Primal Fear
Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.
Overview
An arrogant, high-powered attorney takes on the case of a poor altar boy found running away from the scene of the grisly murder of the bishop who has taken him in. The case gets a lot more complex when the accused reveals that there may or may not have been a third person in the room.
Backdrop
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Zwielicht
"Ein Mann mit zwei Gesichtern wird früher oder später vergessen, welches sein wahres ist."
Português
PT
Title: A Raíz do Medo
"Grandes segredos podem surgir de onde menos se espera."
Türkçe
TR
Title: İlk Korku
"İki yüzlü bir adam er ya da geç hangisinin gerçek olduğunu unutur."
Italiano
IT
Title: Schegge di paura
"Presto o tardi un uomo che indossa due facce dimentica qual'è quella vera."
Français
FR
Title: Peur primale
"En matière de justice, l'important n'est pas d'avoir tort ou raison. C'est de gagner. À tout prix."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
I 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 decides on a bit of pro-bono work to defend the young "Aaron" (Ed Norton) against the prosecuting skills of his ex-girlfriend "Janet" (Laura Linney). As the courtroom drama unfolds, though, we soon establish that there are undertones that call into question not just who did what to whom, but also the integrity of the victim and of many of his well-connected associates. The film belongs to Norton, though. As his character develops, with the assistance of probing psychologist "Molly" (Frances McDormand), we discover that there are quirks to his character that this actor delivers superbly. So much falls into place in the last ten minutes, or so, before a denouement that is both unexpected and perversely quite fitting. It is a bit too long, and takes maybe half an hour before it starts to simmer; but once the plot starts to advance in earnest, this becomes a superior crime thriller with twists, turns and strong performances throughout.
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 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Playing Aaron, a timid altar boy with hidden depths. Richard Gere holds his own as the slick defense lawyer, Norton’s layered acting and the intense chemistry between them make this movie unforgettable.
Primal Fear goes beyond a typical courtroom drama, serving up suspense, stellar performances, and production.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1996
Edward Norton