Swoon

I have a lot of movies to catch up on. I am not too happy that after such a long gap, this is the film that I saw. Although quite a few people might disagree with my review of this film, specially people who are actually familiar with the case, I will still say that the film was draggy and a little too stoic. I cant find the right word to describe what was it that I was missing in the film.

Based on true story in 1920's the film follows life of Nathan and Richard (Dick) known to people as Leopold and Loeb. Their relationship has been going on strong for a long time now. They seem to be bored with life. Out of this arises the lust for kidnapping a young boy in the name of ransom. This act goes horribly wrong when they end up killing the boy and the police finds a trail of them. The film follows how they get captured and ultimately what happens to them in prison and after. The men's demeanor throughout the interrogation and trial suggests a complete lack of, not only remorse, but also comprehension that they have taken a human life. The duo bicker about the details of the crime as though they were trying to recall what they ate for breakfast. The men are distanced not only from the crime, but also from any semblance of humanity.

Swoon focuses more on homosexuality of the two killers rather than the crime and its implications. Had this film been made more as a mystery, it would have been much more interesting to watch. The directing style is very slow and odd (personally for me). It almost celebrates the two killers, while the innocent young victim is reduced to a nearly anonymous figure. Although the main 2 characters were definitely very good looking.

Sadly, the film did not hold my attention in any department. (1/10)