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Primal Fear

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7.7/10 • 3.5K

1996-03-062h 9m

CrimeDramaMysteryThriller

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

An arrogant, high-powered attorney takes on the case of a poor altar boy found running away from the scene of the grisly murder of the bishop who has taken him in. The case gets a lot more complex when the accused reveals that there may or may not have been a third person in the room.

Directors
Gregory Hoblit
Editors
David Rosenbloom

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Richard Gere

    Richard Gere

    Martin Vail

  2. Laura Linney

    Laura Linney

    Janet Venable

  3. John Mahoney

    John Mahoney

    Shaughnessy

  4. Alfre Woodard

    Alfre Woodard

    Shoat

  5. Frances McDormand

    Frances McDormand

    Molly

  6. Edward Norton

    Edward Norton

    Aaron/Roy

  7. Terry O'Quinn

    Terry O'Quinn

    Yancy

  8. Andre Braugher

    Andre Braugher

    Goodman

  9. Steven Bauer

    Steven Bauer

    Pinero

Reviews2

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Jun 30, 2022

7/10

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.

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$30,000,000.00
Revenue
$102,600,000.00
Keywords
chicago, illinoischild abusecorruptionbased on novel or bookcourt casecourtpsychopathbishopmanipulationpornographic videolawyerwhodunitpsychiatristmental illnessmurder trialaltar boylegal dramalegal thriller