Search - Requiem for Murder on DVD

Quirky movie with a great performance by Molly Ringwald

Marc Dalesandro | Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada | 03/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed "Requiem for Murder", but you have to understand a few things going in. It's a low-budget movie, so forget about seeing special effects or cutting-edge cinemetography. It's also a slow-building mystery, so the pacing is languid.

If you have a problem with either of those two facts, better skip this film. But for anyone willing to overlook a few shortcomings, "Requiem" is a treat, featuring an excellent, understated performance by Molly Ringwald as Anne Winslow, the top-rated classical DJ in Chicago.

The plot revolves around a killer who seems to be obsessed with / stalking Winslow, leaving clues at each murder that point unerringly toward some connection between the two. The movie presents a string of characters moving into and out of Anne's life, any one of whom could be the deranged psycho.

Ringwald plays Winslow as cold and aloof, a "victim" who's very hard to like. It's a convincing and atypical performance by the former Brat Packer, who usually plays accessible, likeable, girl-next-door types.

"Requiem for Murder" uses classical music to set the mood for the crime drama, as Anne Winslow's playing of various classical pieces on her radio show is the soundtrack to the killer's nefarious deeds. The atmosphere created is quite good, and enhances the "whodunnit" aspect of the mystery.

Overall, this DVD is well worth the purchase price, but don't go in expecting a thrill-packed movie - the film is laid-back yet still creates suspense on a low budget."