Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.
Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Writers: Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman, William Diehl
NetflixI 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 de…
Primal Fear is a masterclass in tension, turning a courtroom drama into a high-stakes thriller under Gregory Hoblit’s sharp direction. Then there’s Edward Norton, in his very first role, who makes such an impression it’s no surprise he went on to win over 15 awards including a…
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**
92/100 Easily included in my Top 5 Legal Thrillers of All Time, this is an exquisitely well-written story of Aaron, a young man who was present during the slaughter of an archbishop but insists he blacked out and doesn't remember anything. Looking for more fame, Attorney Marti…
Summary: 8/10: a tightly constructed thriller anchored by two exceptional performances, with twists that genuinely surprise and a darkness that lingers long after the credits roll. The narrative is superb. This is an awesome courtroom drama with twists and turns that keep the…
