Considering crime thrillers or courtroom drama narratives, Fracture has a relatively weak screenplay—with a transparent plot twist denouement that can only entertain the most banal of TV viewers. Take any of the old Perry Mason television series for a far more provocative premise and clever journey. But Fracture remains highly engrossing thanks to Anthony Hopkins' "Lecter-like" reprise and Ryan Gosling's intensity. The two highly talented actors chew up the scenery and engulf the screenplay so completely that you can forget about how ordinary the cat-and-mouse game story is until the post-mortem settles in.

The film's high production value, with its slick and tightly woven script photographed with Technicolor film-noir flair contribute highly to its ambience, but nothing helps you overlook the weaknesses more than the way Hopkins and Gosling dance and spar with each other. With a more substantial film, we would be considering these two as early locks for end of the year award season. As it is, Fracture stands as entertaining springtime-lite fare that can wait until its DVD release since its pleasures as character study can fit on smaller screens, but theatergoers shouldn't feel robbed.

Beginning with a visual tour of a perpetual motion device created by wealthy engineer Ted Crawford (Hopkins), we are instantly cued to anticipate twists and turns in an elaborately planned venture. We follow the elderly Crawford as he tracks down his young wife having an affair with a man; subsequently we witness the vengeful husband cold bloodedly fire a bullet into her head. Ironically, Rob Nunally (Billy Burke) "just happens" to be the both Mrs. Crawford's lover and the investigative detective called to the scene of the crime. Given Crawford's professional expertise, this was no sudden act of passion, and highly calculated complications ensue.

Part of the equation lies with ambitious district attorney Willy Beachum (Gosling), who has an unprecedented 97 per cent conviction rate. As corrupt as L.A. is and despite the large number of criminals that never get convicted, Beachum still demonstrates a sense of moral outrage at obvious injustice. Although he may have passed off difficult cases to subordinates, he's efficient and highly skilled at his profession, and is now looking for his reward in the private corporate sector. Long an outsider to the lifestyle of the wealthy, he’s just landed a new job in a prestigious and high paid law firm and is assigned a mentor (Rosamund Pike), who serves briefly as his romantic interest and as a direct contrast to his core values.

Beachum inevitably is assigned the Crawford case, which appears on the surface to be an easy mop up job for his swan song to the department. Dressed in his tux for a corporate party, Beachum hardly looks the part of a gumshoe public attorney. Crawford shocks the court by refusing an attorney and specifically requests that Beachum remain on the case. Again, no coincidence. Crawford shares a story about flawed eggs that demonstrates much about his character—the meticulous detail that he habitually uses in both his engineering profession or when studying people: "Look closely enough and you'll find everything has a weak spot where, sooner or later, it will break."

Crawford boldly asserts that he already knows Beachum's weakness—"You're a winner." Knowing that the cocky young district attorney has one foot out the door and has taken on this case because it appears "easy," Crawford cleverly exploits the circumstances. Of course, this same "egg flaw" metaphor also means that Beachum likewise can find an overlooked flaw in his foe's scheme to achieve redemption. And that essentially forms the framework for the story.

Moral dilemmas are brought to the forefront, especially in Crawford's case where he must choose between fighting for justice in the public sector or pursue the American dream of success and riches. David Strathairn's character serves as moral compass and support when Crawford's life falls apart. But these choices have been explored in countless vehicles, so this film illuminates nothing original. Another after school special less is hardly necessary.