and jarring camera movements during some of the more violent scenes creates a sense of chaos and brutality.
The Conclusion
“Murder by Decree” is a must-watch for fans of mystery-thrillers and period dramas. The movie may not be perfect, but it more than makes up for its flaws with its gripping storyline, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes.
If you haven’t seen “Murder by Decree” yet, I highly recommend that you give it a watch. You won’t be disappointed!