Review of Primal Fear (1996) by Erin D — 11 Mar 2015

"Primal Fear" does have a few notable things in the movie that makes it entertaining as a mystery thriller and a courtroom drama. First, it is one of Richard Gere's best roles. Second, it is a terrific acting debut for actor Edward Norton (Who got an Oscar Nomination for his excellent supporting performance). Third, it is a strong credible debut for tv director Gregory Hoblit (Fallen, Frequency, Hart's War). It is a intelligent thriller that is extremely well acted by its cast (Some of the actors in supporting roles like John Mahoney, Maria Tierney and Andre Braugher are well known on TV shows). It has some genuine if nasty surprises in its storytelling.

Martin Vail (Gere) is a famed defense lawyer, who doesn't care the person, who he défends are guilty or not. When a famous Chicago Archbishop (Stanley Anderson) is murder brutally in his room. Mr. Vail decides to take the case for free to defend Aaron Stampler (Norton), a mysterious oddball teenager from Kentucky. Which Aaron was covered in blood and he was running away from the crime scene. Which Aaron seems to be close with the Archbishop. But Mr. Vail finds out slowly, there is more than meets the eye with the recently killed Archbishop, since it involves corruption and more. While Aaron turns out to be a much more trouble and disturbed Young man, since he might suffer from multiple personality disorder.

"Primal Fear" does have an lot of plot going for over two hours. Most of the storylines do pay off but there is at least, one subplot between Mr. Vail and the corrupt state's attorney John Shaughnessy (Played by Mahoney) seems to belong in a different movie for a bit and it does takes out of the film. That is probably the only real flaw in this picture. Looking at the Blu-ray special features, the original cut of the movie runs over three hours, there was one big subplot removed from the movie involving Aaron's past, which it had charactor actor Wendy Crewson playing Aaron's former teacher got deleted from the final cut. I would love to see those deleted scènes, one day but it is doubtful.

"Primal Fear" features fine actors in it (Laura Linney, who is also quite good as Vail's former girlfriend, who happens to be an Assistant District Attorney and Oscar-Winner:Frances McDormand also appears in a small memorable part as a psychologist). It is certainly Worth seeing for the talent involved. Norton has some chilling moments in it. The twist at the finale might be disappointing for some tastes but in repeated viewings, the ending does gets more sastifying.

"Primal Fear" is certainly unpleasent thriller but it is clever, it has some dark twists and it is more than memorable, thanks to a sharp cast and good direction by Hoblit. Grade:A-.