90s Movie Review - Primal Fear

Director: Gregory Hoblit
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Maura Tierney, Andre Braugher, Terry O’Quinn, Steven Bauer

Description: An alter boy (Edward Norton) is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.

Review: In Chicago, when an archbishop is murdered in cold blood, alter Boy Aaron Stampler is seen fleeing from the scene covered in blood. It’s as clear is day, but lawyer Martin Vail is eager to take on the defense. He likes cases that will generate a lot of media attention. His charming ex Janet is the prosecutor on the case. But it’s a tough job: the stuttering defendant is a wimpy kid, but was covered in blood.

“Primal Fear” is an exciting thriller, not just set in the courtroom. It’s one of Richard Gere’s best roles and Edward Norton’s first. And especially Norton impresses and he gives away an unforgettable performance. Norton deservedly received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role and knowing that Cuba Gooding Jr. won for “Jerry Maguire” that year, I believe Norton should have won it. He has not won an Academy Award to date, Norton is one of the finest actors out there, and already proved that in his first film.

The film has tension and is investing from start to finish. It has some surprising plot twist, midway and at the end, that blew my mind when I first saw it. But it still impacts after a rewatch. A very good thriller.

Rating: 4,5/ 5