[identity profile] carnapepper.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] ship_manifesto
Title: Teenage Murderers In Love
Author: Dr FooFoo ([livejournal.com profile] carnapepper)
Fandom: Murder By Numbers
Spoilers: For the whole movie
Disclaimer: I don't own or claim to own Murder By Numbers or anyone/thing associated with it.
Notes: Thanks to a bunch of people who know who they are. Also, sorry for my excessive use of photos. I like them!



From the first time I watched Murder By Numbers, I knew Justin Pendleton and Richard Haywood were in love. Of course, I was slightly biased, as several people had already explained the possibility to me, but when I watched it for myself, I truly knew and believed in Justin/Richard so much, that from then on, I tried to procure as many people as possible into watching the movie and noticing the love.

Step 1: The 8asis

Murder By Numbers was based heavily on the real-life case of Leopold and Loeb, which occurred in the 1920s. In May of 1924, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb killed 14-year-old Bobby Franks for no obvious reason at the time. Leopold and Loeb were lovers, or at least romantically involved, and later, during the trial, it was discovered that Loeb wanted to commit crimes, and Leopold wanted to sleep with Loeb, so they each gave each other what the other wanted in exchange for what they themselves wanted.

Obviously, it's nearly impossible to base a movie on the case of Leopold and Loeb without the two main characters being in love, or at least sleeping together. It's just not plausible or realistic.

Step 2: The 8oys

Justin Pendleton is a typical loner, geek, and nerd all rolled into one broody, pale boy. He obviously has a very high intelligence, but, from what is shown of him in the movie, he doesn't have very good people skills. He's anti-social and keeps to himself as much as possible, though for some reason, he's always the student reading his essays or speeches at the front of the class.

Justin is insanely intelligent, but he doesn't know how to act around people, which is why it's usually assumed that Justin planned the process behind the murder, and why Richard was the one to involve himself in the case (the 'stolen' boots) and get questioned by the police.

Richard Haywood, on the other hand, is outwardly opposite to Justin. Richard is a brash, pompous rich kid with an attitude, yet everyone in school likes him, or at least pretends to like him. We all know the type, and Richard knows it.

Justin: Yeah, well Richard will always be... cool. I mean his daddy's rich, and I hate to admit it, but he's actually pretty smart. I mean, he's lazy and he didn't study, but he still got like, a 710 on that bio SAT.

Together, they are Justin and Richard, two teenage boys with very contrasting personalities, lifestyles, social lives, and thought processes. But they have two things in common: they both want to commit the perfect murder, and they're both wildly in love with each other.

Step 3: The 3vidence

Some people could argue that Justin and Richard never had a sexual relationship during (and/or before) the movie, and this theory could make sense. Considering how attached Justin gets to Lisa so quickly, it would be strange for him to be sleeping with Richard and not act more possessive, or close to him. But what if Justin wasn't *really* attached to Lisa, and was just using her... as she used him for marks?

Once Justin and Richard kill Olivia, they're brought extremely close together. Think about it -- killing someone with a partner requires an insane amount of trust. Another thing that requires a lot of trust in a partner is sex. It's very possible that Richard and/or Justin compared sex to murder, which could be one reason for committing their crime.

Before I get too ahead of myself, however, I present the evidence of Justin and Richard's relationship with one another.

One of the main reasons Justin/Richard is so apparent is their seeming unwillingness to hide it. Even to someone not remotely into slash, the shared glances, touches, and whispers are obvious. One of the first scenes in the movie is the most overt. Justin gives a speech in front of the class, and then sits down.

Lisa: You really need to get laid, Bonaparte.
[Justin, instead of responding glances back at Richard, who's rolling his pen around in his mouth, suggestively.]


I don't think anything even needs to be said about that glance. The same goes for the next scene, which can be a little confusing. Richard threatens Justin with a gun, which turns out to just be his lighter. However, Justin's calm attitude throughout the whole scene, and his lines that seem to be recited, indicate that perhaps they've gone through this exercise before. Of course, the scene following this apparent role-play is another unmistakable scene of love -- or perhaps lust.

Richard sits at a table smoking pot, as Justin pours them both glasses of absinthe. Now, despite what you have or haven't heard, absinthe is a highly concentrated form of alcohol, and thus has alcoholic properties. As Justin sips his absinthe and Richard downs his, they're both getting very drunk, even if the scene ends before we can see the effects of it. However, the scene ends with Justin sweetly telling Richard to be patient and another suggestive (or loving, depending on how you look at it) look. The scene then fades to black, and we all know what fade to blacks mean.

Later in the movie, Richard and Justin have a gay old time burning all the evidence of their crime; Justin reciting police procedures and Richard throwing everything into the fire, while sharing several glances. When they're done, they sit down beside each other in front of the fire and talk about the criminal profile the police are surely coming up with.

Justin: The attack was... spontaneous... Unplanned.

At this point, Justin turns to Richard and they share their second Meaningful Look (the first being mentioned at the beginning of this section) of the movie, and stare at each other for a few moments before Justin speaks again and the scene ends.

Throughout the whole movie, power seems to shift back and forth between Justin and Richard, even though Richard seems to be the one in control. However, a later scene at the park displays Richard's possessiveness when it comes to Justin.

Richard: Meet me at the Bluff tonight, I want to tell you all about it.
Justin: Oh, I can't...
Richard: Why not?
Justin: I have something to do.
Richard: Like what?
Justin: I'll tell you later. I should go...
[Justin leaves and Richard watches him, obviously upset]


Justin isn't allowed to do anything or go anywhere without telling Richard, so when he does, Richard gets insanely upset about it. He demands to know everything, much like a jealous lover, and even stalks around Justin's house to find out what he's up to.

At Justin's house, Richard hides in the bushes and witnesses Justin kissing Lisa, one of Richard's exes, and someone whom Richard immediately considers competition. In retaliation, and to show Justin how little Lisa cares about him, Richard seduces her and secretly films the encounter. Justin comes home to a surprise and Richard proceeds to hump Justin against the wall. No, really. Richard's jealous and possessive nature rears its ugly head again as he interrogates Justin with a hand around his throat. All the while, he's about two inches away from making out with Justin.

Richard: You stood me up for that slut?
Justin: Lisa? She's not a slut.
Richard: Did you tell her anything about us?
Justin: Of course not... Of course not!
Richard: Did you fuck her?
Justin: I was helping her with her physics.
Richard: You fucked her and I saw you fuck her.
Justin: We kissed...
Richard: You kissed?
Justin: That was it, I swear.


Poor Justin. But, once Richard's done choking answers out of him, he lovingly strokes his hair and all is well. Well, not really. Richard then hands Justin the tape he made of he and Lisa, and escapes out of Justin's bedroom window.

Later in the scene, Justin's phone rings. It's Richard, to admit his undying love.

Richard: ... I'm the only person who really cares about you. You know, I think I'm like, the only one who sees how incredible you really are.
[Justin retreats back into his bedroom]
Richard: Don't -- Don't go away Justin. Come on. What we did... together. I mean, how many people have done that? We proved something to each other. We showed what we're capable of. There's no limits for men like us.


There's love in those eyes as Richard tries to amend what he did and make up with Justin.

At the Bluff, Richard and Justin meet and Richard yells at Justin for throwing up at the crime scene. The yelling gets out of control and Justin slaps (gotta love the bitchslap) Richard across the face, then recoils and apologizes right away, and Richard pulls him into a hug as he wipes at his bloodied nose.

Later, there's a very quick scene in which Cassie, the detective on the case, is stalking Richard and happens to see him waiting outside of a place called the Kilobyte Café. Justin appears soon and Richard throws his arm over Justin's shoulder, which Justin promptly shoves off.

Richard: Heeey!
Justin: We're not supposed to be seen together! Do you think this is some kind of game?
[Richard walks away dejectedly.]


Richard wants to hang out with Justin in public, but unfortunately, it's not part of The Plan, so it's impossible. Justin knows this, and he tries to enforce it as much as possible.

One of the most significant scenes in the movie (that relates to Justin/Richard) occurs in the most unlikely place. After Justin and Richard have been found out, they prepare to go to the Bluff to commit suicide. Hey, it was in The Plan, so they have to carry through. Justin goes to Lisa's house and Richard calls and once again exerts his power over Justin.

Justin: That's him
Lisa: Don't answer it.
[Justin answers it]
Richard: Where are you? Are you with her?
Justin: No.
Richard: Yes, you are. And you told her about us didn't you? Did you tell her everything?


The first part of Richard's question should imply the murder and committing it, should it not? So what does the 'everything' mean? It's possible that Richard's referring to the relationship between he and Justin, and the fact that Justin doesn't answer reiterates that theory. Another very important thing is said in this scene (I told you it's really important!), later on as Justin's leaving.

Justin: I have to meet him.
Lisa: To do what?
Justin: I just have to. ... I wish I met you first.


There has been much speculation into what Justin really means when he says that to Lisa, but I believe Rina does the best job in her fic, I Wish I Met You First, so check it out and read it for a much better and in depth explanation than I could ever come up with.

When Justin gets to the Bluff, Richard hugs him again and they prepare to shoot themselves in the head. However, Richard's gun doesn't have any bullets, and Justin figures it out pretty quickly. He aims his gun at Richard, but he just can't bring himself to shoot him, and turns the gun to his own head.

When Cassie shows up at the Bluff, she convinces Justin to put the gun down and to walk over to her, but Richard scrambles across the floor and grabs Justin's discarded gun. He then says something that is often missed by the first-time viewer, and even I didn't notice it until someone pointed it out and I listened closely.

Richard: Get your fucking hands off him!

Richard then shoots at Cassie, and accidentally hits Justin in the arm. If there were any doubts of Richard's love for Justin because of the broken pact and the empty gun, they're gone now, as Richard tries to save Justin's life. Not that Justin is in any immediate danger when Cassie shows up, but Richard knows that she'll take them both back to the police station and arrest them if he doesn't do something, so he... does something. It's very noble, really.

The saddest scene in the movie is when Richard goes tumbling down the cliff outside the Bluff, and Justin sits on the balcony with Cassie. Justin leans over the edge and sees Richard's body sprawled on the rocks down below and he has the most distressed expression anyone could have. Unfortunately, I don't have a screencap of it, so you'll just have to watch the movie for yourself. ;D

And thus ends the lengthy evidence list.

Step 4: The Verdict

To many, Murder By Numbers may seem like a dramatic thriller with no real meaning and a linear plot, but, after watching it numerous times and actually listened to what everyone is saying turns it into a movie with an insane amount of psychological subtext, on every level, including Justin/Richard.

Fanfiction:

Despite my intense love for Justin and Richard, I'm unmotivated, and have only written three fanfics. Sad, I know. They can all be found here. But enough about me... Let's get to the real fics!

One of the most prominent fanfic writers in, not only the Justin/Richard fandom, but the Murder By Numbers fandom in general, is Rina. I think it's safe to say she's written the most Justin/Richard fanfics of anyone, and her talent is strikingly realistic. Her website is Relentless Fire, and it's also the place where I got most of the screencaps, so check it out. ;D

If you don't feel like sitting for several hours to read all of Rina's fiction, I suggest that you at least read Get Outta My Dreams. It's my favourite fic by Rina, and one of my favourite MbN fics in general. Prime. ;)

Another great fic with a new take on how the relationship between Justin and Richard started is Out Of The Cold by Tasha. Also check out Listening by Tasha for some insight into what Richard was thinking during Justin's speech in class.

A Dark Quiet Place by Pillow Lips is also fantastic, and deals with the start of Justin and Richard's relationships.

Fixation is the most well-known archive for Murder By Numbers fanfiction, specifically Justin/Richard stuff. Unfortunately, since the movie's semi-old, no new people are entering the fandom, so no new fics are being written. But most of the existing ones are at Fixation.

For more fanfics, check out the Yahoo Group or the MbN of fanfiction.net.

Date: 2006-12-06 07:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
yeah i know, i feel so stupid just finding it yesterday. btw i've read this, obviously, LOVED this, especially for the deadpan-ness (is that a word) in the way you deliver us the slash undertones (okay, *over*tones)

just..um...one thing tho, i was clicking the links to your fics and um..they're not there?
and also the um...relentlessfire site? has it close down? i realize that it's been a long time a go, but i cant even find the first fic that you recommend and that's SAD. ....would you by any chance (any at all) have copies of Rina's fics? or know where else she put her fics? would you be terribly minded to help? please?

again, thank you for the manifesto.

Date: 2006-12-06 12:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
:O! Oh noes, hehe. Oh yeah, my fics aren't on that journal anymore, they're here -> [livejournal.com profile] polymath_acuman

I'm not sure if Rina has a website anymore, but I know that most of her stuff is posted here -> [livejournal.com profile] m8n_slash

Fixation is still up, and I believe the Yahoo group is still there. And of course there's always fanfiction.net xD

Here (http://community.livejournal.com/m8n_slash/5396.html)'s Get Outta My Dreams by Rina, which I think I recommended up there in the manifesto. xD I'm sad that I can't find I Wish I Met You First because it's really a sweet fic. Rina might still have it if you want to ask her, haha.

And by the way, don't feel stupid for finding it so late! Most of the people I know in the MbN fandom found it waaaaay after the movie was released. :P

Date: 2006-12-12 03:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
OMG thankyouthankyouthankyou..... ♥♥♥
I watched the movie years a go, nearly pulled out my scalp from the utter frustration of them just resolutely NOT kissing despite the blantant USTs, and never even thought -never once crossed my mind- to look for the fandom.... until i showed the movie to my partner in crime and she wondered...hey, do they have a fandom for this? we searched (okay, mostly she did,) around but in vain =(

and then i found this! so you're deff a saviour! *scuries out to check the fics* thanks!

Date: 2006-12-12 03:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
Dude WOOOOORD. Okay, in the scene with Richard in Justin's room (lovingly named the Richard Shoves Justin Against the Wall and Makes Out With Him scene)? sdguhsbgksjd lol. Every time I see it, I want to mash their heads together, haha.

Have fun with the fics, lawlz. Unforunately it's a really tiny fandom and there are only like, three major writers in it that I know of.

Date: 2006-12-12 03:20 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
that was a frustratingly beautiful scene =P my personal fave tho was the one just after justin slaps richard (seriously, what kind of guy slaps each other?) and at first i seriously thought richard was gonna hit back, but of course, him, being entirely wrapped around justin's little finger, just decided to hold him -i'm crazy about the neck-grabbing, i really am- which in itself is a rather telling moment, IMO.

yeah, that's sad, but expected, i guess. it's not even near as bad as the Green Street Hooligan fandom...which doesnt even exist in the first place. have you watch that movie? it's the on with Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam (who's hot as hell). *wears her GSH icon*

Date: 2006-12-12 03:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
Dude, word. omg, the Bitchslap scene! <3<3<3 :D I love that, lol. And Richard just grabs emoJustin and hugs him. Oh man, I watched that movie again like, a week ago, so my roommate could see the slash and it brought back so many memories. xD

Aww, no, I haven't seen Green Street Hooligan, but Elijah Wood is insane, hahaha. Which is probably reason to watch it... *searches*

Date: 2006-12-12 03:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
i rewatched the movie sometime after i read this too, so yeah, i know the feeling~~

Elijah Wood is a closet case brilliant. the hint in it is not as bad as MBN, (but what is?) but it's there if you squint. if you ever do watch it and afterwards you wanna read what little there is in the fandom tho, i'll be happy to help^^

btw i've friended your writing journal- friend me back? *puppy eyed plea*

Date: 2006-12-12 03:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
Sweeeeeet, dude, I need to harass my father into finding that for me. xD And dude, Elijah is so flaming he sparkles.

wootwoot! Lol, hmm, I'm hesitant to put you through the uncountable years of agony and blindness that is involved in reading my writing journal, but... if you insist. D:

Date: 2006-12-12 03:53 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
*LOL at the Eli comment* my partner in crime said -when i was complaining how he never played in any gay flicks- that indicates how he's burried under the closet, not just in it =P

cool^^ can i friend your personal journal too, tho, since you seem to be so nice?

Date: 2006-12-12 03:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
Ah haha, word. Buried under Orli (who's trying to dig his way into the deepest parts of it), Viggo, and DomMon. xD

Of couuuurse. >:D


lol, I'm really not evil; ignore that creepy smilie.

Date: 2006-12-12 04:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] takarai-karin.livejournal.com
see, i knew it's a good idea to ignore the evil smilefriend you, you like CSI, nice~~
I'm a bit of a writer myself -...okay, this is the first time i ever do these kind of things- but my fandom varies so much it hurts. and i mostly dwell in the jap fandoms..

Date: 2006-12-12 04:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lblikesbagels.livejournal.com
Yay, csi! xD I don't really write/read csi anymore, though... csi:ny if anything, though I've been thinking about getting back into Nick/Greg.

Yay! :D

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