Primal Fear

Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Francis McDormand, Terry O'Quinn
Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A hotshot lawyer (Richard Gere) takes a case defending a young altar boy (Edward Norton) accused of committing the grisly murder of his priest. To make matters more complicated, the prosecutor is a former flame (Laura Linney) and the case soon becomes far more than it first appeared to be.

Review:

Tim: Wow, what a truly impressive and excellent motion picture. I love movies like this- ones that you don't go into it, automatically knowing it is going to be terrific, but once you get into the movie, you are pleasantly surprised and thoroughly engaged in the story. This courtroom drama features incredible performances from the cast, a compelling and powerful story, and more surprises than you are used to seeing in this type of film.

Richard Gere is just fantastic as the defense lawyer. He isn't the type of actor that floors you with his abilities, but he makes the ideal lawyer and he is completely believable, and allows us to identify with him as we follow the plot.

Laura Linney is a good match to Gere, and is a competent and formidable courtroom opponent. She always, always provides good work, and here is no exception. She's so enjoyable to watch.

Surprisingly, the best performance is given by a younger actor, Edward Norton. He just blows us away with one of the most complex and startling performances in recent memory. You really need to see him here, in one of his finest performances.

Courtroom films don't get much more dramatic than this one. Its twists and turns will keep you guessing, the drama will keep you entertained, and the outstanding performances of the cast will keep you riveted. Primal Fear is a solid, well made film that tells a powerful story in a bold and meaningful way.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



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