PRIMAL FEAR
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1996 Ben Hoffman
Not being in the legal profession I am hardly in a position to comment on the antics of the attorneys in PRIMAL FEAR. I doubt that lawyers visit the murder location looking for clues; they have investigators for that. But as sheer entertainment this is the film to see. For one thing, Richard Geer has never been as charming, ingratiating and just a pleasure to watch in his role of a hotshot lawyer more interested in seeing his picture on the cover of a magazine than in defending a client . . . until he comes across Aaron-Roy who is accused of murdering a very prominent Catholic churchman, the Archbishop of Chicago.
Martin Vail (Richard Gere) is the lawyer whose whole being is devoted to always winning, to be the most sought after attorney. Intrigued by the young man (Edward Norton) accused of the murder and whom everyone believes is the killer, he decides to take the case without a fee. Thus begins a film that has more twists and turns, ups and downs, all tense and exciting, than a roller coaster ride. You will love every surprise, of which there are enough for several films. One of my favorites scenes is the very last when Vail is about to leave the courthouse and sees through the door the crowd of newspeople and photographers waiting for him. I thought it was a great touch that packed a big exclamation mark on an already stirring film.
Mention should be made of the great casting by Deborah Aquila and Jan Shannon, a category I have never previously mentioned. Janet Venable (Laura Linney) is the prosecuting attorney who once was "very close" to Vail and may still wish for a closer relationship is exciting in and out the courtroom. Alfre Woodard, a fine actress, is perfect as the judge.. There is Andre Braugher (Tommy Goodman) as Vail's investigator, John Mahoney and Frances McDormand, all turning in excellent performances. Wow!
Directed by Gregory Hoblet
3.5 Bytes
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Ben Hoffman
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