Primal Fear
Sooner or later a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.
Guilty? Innocent? Those questions aren't for high-powered Chicago attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) to decide. His job is to defend--especially if a case will put his name in the headlines and further his career.
When Vail hears that a penniless altar boy (Edward Norton) is accused of murdering the local archbishop, he snaps up the case, eager for the media spotlight. Little does he know that it will uncover a viper's nest of corruption, pit him against a prosecutor who's his ex-lover, and test all his skills, judgment and even his win-at-any-cost attitude.
Member Reviews
Primal Fear - oldmovies
Norton and Gere are awesome. A younger Edward Norton is especially fun to watch. Laura Linney is also exceptional and gives a tremendous performance. This movie fearures a fast-paced storyline with a jaw-dropping ending. The audience is smarter now, so Primal Fear may be a little too predictable for some. But, as one of those movies you forgot about or missed, it is a good choice.A breakthrough for Norton - Poet
This film accomplished an amazing feat. I started watchong very late last night and I was sure I wouldn't be able to finish it. Well, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through.
What made this movie for me was Edward Norton's performance. What a breakthrough for the career he had after that. Amazing acting work.Sooner or later a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real!, - JulioSof
For some reason, the year 1996 had a lot of great dramatic movies... taking place right in the courthouse. The Juror(Demi Moore), Sleepers(Brad Pitt), and A Time To Kill(Matthew McConaughey)... all are great little gems. However, I do think Primal Fear has an edge over every one of them.
Edward Norton... in his first breakthrough performance gave that extra edge, that's continuing to still put this movie on the map today. Giving a stunning stuttering character that you seriously wanted to care for and listen to... being charged with murder wondering how? Edward Norton within the next three years did Rounders(Matt Damon), American History X(Edward Furlong), and Fight Club(Brad Pitt). Films you got to see of his that shows you how far his talent extends.
Richard Gere... an actor with a smile that easily gets your attention. With all of the love stories he has been in such as An Officer And A Gentleman, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Unfaithful, and Shall We Dance... it's great to see him be serious and suspenseful. As Norton's Lawyer, you get a lot of conversations between the two that when the end finally does happen... the two actors leave you filled with disbelief.
Laura Linney... not a huge actress with only a handful of movies to love. The Truman Show(Jim Carrey), and The Life of David Gale(Kevin Spacey) being two of those movies. As the Lawyer going against Norton, and close friend Richard Gere... her determination of getting a conviction is shown nicely, especially when she's grilling Edward Norton.
Frances McDormand(Fargo), John Mahoney(Say Anything...), Terry O'Quinn(Stepfather), Andre Braugher(Glory), Jon Seda(Selena), and Steven Bauer(Scarface). A spectacular supporting cast who you do get to see a lot of, more than just some minute cameo.
Gregory Hoblit, the director does deserve a lot more credit for this film. After Primal Fear his first movie, he went to direct three other rare little flicks such as Fallen(Denzel Washington), Frequency
Member Reviews
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Primal Fear - oldmovies
Norton and Gere are awesome. A younger Edward Norton is especially fun to watch. Laura Linney is also exceptional and gives a tremendous performance. This movie fearures a fast-paced storyline with a jaw-dropping ending. The audience is smarter now, so Primal ...A breakthrough for Norton - Poet
This film accomplished an amazing feat. I started watchong very late last night and I was sure I wouldn't be able to finish it. Well, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through.
What made this movie for me was Edward Norton's performance. What ...Sooner or later a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real!, - JulioSof
For some reason, the year 1996 had a lot of great dramatic movies... taking place right in the courthouse. The Juror(Demi Moore), Sleepers(Brad Pitt), and A Time To Kill(Matthew McConaughey)... all are great little gems. However, I do think Primal Fear has ...