The acting and direction in the movie adaption of In Cold Blood played an important and effective role in the characterization of Dick and Perry. In order for this film to work, Scott Wilson needed to play Dick as a cunning and charming personality. The suit store scene perfectly displays these tendencies. In this scene, Dick demonstrates his cunningness by giving the salesman a believable and ordinary story for why he needs a suit. He then uses his charm when he tells the salesman he is the best man and this is his wedding present to Perry. Now, the salesman has an emotional interest in helping Dick instead of merely wanting to make money. After picking out the suits and Dick's continued charm and wit, the salesman believes he has a bond with Dick when he treats him as friend by trusting him with the check. The top notch acting from Scott Wilson, convinced the viewer of Dick's personality and abilities which aided the movies attempt to display an authentic crime.
The emphasis in each scene, provided by the director, successfully made the audience sympathize with Perry. The constant pain Perry showed from his accident that created his aspirin addiction demonstrated his vulnerability. Perry's flashbacks throughout the movie, initiated by a mini deja-vu, informed the viewer of Perry's troubled past. For example, when Perry is near his death, he recalls his father aiming a gun at him while telling him to "take a good look" because this is the last thing he will ever see. This scene came before his hanging when he was concerned about his last moments in the world and how they would feel. The flashback allowed the audience to almost pardon Perry's action as a result of a troubled childhood. All of these vulnerabilities culminate during Perry's account of the murder when he reluctantly goes into the Clutters house followed by his attempts to persuade Dick to leave the house. This direction, along with the acting, allowed an accurate, gripping, and entertaining film adaption.
The emphasis in each scene, provided by the director, successfully made the audience sympathize with Perry. The constant pain Perry showed from his accident that created his aspirin addiction demonstrated his vulnerability. Perry's flashbacks throughout the movie, initiated by a mini deja-vu, informed the viewer of Perry's troubled past. For example, when Perry is near his death, he recalls his father aiming a gun at him while telling him to "take a good look" because this is the last thing he will ever see. This scene came before his hanging when he was concerned about his last moments in the world and how they would feel. The flashback allowed the audience to almost pardon Perry's action as a result of a troubled childhood. All of these vulnerabilities culminate during Perry's account of the murder when he reluctantly goes into the Clutters house followed by his attempts to persuade Dick to leave the house. This direction, along with the acting, allowed an accurate, gripping, and entertaining film adaption.