Review of Doubt (2008) by Asif K — 19 Aug 2011

EDITED.

When the principal (Meryl Streep) of a Bronx Catholic High School accuses a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of pedophilia, a young nun caught in between the feuding pair becomes hopelessly swept up in the ensuing controversy. 1964, St. Nicholas, the Bronx: The winds of change are sweeping through this tight-knit religious community, and charismatic priest Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is doing his best to adapt by revisiting the school's notoriously strict disciplinary practices. Unfortunately Father Flynn's progressive ideas stand in stark contrast to the longstanding beliefs of Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron-willed principal, who believes that an oppressive environment of punishment and fear is the only way to keep the student body in line. Suddenly into this tempestuous environment appears young Donald Miller, St. Nicholas' first black student. When hopeful innocent Sister James (Amy Adams) reluctantly reveals to Sister Beauvier that Father Flynn and Donald have been spending an unusual amount of time together in the church rectory, the unrelentingly righteous headmistress begins a merciless crusade to reveal the beloved clergyman as a lecherous child molester and have him permanently expunged from the school. Yet despite her moral certainty that Father Flynn has committed such an unspeakable transgression, Sister Beauvier has not a shred of actual evidence to back up her audacious claim. Now, as Sister Beauvier and Father Flynn enter into an epic battle of wills, the shock waves set into motion by their explosive confrontation threaten to destroy one man's reputation and tear apart the entire surrounding community. John Patrick Shanley adapted his own play for the screen under the guidance of producer Scott Rudin (The Queen, Notes on a Scandal).

Starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis and others.

Directed by John Patrick Shanley who just directed one movie before Doubt, Joe Versus the Volcano while he Originally wrote move Moonstruck for which he won an Oscar.

Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress in a lead role Meryl Streep, Actor in a supporting role Philip Seymour Hoffman, actress in a supporting role Amy Adams and Actress in a supporting role Viola Davis.

Really a simple word it is Doubt but so many things can evolve and happen due to this simple word. brilliantly written movie it was. I think this movie belongs to the actors without a Doubt. such powerhouse astonishing and mindblowing performances from the cast. movie revolves around a Catholic school where the principal Sister Aloysius Beauvie played by Meryl accuses a priest Father Flynn played by Philip of Pedophilia. Sister James played by Amy Adams is a teacher who hints that a black student from her class and Father Flynn spends some unusual time together. Viola Davis plays the mother of the child. a kind of war begins between the two. Father Flynn has his own principles that has underlying modernism in it with which the old principled and strong strict nun disagrees with. it is a captivating movie with some intense moments and performances.

Direction was good he adapted his own play, I must say it could have been better. play and a movie are two different things. still well done. screenplay was really good that was something he did perfectly. John Patrick Shanley the writer was much better than John Patrick Shanley the director. good cinematography and art direction and costumes. editing lacked a bit. movie has an intense chilling feel to it which makes it better.

As I said this movie belongs to the actors. the 4 actors did a mindblowing job with diverse characters in a one setting place. I loved each and every performance. Meryl took the lead, she was brilliant as usual. Amy was surprisingly good, Viola in a few minutes appearance was excellent was Phillip was much more believable in his character. tour de force and a triumph of performances. hands down.

Many intense dialogues and conversations makes it more excellent. those many moments of talking and fights were really well shown. one of the best movies of 2008 that had some minor flaws.