On my first day of law school my professor says two things....First, from this day forward when your Mother says "I love You" get a second opinion...Second, if you want justice, go to a Whore House, If you want to get Fucked, go to Court.

Those are the words of Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a high-profile, handsome Chicago defense attorney to his friend/journalist, Jack Connerman (Reg Rogers) as they sit in an upscale pub having a drink. While attending a benefit dinner later in the evening it becomes apparent that Martin is well-known and an important figure among the elite upper-class society. He thrives on publicity and fame. His picture graces the most recent edition of a popular magazine. He represents only the clients that could further his own reputation and inevitably provide greater recognition for himself. He is drawn to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) just like a fly into a spiders web.

The ArchBishop Richard Rushman (Stanley Anderson) is dead. His entire body is covered with 78 stab wounds and there are symbols engraved into his skin. Bloody footprints leave a trail across the carpeting and the lacy white curtains are streaked with the red stains. A blood-covered young man is seen running from the area and the police give chase. He is breathing heavily and narrowly misses being hit by a train as he runs across the tracks. He is found moments later, curled into a fetal position in a hole underneath those tracks.

This chase has been witnessed by the community as news reports aired the story live. Martin was watching, also. He sees a highly sensational case in the making and offers his services pro bono to a young man already being referred to as "The Butcher Boy of St. Mikes".

Nineteen year old Aaron Stampler is a quiet, soft-spoken Kentucky boy with a stuttering problem. As Martin questions him, he answers politely with "Yes Sirs" and "No Sirs". He tells Martin that the archbishop was like a father to him...that he took Aaron in when he was homeless. He sincerely and emphatically states that he could never hurt the archbishop. He also admits that he "loses time" now and then...that he will blackout. The cynical and somewhat jaded Martin begins to feel pangs of empathy for this young man and believes his story that he saw another person....a shadowy figure...kneeling over the dead archbishops' body. Although Martin had taken this case assuming that it would be short, sweet, and news-worthy, he is now wondering if he may actually have a client that deserves his very best defense.

The Prosecuting Attorney in the case, Janet Venable (Laura Linney), is also Martins' ex-lover. She and Martin were co-workers in the States Attorney Office, prior to his leaving his position. They verbally spar over the details of the case and over their past relationship. She will fight tooth-and-nail for a guilty conviction for Aaron Stampler. Her boss, John Shaughnessy, (John Mahoney), the States' Prosecuting Attorney for the past 15 years, has his own hidden agenda for wanting this case completed as quickly as possible.

Martin brings a psychologist, Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) into the case to provide a complete mental evaluation of his client. Her discovery could change everything for both Martin and for Aaron. A defendant cannot change his/her plea to insanity in mid-trial.

There is much more to this story before it reaches its' finale. A pornographic videotape is introduced into evidence, as well as some financial records that could implicate some "higher officials". And a revelation that will shake Martin to his very core...
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The brilliant performance by Edward Norton is the key ingredient that keeps Primal Fear from being just any other courtroom drama. In this, his film debut, he appears to be a seasoned veteran on the screen. He plays an endearing, sympathetic, yet frightening character that will remain in your mind long after the movie has ended.

There is a rather sinister undertone in the film as it delves into politics and corruption within the church. The psychological interaction amongst the main players is interesting to watch. The editing of some of the courtroom scenes is extremely well done. There have been many times that a movie has lost my interest when these types of scenes become long and drawn out. In Primal Fear, the elements that are essential to the story are told clearly and concisely and at a quick pace. The ending has an unusual twist that was certainly unpredictable.

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The Credits
*Producer Gary Lucchesi has worked with Richard Gere on several previous endeavors, including Runaway Bride (1999), Autumn in New York (2000) and The Mothman Prophecies (2002).
*Director Gregory Hoblit is most well known for his achievements on the television series "Hill Street Blues" (1981), "L.A. Law" (1986), and NYPD Blue (1993). He is also credited with a favorite film of mine, Frequency (2000).
*Cinematographer Michael Chapman was nominated for the Oscar in Best Cinematography for both Raging Bull (1980) and The Fugitive (1993).
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The Cast
*Martin Vail - Richard Gere played the title role in "American Gigolo" in 1980 which established him as a major star. He followed up 2 years later with the very successful "An Officer and a Gentleman" in 1982. He captured many womens' hearts as the hero-on-a-white-horse, Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman (1990).
*Janet Venable - Laura Linney will appear with Richard Gere again in The Mothman Prophecies (2002) as Connie Parker. The two of them have a certain chemistry that works very well on the screen.
*Aaron Stampler/Roy - Edward Norton won the Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for his portrayal of Aaron Stampler. He does an outstanding job in this film. He will go on to play Narrator in Fight Club (1999) with Brad Pitt, and will also be seen in the upcoming The Italian Job with Charlie Croker, which is scheduled to be released at the end of next month (May, 2003).
*Dr. Molly Arrington - Frances McDormand is the psychologist on the case. In 1997 she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in Fargo (1996) which had been released less than a month before Primal Fear. A very busy lady, indeed.
*Some of the remaining members of the cast include Maura Tierney (Liar, Liar - 1997), as Naomi Chance, Martins' secretary; Andre Braugher City of Angels (1998) as Tommy Goodman, Martins' investigative assistant; John Mahoney (Frasier), as John Shaughnessy, the States Prosecuting Attorney; and Alfre Woodard Down in the Delta (1998) as Judge Miriam Shoat.
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Final Thoughts
The first time that I watched Primal Fear, I decided then and there that this was a "buy"...I wanted it in my collection. It has just enough mystery, just enough suspense and just enough intrigue to keep your attention. The only drawback is that I had to cover Skeeters' eyes when the pornographic video was shown....he is infatuated with Lassie enough already....he's much too young for a sex-education class!




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age