Primal Fear (1996)

X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007

“Primal Fear” is a masterpiece. There are some things in life that you wish you could have amnesia and experience anew for the first time. For me, “Primal Fear” is one of those things.

Richard Gere plays a slick, talented, criminal defense attorney named Martin Vail. He isn’t interested in knowing whether his clients are innocent; he just wants to know if he can convince a jury that his clients are innocent.

But something bizarre happens: A well-respected Catholic Arch Bishop is murdered — brutally. An altar boy named Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) is caught fleeing the crime covered in the victim’s blood. The case seems to be closed. But the ambitious lawyer takes the case and discovers that things aren’t as they seem.

Yes, “Primal Fear” is largely a courtroom drama, perhaps the best one I’ve seen. Edward Norton’s performance is spectacular; it earned him an Academy Award nomination. (He should have won.)

Though “Primal Fear” is edited, there are images and descriptions of a gory murder scene and brief, very mild discussions of sexual activity.

There are many good movies to rent. But if you want to watch a phenomenal flick tonight, “Primal Fear” is a sure bet.

Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Richard Gere / Edward Norton / Laura Linney
129 min. Thriller / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up

DVD release date: October 21, 1998
Copyright 2007.
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