Watch Perfect Murder, Perfect Town

Perfect Murder, Perfect Town is a 2000 made-for-television movie that is based on Lawrence Schiller's best-selling book. Schiller was also the producer of this film. It tells the true story of the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, a seven-year-old beauty pageant winner, who was found dead in her parent's home in Boulder, Colorado, on December 26, 1996.

The film provides a detailed account of the investigation that followed the discovery of the murder, which led to the disclosure that the killer had been inside the Ramsey family home prior to the murder. The movie meticulously juxtaposes the beauty pageant world of JonBenét with the investigation that follows her murder, thereby providing an insightful critique of the American society at large.

The film's strong point is its use of an ensemble cast featuring some of the most talented actors of the time. Kris Kristofferson plays Alex Hunter, the District Attorney of Boulder, who must balance the interests of the law enforcement agencies and the media. Marg Helgenberger portrays Patsy Ramsey, the mother of the deceased, who is emotionally distraught following the murder. Helgenberger delivers a powerful performance as a mother who is grappling with the loss of her child while also being the primary suspect in the investigation.

The cast also includes Ronny Cox, who plays John Ramsey, the father of the deceased. His performance is exceptional as he embodies the quiet stoicism that comes with being a wealthy and successful businessman. Thomas Gibson, Wayne Rogers, and Ken Howard also give outstanding performances as they try to solve the baffling case.

The film's most impressive aspect is its cinematography, which manages to capture the splendor of Boulder Colorado while also creating a sense of foreboding that underscores the ongoing investigation. The way the movie is shot is so beautiful that it becomes another character in the story, and it provides a stark contrast to the somber world of homicide investigation. It is also worth mentioning the music score, which underscores the sense of unease and uncertainty that defines the investigation.

One of the more noteworthy aspects of the movie is its take on tabloid journalism, and how the media circus surrounding the JonBenét case spun out of control very quickly. The film portrays the media as always hungry for a new angle, and unafraid to distort facts, commit journalistic malpractice, and damage the reputations of the Ramseys without any substantial evidence. The pressure the media puts on the law enforcement agencies only makes it even harder for them to find the culprit.

Another critical point the movie makes is how the Boulder Police Department dealt with the case. The film portrays the Boulder police as inept, and unsuited to handle a case of this magnitude. It raises serious doubts about the qualifications of the police officers assigned to the case, and their willingness to conduct a thorough investigation. The movie argues that entrenched police attitudes, a lack of coordination, and poor communication resulted in critical mistakes that allowed the killer to evade capture.

Overall, Perfect Murder, Perfect Town is a compelling work of cinema that manages to unspool a true crime story with attention to details and careful pacing. The film provides valuable insight into the inner workings of law enforcement agencies, the media, and the public at large. It is a film that demands careful attention, as it is an excellent example of how the cinematic eye can reveal the complexities of society at large. This movie is highly recommended to anyone who is a fan of true crime dramas or who wants to watch an excellent, thoroughly researched movie.