Primal Fear (1996)
Average Rating: 6.7/10
Reviews Counted: 43
Fresh: 32 | Rotten: 11
A straightforward, entertaining thriller with a crackerjack performance by Edward Norton.
Average Rating: 7.3/10
Critic Reviews: 6
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 2
A straightforward, entertaining thriller with a crackerjack performance by Edward Norton.
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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 62,332
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Movie Info
A high-profile slaying becomes the case of an ambitious attorney's career in this legal thriller based on the novel by William Diehl. Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a famed defense lawyer who volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop. Covered with blood, Aaron was captured after a foot chase broadcast live on TV, making a gleeful Vail certain that he could raise his profile by defending the obviously guilty
Apr 5, 1996 Wide
Oct 20, 1998
Paramount Pictures
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Cast
-
Richard Gere
Martin Vail -
Laura Linney
Janet Venable -
John Mahoney
John Shaughnessy -
Edward Norton
Aaron Stampler -
Frances McDormand
Dr. Molly Arrington -
Alfre Woodard
Judge Miriam Shoat -
Stanley Anderson
Archbishop Rushman -
Mike Bacarella
Sergeant -
Steven Bauer
Joey Pinero -
Andre Braugher
Tommy Goodman -
Tony Fitzpatrick
Duty Officer -
Terry O'Quinn
Bud Yancy -
Tony Plana
Martinez -
Brian Reddy
Woodside -
Joseph R. Ryan
Old Man -
Jon Seda
Alex -
Joe Spano
Strenner -
Maura Tierney
Naomi Chance -
Kenneth Tigar
Weil -
-
Wendy Cutler
Lou -
Robert "R.J." Jordan
WGN Anchor -
Peter Schreiner
Bailiff -
Reg Rogers
Jack Connerman -
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All Critics (58) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (12) | DVD (16)
...a solid drama that's elevated on an all-too-consistent basis by Norton's impressively hypnotic work.
Edward Norton became an instant star after making a splashy, Oscar-nominated performance in this well-executed horror thriller.
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]
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.
...you might find yourself guessing to the very last and being surprised, anyway. I hope that's the case. (Blu-ray Edition)
The plot is engaging, the cast is exceptional, and Hoblit moves things along in commendably straightforward fashion. Very entertaining.
The 'hard evidence edition' of Primal Fear was released simultaneously on standard DVD and Blu-ray, with both versions offering a nice batch of extras.
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.
Ed Norton is out of this world in his break-out performance.
Audience Reviews for Primal Fear
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Latest News on Primal Fear
April 15, 2008:
Film Rights to William Diehl's 27 Acquired27, a World War II thriller written by late Sharky's Machine and Primal Fear author William Diehl,...
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