Murder mysteries generally speaking are criminal fantasies, outside of those based on real-life or so-called true crime. "The Rosary Murders" is based on a neo-noir novel by William X. Kienzle who was a real catholic priest. The story involves a series of murders associated with people in the catholic church, some laymen/laywomen while others are clergy. The murderer leaves behind a rosary. Donald Sutherland plays Father Koesler, a sort of priest-turned-detective. Also, at one point, the murderer confesses to the Koesler and he has to decide if he should break the church law of keeping confession confidential.
Typically, civilians outside of law enforcement are not supposed to engage in their own investigations of a crime being handled by the police. However in this story Father Koesler is given a lot of leeway to explore the case and interview witnesses. It turns out there's a backstory involving a nun who has entered into a cloistered convent where she has taken vows of silence. Koesler realizes she knows something crucial to the case.
Overall, I didn't find this film very entertaining. It was interesting, but also very gruesome and the overall feel was almost so real it was verging on not being terribly entertaining. Strangely films like "The Silence of the Lambs", though gruesome, are compelling from beginning to end. I didn't find that true with this film. Compelling but not really entertaining, and if it's not entertaining, what's the point?
Typically, civilians outside of law enforcement are not supposed to engage in their own investigations of a crime being handled by the police. However in this story Father Koesler is given a lot of leeway to explore the case and interview witnesses. It turns out there's a backstory involving a nun who has entered into a cloistered convent where she has taken vows of silence. Koesler realizes she knows something crucial to the case.
Overall, I didn't find this film very entertaining. It was interesting, but also very gruesome and the overall feel was almost so real it was verging on not being terribly entertaining. Strangely films like "The Silence of the Lambs", though gruesome, are compelling from beginning to end. I didn't find that true with this film. Compelling but not really entertaining, and if it's not entertaining, what's the point?