Compulsion

Set in the 1950s, Compulsion is a psychological thriller directed by Richard Fleischer, loosely based on the real-life murders of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. The film follows the intricate relationship between two friends, Arthur Levinson (Dennis Hopper) and Mike Vicory (Rory Calhoun), who are both from wealthy and influential families. Despite their seemingly perfect lives, both men are drawn to the world of crime and intellectual pursuits, often engaging in petty theft and other minor transgressions. As their friendship deepens, they begin to discuss and plan a much larger and more complex heist. They become obsessed with the idea of executing a flawless crime, one that will leave no evidence behind and earn them the attention of the media and the academic community. Arthur, who is studying at Harvard, draws inspiration from the works of Nietzsche and Dostoevsky, and sees the crime as a way to validate their superiority as thinkers and artists. Their plan is to kidnap a young man named Walter Stackhouse (Dean Stockwell), the son of a friend's family, with the intention of extorting money from his father in exchange for Walter's safe release. However, things quickly go awry when Mike leaves behind his glasses at the crime scene, an incident so mundane that it seems almost laughable in its simplicity. As the police investigation begins to unravel the threads of their plan, Arthur and Mike find themselves under increasing pressure. They attempt to cover their tracks and convince themselves that they can still pull off the heist without any major setbacks. However, the more they try to rationalize their mistakes, the more they become consumed by their own guilt and paranoia. Through their conversations and interactions, the true nature of their relationship is slowly revealed. Beneath the surface of their intellectual posturing and arrogant demeanor lies a deep-seated insecurity and a desperate longing for recognition and validation. Their crime is not just about the act itself, but about the status and power it will confer upon them. As the investigation intensifies, Arthur's fascination with Nietzschean philosophy begins to unravel. He starts to question the true nature of his relationship with Mike and the motivations behind their actions. The usually impervious and detached Arthur begins to feel a growing sense of unease and disquiet, a sense that he is trapped in a world of his own making. The film's exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between sanity and madness is a central theme. Through the characters of Arthur and Mike, the film raises questions about the morality and responsibility of individuals who believe themselves to be above the law. As the investigation reaches its climax, the audience is left with a sense of uncertainty and unease, wondering whether the two friends will escape punishment or succumb to the consequences of their actions. In the end, Compulsion is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. Beneath the surface-level crime drama lies a nuanced exploration of the intricacies of relationships, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the blurred lines between morality and chaos. The film's conclusion is a stark and unsettling reminder that the masks we wear to hide our true selves can sometimes prove to be our undoing.