Primal Fear

Watch: Primal Fear

4/3/19962h 11m

Theatrical Release (US)

~ Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real. ~

Overview:

Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.

Director:

Gregory Hoblit

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$30,000,000.00

Revenue:

$102,616,183.00

Key words:

chicago, illinois
death penalty
child abuse
corruption
based on novel or book
court case
court
psychopath
bishop
manipulation
pornographic video
lawyer
capital punishment
whodunit
psychiatrist
mental illness
taunting
murder trial
altar boy
courtroom drama
legal drama
legal thriller
suspenseful
harsh

Cast

Richard Gere

~ as ~

Martin Vail

Laura Linney

~ as ~

Janet Venable

Edward Norton

~ as ~

Aaron/Roy Stampler

John Mahoney

~ as ~

Shaughnessy

Alfre Woodard

~ as ~

Shoat

Frances McDormand

~ as ~

Molly

Terry O'Quinn

~ as ~

Yancy

Andre Braugher

~ as ~

Goodman

Steven Bauer

~ as ~

Pinero

Joe Spano

~ as ~

Stenner

View full cast & crew

Reviews (10)

CinemaSerf
Written 3 year(s) ago
7
I was never the greatest fan of Richard Gere, but this is certainly one of his better performances. He is cocky lawyer "Vail", adept at ensuring his criminal fraternity clients evade justice. When the shocking news that an archbishop has been savagely murdered is announced, he decides on a bit of pro-bono work to defend the young "Aaron" (Ed Norton) against the prosecuting skills of his ex-girlfriend "Janet" (Laura Linney). As the courtroom drama unfolds, though, we soon establish that there are undertones that call into question not just who did what to whom, but also the integrity of the victim and of many of his well-connected associates. The film belongs to Norton, though. As his character develops, with the assistance of probing psychologist "Molly" (Frances McDormand), we discover that there are quirks to his character that this actor delivers superbly. So much falls into place in the last ten minutes, or so, before a denouement that is both unexpected and perversely quite fitting. It is a bit too long, and takes maybe half an hour before it starts to simmer; but once the plot starts to advance in earnest, this becomes a superior crime thriller with twists, turns and strong performances throughout.
R
RalphRahal
Written 1 year(s) ago
8
Primal Fear is a masterclass in tension, turning a courtroom drama into a high-stakes thriller under Gregory Hoblit’s sharp direction.

Then there’s Edward Norton, in his very first role, who makes such an impression it’s no surprise he went on to win over 15 awards including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Playing Aaron, a timid altar boy with hidden depths. Richard Gere holds his own as the slick defense lawyer, Norton’s layered acting and the intense chemistry between them make this movie unforgettable.

Primal Fear goes beyond a typical courtroom drama, serving up suspense, stellar performances, and production.
JPV852
Written 2 month(s) ago
7
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. 3.5/5
JPV852
Written 2 month(s) ago
7
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. 3.5/5
JPV852
Written 2 month(s) ago
7
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. 3.5/5

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