Laura
Laura

Movie spotlight

Laura

1968
Movie
44 min
English

A police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he’s investigating.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic91
Google Users91%
Director: Otto PremingerGenres: Mystery, Film-Noir, Thriller

Plot Summary

A tough, cynical detective is assigned to investigate the murder of a beautiful and successful advertising executive, Laura Hunt. As he delves into her life through interviews with her fiancé, best friend, and a wealthy socialite, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her memory and falls in love with the woman he's never met. The investigation takes a mysterious turn when Laura unexpectedly reappears, seemingly alive, leading to a complex web of deception and a shocking revelation about the murder.

Critical Reception

Laura is widely considered a masterpiece of film noir and a timeless classic. Critics lauded its sophisticated script, stylish direction, and compelling performances, particularly Clifton Webb's portrayal of the effete Waldo Lydecker. The film's suspenseful narrative, psychological depth, and iconic themes of obsession and identity have cemented its place as one of Hollywood's most enduring and influential films.

What Reviewers Say

  • A triumph of suspense and style, with a brilliant, twist-filled plot.

  • Praised for its sophisticated dialogue, memorable characters, and chilling atmosphere.

  • Clifton Webb's performance is a standout, embodying the film's dark elegance.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise Laura for its gripping mystery, memorable characters, and stylish presentation. Many highlight the film's ability to maintain suspense and its sophisticated approach to a complex narrative. The performances, especially Clifton Webb's, are frequently cited as a major strength.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Clifton Webb), Best Black-and-White Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.

Fun Fact

The iconic melody 'Laura' by David Raksin became a hit song in its own right and is one of the most famous film themes ever composed, often associated with the film's haunting romanticism.

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