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chapter11 [ 7.5 ]
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A convincing, compelling courtroom thriller, Edward Norton (predictably) makes the biggest splash here-- upon its release, Norton, who'd never had a film role before, absolutely took charge and made this film his. It would be easy to say that leading man Richard Gere paled in comparison, and he did to the extent that his performance isn't nearly as memorable, but Gere's cocky, self-preening attitude really suits his character here, and he runs with it admirably. Rounding out the core trio of performers is Laura Linney, who has the distinction of being clinically unable to deliver a bad performance. A massive supporting cast includes a slimy John Mahoney, a sardonic Andre Braugher, and a pre-"Fargo" Frances McDormand, and they flesh out "Primal Fear"'s tangled web nicely. Given, without the strength of some of the performances, particularly Norton's and Linney's, "Primal Fear" would be dead in the water, but as is, we have a strong example of what a strong cast can bring to a production.
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kcremer [ 9.0 ]
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This is my second favorite Edward Norton movie, behind American History X. He stars as a slow-talking, stuttering altar boy accused of brutally murdering an archbishop. Richard Gere gives what I think is his best performance as a high profile lawyer who defends Norton pro-bono due to the publicity of the case.
The supporting cast is also very good, especially Laura Linney, as the prosecuting attorney (who also just happened to have had an affair with Gere in the past), and John Mahoney, from TV's Frasier. Though you will be entertained throughout the entire movie, it's the ending that makes this really worth watching.
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Stitch [ 8.0 ]
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The movie that introduced us to the brilliant Edward Norton. Not a bad Richard Gere vehicle either. Between the two of them (especially Norton) the ending became a surprise. Did he or didn't he? Good, solid suspenseful drama. Highly recommended.
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Love_Spoon [ 6.5 ]
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I've heard it said that directors and other actors jump at the chance to work with Edward Norton, and Primal Fear is a good example why. Chilling story about a high-profile slaying and the subsequent court case. Richard Gere is a famous defense lawyer who agrees to the case pro bono if nothing more for the publicity. Edward Norton is the alleged murderer, an obviously-guilty young man from Kentucky. The prosecution is happy because he's so guilty, the defense is happy because they get the publicity, but things get complicated when psychologist Frances McDormand determines that Norton suffers from multiple personality disorder. Herein lies the talent of Norton, to effectively portray someone who is exhibiting two completely different personalities. It's his acting that really makes the picture. If you're stuck in the video store, and you're not renting for anyone that freaks easily, it's worth a look.
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| Weighted Rating | : 7.1 |
| No. Ratings | : 19 | |
| No. Reviews | : 8 | |
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