Defense attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) is wildly successful, in part because he courts fame in the media. When an Archbishop is murdered, he immediately decides to defend the accused killer: altar boy Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton). Soon, though, Martin realizes this case is the fight of his career, with his ex-flame (Laura Linney) leading the prosecution and stunning secrets being revealed at every turn. Just when he thinks the key to winning is in his hands, however, Martin is presented with the most shocking twist of all.

CRITIQUE

For a long time now, the courtroom drama has been merged with the thriller onscreen and the legal thriller is now a strong sub-genre of it’s own. In many cases, books, like those of John Grisham and William Diehl, provide the source material. This film, for example, is based on a book by Diehl. Primal Fear elevates above most of the thriller genre with its unpredictable narrative, strong direction, and stunning performances.

The script is a central concern in a film like this, when the story has to generate excitement but still be believable. Touching as it does on the issues of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and the media’s fixation on grisly cases, the script feels both timely and a bit prescient. It’s mature, as well, definitely for adults only, which is appropriate for this type of film. Solid plotting makes the narrative hum along well, too. The subplot that involves city officials’ financial dealings with the Church doesn’t take anything away from the main plot, it just adds another layer. Plus, the subtext of the romantic past between Marty and his ex, Janet, lends a ripe crackle to their scenes together. And just wait until you see that ending!

Of course, the talents of Richard Gere and Laura Linney make up no small part of this success. Gere is perfectly cast and this qualifies as one of his best performances. Linney, meanwhile, practically creates the strong female lawyer here. As far as the cast goes, though, what overshadows all else is the debut, Oscar-nominated performance by Norton. More than one moment here hinges on his getting it right, and he does. Revelatory is the only word for it. Added to all this are actors of the caliber of Andre Braugher, Maura Tierney, and John Mahoney in small roles.

Hoblit shows his skills as a director from the very beginning, nicely placing voice-over from Gere over the start of the credits and using good overlays in the rest of the credits. He utilizes an excellent shot variety, while also staging the scenes adeptly. The performances in Primal Fear, particularly Edward Norton’s, are only one of it’s highlights because the script and direction are also thrilling.

THE VIDEO

Paramount presents Primal Fear in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer is mostly free of glitches, and the color is preserved quite well.

THE AUDIO

Paramount presents Primal Fear in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. French and Spanish language tracks are also available in the same format. Optional subtitles are provided for all three languages.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary: Director Hoblit, writer Ann Biderman, producers Gary Lucchesi and Hawk Koch, and casting director Deborah Aquila all join together for a track. This group works well together, discussing a variety of things without talking over each other a lot. The viewer learns which scenes were actually shot on location in Chicago and which were shot elsewhere, like the Glendale, California location that stood in for a bar. We also learn that shooting the numerous courtroom scenes consisted of three cameras operating at all times, and that actors Norton and Linney prepared for their roles in cool ways- writer Biderman took Norton to talk to a psychology expert while Linney watched a top female prosecutor win a case.

Primal Fear: The Final Verdict: This retrospective doc features new interviews from cast members Norton and Linney, as well as director Hoblit and the producers and writer. The casting of Linney is nicely discussed, and viewers get a fascinating glimpse of how that final twist scene was rehearsed and filmed. Gere is notably absent, though. Definitely watch this extra.

Primal Fear- Star Witness: Casting Edward Norton: The casting of Norton, now one of those legendary Hollywood anecdotes, is detailed in this doc. Casting director Aquila talks in detail, along with Hoblit and Norton, about the long process of finding the right, new actor to play Aaron. We learn that Leonardo DiCaprio was initially first choice but turned it down. Norton’s awe at getting the audition and then the role of a lifetime with no other professional credits to his name is still palpable. Aspiring actors everywhere can take heart after watching this.

The Psychology of Guilt: A group of psychology experts discuss real-life examples of what we see in the film- the use of the not guilty by reason of insanity defense in the case of multiple personalities. The comments on the trials of would-be Reagan assassin Hinckley and the second of the Hillside Strangler defendants are fascinating. The audience see just how hard it is to fake dissociative identity disorder, or multiple personalities, today.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Primal Fear is not only a film with a mind-blowing performance from Edward Norton, it is also an engaging thriller in narrative and direction. Its memorable story will please a lot of movie-goers and this edition on DVD is given added value with a few good extras. Many film fans will want to buy this new edition of Primal Fear.