Watch Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a 1997 American crime drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the novel of the same name by John Berendt. The movie tells the story of John Kelso, a writer from New York, who travels to Savannah, Georgia to cover a party thrown by Jim Williams, a wealthy antiques dealer. However, when Williams is charged with murder after his lover is found dead in his home, Kelso finds himself caught up in the ensuing trial and the dramatic events that follow.

John Cusack stars as John Kelso, a New York writer sent to Savannah to cover the party thrown by Jim Williams, played by Kevin Spacey. Williams is a wealthy antiques dealer who is something of a local celebrity due to his lavish parties and his extensive collection of art and antiques. Kelso is initially skeptical of Williams and his social circle, but he soon finds himself drawn into their world, especially after he meets Williams' lover, a flamboyant and troubled figure named Billy Hanson.

Kelso's stay in Savannah takes a dramatic turn when Williams is charged with murder after his lover is found dead in his home. Despite the evidence against him, Williams maintains his innocence, and the trial becomes a sensation, attracting media attention from across the country. Kelso becomes increasingly involved in the trial as he begins to uncover the truth about what really happened on the night of the murder. He finds himself navigating the complicated social hierarchy of Savannah, where gossip and rumor reign supreme, and where no one is quite what they seem.

As the trial unfolds, Kelso gets to know the people of Savannah in a way that he never expected. He becomes close to Williams' housekeeper, the no-nonsense Mandy Nichols, played by Alison Eastwood. He learns about the city's history and its unique culture, which is steeped in tradition and folklore. And he becomes friends with Sonny Seiler, Williams' eccentric lawyer, played by Jack Thompson, who is determined to clear his client's name no matter what.

Throughout the movie, Eastwood captures the atmosphere of Savannah with sweeping shots of its historic streets and its lush, moss-draped trees. The city is almost a character in its own right, with its rich history and strange blend of old-fashioned gentility and modern-day decay. The movie is also elevated by the strong performances of its actors, particularly Spacey, who brings a magnetic charm to the role of Jim Williams, and Cusack, who is convincing as the outsider who finds himself drawn into Savannah's web.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a captivating and engaging film that explores themes of love, obsession, and the power of tradition. It is a story about the lengths that people will go to protect their own secrets and the ways in which the past can continue to influence the present. It is a movie that leaves a lasting impression, both for its fascinating characters and its haunting portrayal of the city of Savannah.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a 1997 mystery with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 57.