Director Preminger has worked out his canvas with minute thoroughness. The film is two hours and 40 minutes long, but so absorbing is it that it seems short.

| Jun 23, 2021

The film is lengthy, with an ending that is both enigmatic and ironic, but presented with such finesse and pace that it is guaranteed to hold your interest from start to finish.

| Jun 18, 2020

At 160 minutes, Anatomy is longer than the subject warrants, but the pace seldom slackens -- thanks to the competence of Director Otto Preminger.

| Apr 24, 2009

To me Remick's damaged, dysfunctional presence is the really subversive thing about the picture. And Stewart's grandstanding attorney propels this long film to its final verdict.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 23, 2007

Preminger purposely creates situations that flicker with uncertainty, that may be evaluated in different ways. Motives are mixed and dubious, and, therefore, sustain interest.

| Oct 23, 2007

As an entertaining look at legal process, this is spellbinding all the way, infused by an ambiguity about human personality and motivation that is Preminger's trademark, and the location shooting is superb.

| Oct 23, 2007

Coolly absorbing, nonchalantly cynical.

| Jun 24, 2006

It's simply the best trial movie ever made.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 1, 2006

Time has blunted much of the film's daringly ironic take on notions of guilt and innocence. Yet it still stands as a telling commentary on 50s America.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 19, 2005

Sensational courtroom drama is masterminded by Otto Preminger and a terrific cast.

| Oct 1, 2003

It is the best courtroom melodrama this old judge has ever seen.

| Original Score: 5/5 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 3, 2002

Credit Stewart again for doing the film's dirty work: holding our attention as a sweet-natured defense attorney and then shocking us with how hard-edged and aloof he can become.

| Jan 1, 2000