An unfolding mystery in which truth is elusive, and twists are the order of the day...gives Norton a career-making opportunity to strut his stuff. [Blu-ray]
Primal Fear (1996)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:40
Fresh:30
Rotten:10
Average Rating:6.7/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 10 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: In Chicago, an Archbishop has been brutally murdered, and a sweet-faced altar boy named Aaron -- who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime and whose clothes were soaked in blood -- is charged... In Chicago, an Archbishop has been brutally murdered, and a sweet-faced altar boy named Aaron -- who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime and whose clothes were soaked in blood -- is charged with the crime. Aaron claims he was present when the murder occurred, but that he is not the killer. Coming to Aaron's rescue in this high-profile case is Martin Vail, a cocky lawyer who loves the media's spotlight as much as he loves his job. The legal road ahead of Martin and Aaron is filled with many obstacles, including a very determined prosecuting attorney (who's Martin's ex-lover), revelations about the Archbishop's "relationship" with the altar boys, and Aaron himself, who has a very violent, repugnant second personality named Roy. Is Aaron/Roy guilty? Or is he taking the fall for someone else? [More]
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Andre Braugher, Maura Tierney
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Screenwriter: Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman
Composer: James Newton Howard
Story: William Diehl
Producer: Gary Lucchesi
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Release:
Mar 10, 2009
Reviews for Primal Fear
its heroes only heroes because they believe in order and not because they're capable of order's championing or restoration.
Helped greatly by excellent performances from both of the film's leads, as well as the rounded supporting cast.
The plot is engaging, the cast is exceptional, and Hoblit moves things along in commendably straightforward fashion. Very entertaining.
Exhibits many of the genre's common weaknesses, but the fine acting of Edward Norton, Laura Linney and Richard Gere enables us to forgive them.
Unfortunately, Primal Fear hasn't aged well; there are wrinkles and pockmarks all over its face.
Latest News for Primal Fear
April 15, 2008:
Film Rights to William Diehl's 27 Acquired ![]()
27, a World War II thriller written by late Sharky's Machine and Primal Fear author William Diehl, is headed to the screen. More...
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