Primal Fear
1996 · Movie · 2h 10m · R
CrimeDramaMysteryThriller
"Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real."
Overview
Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.
Ratings
IMDb
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
77%
Metacritic
47/100
Key crew
- James Newton HowardOriginal Music Composer
- Gregory HoblitDirector
- Steve ShaganScreenplay
- Ann BidermanScreenplay
Cast
- Richard GereMartin Vail
- Laura LinneyJanet Venable
- Edward NortonAaron/Roy Stampler
- John MahoneyShaughnessy
- Alfre WoodardShoat
- Frances McDormandMolly
- Terry O'QuinnYancy
- Andre BraugherGoodman
- Steven BauerPinero
- Joe SpanoStenner
- Tony PlanaMartinez
- Stanley AndersonRushman
Stills
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Themes
chicago, illinoisdeath penaltychild abusecorruptionbased on novel or bookcourt casecourtpsychopathbishopmanipulationpornographic videolawyer