Watch Swoon

Swoon is a 1992 movie that is based on the infamous Leopold and Loeb crime of the 1920s. The movie is directed by Tom Kalin and features Daniel Schlachet, Craig Chester, and Ron Vawter in lead roles. The movie is an art house production and features a re-imagining of the crime, which is not merely a retelling of the historical events but also an examination of the characters involved.

The story of the movie revolves around Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two young men from wealthy families who plan and execute the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks. The movie starts with a disclaimer stating that it is a fictionalized account of the crime, intending to show the relationship between the two men and what led them to commit the heinous act.

The movie mainly focuses on the psychological dynamics of the two protagonists and their relationship. It highlights their complex and manipulative relationship, which is characterized by desire and obsession. The film takes us through their initial meeting and courtship, which leads to their participation in a thrill-killing motivated by their belief in their own superiority over others. The movie portrays the two men as sexually attracted to each other, and their homosexuality is shown as part of their emotional entanglement and need for dominance over others.

The narrative of the movie is not linear, and the story is told through a series of jarring images, scenes, and vignettes that evoke a sense of unease and menace. The film's stylistic approach includes elements of film noir and expressionism, utilizing dramatic lighting and shadows, stylized sets, and costume design to create an atmosphere of foreboding and claustrophobia.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with Daniel Schlachet and Craig Chester delivering nuanced and layered performances as Leopold and Loeb. The two actors bring a sense of empathy to their characters despite the horrific nature of their actions, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and the tragedy of the crime.

Ron Vawter, who plays the prosecutor in the trial of Leopold and Loeb, also delivers a standout performance, bringing a sense of gravity and moral authority to the character.

One of the striking aspects of the movie is the depiction of the crime itself. The murder is not shown explicitly, but the aftermath and the discovery of the body are depicted in a visceral and unsettling way. The movie does not shy away from the brutality of the crime but does not exploit it for cheap thrills. Instead, it depicts the aftermath of the crime in a way that is both disturbing and powerful.

In conclusion, Swoon is a deeply unsettling and chilling movie that explores the dynamics of a toxic relationship and the consequences of moral decay. It is a thought-provoking and daring film that challenges the audience's perceptions of crime and punishment, and the nature of justice itself. The movie is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate daring and challenging cinema, it is a must-watch.

Swoon is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.