Film 16/52: Primal Fear (1996)


We hadn't seen Primal Fear since our first theatrical screening back in 1996, and we had enjoyed it enough that I bought it when it was first released on DVD. I had since upgraded to the inexpensive Blu Ray (yes, one of the reasons we're on this magical journey is because I often upgrade films that I own but haven't yet watched if the price is right and/or the extra features warrant it), and while considering our 'P' options for this series, it jumped off the shelf. 

I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it, but it is one of those films that, once you know what happens, you'll never watch the film the same way again. In some films that can be a drawback, particularly if what occurs that makes the film memorable is the only thing that makes the film memorable. Fortunately, in the case of this courtroom thriller, there's enough beyond that to provide an entertaining experience. Edward Norton gives a fantastic performance in his first feature film role as a seemingly slow drifter taken under an archbishop's wing to become a choirboy, who then, by all appearances, chops up the archbishop. Richard Gere plays a hot-shot defense attorney who volunteers to take the case, pro-bono, because he loves being in the limelight. He's appropriately sleazy, but at the same time, champions the notion that all defendants are entitled to a defense; guilt or innocence notwithstanding. 

It has a great cast, so it was fun seeing everyone who turns up in the film. Laura Linney, as Gere's former colleague and object if his affection (who wants to have nothing to do with him), is handed the prosecution of the case. John Mahoney is Linney's boss, who apparently has interests which would give him a motive in the archbishop's murder. The supporting cast includes a lot of great talents, including Terry (The Stepfather) O'Quinn, Frances McDormand, Andre Braugher, Maura Tierney and Kenneth (Phantasm II) Tigar. 

The film has all the requisite twists and turns you would expect from this kind of thriller, and all the courtroom theatrics that, while they may not play out in real courtrooms, make Hollywood courtroom dramas so entertaining. It was certainly fun to revisit, and the disc looks and sounds great — including the James Newton Howard score — in Dolby TrueHD. I will say that it does lack a bit of the punch that it has on the first viewing, and it's not really one of those films where you find yourself on subsequent viewings looking for hints or clues that will tip you off about what you now know is coming. The information is there, but only on page 122 of the script. Still, it's definitely worth checking out if you've never seen it, and we found it to be an enjoyable re-watch as part of our 52 Pick-Up series. 


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