Rent Primal Fear on Amazon Video (paid link) // Buy the book (paid link)
Written by: William Diehl (novel), Steve Shagan and Ann Biderman (screenplay)
Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Terry O'Quinn, Andre Braugher, Steven Bauer, Maura Tierney, Jon Seda
Rated: R
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Plot
A high-profile murder intrigues a publicity hungry lawyer.
Verdict
It's a competent court room thriller with a phenomenal performance by Norton. A lawyer seeking free press initially believes his client, willing to go to any length for justice despite the insurmountable odds. His case gets a big break, and even then it comes down to one desperate last ditch effort. The lawyer beats the odds and wins the case, but what's the cost? It's the conclusion that makes this movie, elevating the entire film with just one scene. This case isn't what anyone thought.
Watch It.
Review
This was Ed Norton's film debut. Leonardo DiCaprio was offered the role but declined.
High priced lawyer Martin Vail (Richard Gere) creates his own truth to free his clients. When a Catholic bishop is murdered and an altar boy is the main suspect, Vail sees an opportunity for free advertising. This case, and thus his name will be all over the news. The press is worth more than what he would have been paid.
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| Richard Gere, Edward Norton play Martin Vail, Aaron Stampler |
While Aaron (Edward Norton) is arrested as the main suspect, confirmed present at the scene, even Vail is surprised at Aaron's seeming innocence. Vail promises he'll take the case pro bono and get him out. Aaron is nineteen, but he might as well be twelve. He's scared and lost. He admits to Vail that he was present at the bishop's murder, but a third person was also in the room. Aaron blacked out which he claims happens frequently. What really happened?
Vail's associates tell him the case is terrible. Aaron's story sounds completely fabricated. Even then Vail is arrogant enough to think he can still win. This difficult case takes a turn when a psychologist Vail hires suspects Aaron may have an alternate personality called Roy. Norton does a great job as two different people. Vail can't change the plea to insanity as the case has already begun, so he has to figure out how to introduce that piece of evidence to win the case despite it seeming that Aaron's alternate personality may have committed the crime. While Vail's neurologist testifies, it doesn't go well.
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| Edward Norton plays Aaron Stampler |
Everyone in the courtroom but Vail and his neurologist thinks his defense is a joke. In one last desperate attempt Vail antagonizes Aaron, hoping he'll turn into Roy on the stand as a defense mechanism. The case ultimately goes in Vail's favor and the judge rules insanity. Aaron will be out soon enough, but that's not the end.
As Vail leaves the courthouse, he has one last conversation with Aaron that changes everything. It's this conclusion that makes the movie. The rest of it isn't bad, but it's a standard court room drama.
SPOILERS
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