1996 was a huge year for hard hitting dramas with Primal Fear and Sleepers both being released. Primal Fear is a movie that for some reason, I had never seen until recently. I had heard how great it was, but my wife being shocked that I had never seen it decided we were going to watch it. I am so glad that I had not had this movie spoiled for me in the nearly 30 years since it was released as this was truly gripping stuff.
How to Primal Fear
Primal Fear was released on April 5, 1996. You can or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the button at the end of this review and make your choice.
The Movie Review
Edward Norton’s Breakthrough Performance
I would also learn that this was the first theatrical role for Edward Norton. Edward Norton’s performance here is nothing short of staggering and it is no wonder his career took off the way that it did after this. You know, I now wonder if it was this performance that got him the roles in stuff like American History X and Fight Club.
A Gripping and Twisty Plot
I am going to try and be vague here with the plot as it does have some insane twists. The basics are that a young man called Aaron who was an alter boy for the beloved Archbishop Rushman is charged with the Archbishop’s murder. Aaros says that he did not do it, but he does have bouts of memory loss where he cannot recall what he has done or what happened to him.
Richard Gere Shines as the Defense Attorney
While this is a major red flag, celebrity hound defense attorney, Martin Vail takes the case on as he loves the spotlight. Martin is played by Richard Gear and he is captivating here as he always is. He truly is one of the all time greats and this is some of the best stuff that I have seen from him.
Laura Linney’s Strong ing Role
The case though is complicated. While Matin is the defense attorney for Aaron, he is going up against Janet Venable as the prosecutor who he had a thing with. Laura Linney plays Janet and while from what I have heard over the years it is always Edward Norton and Richard Gear getting the praise for this movie, Laura Linney is great as well.
An Intense Courtroom Drama
This is a very complicated case and it has so many twists and turns. I am not going into spoilers here, but there is some truly shocking and messed up stuff. The movie moves at a very quick pace and for such a dark and disturbing story, the just over two-hour runtime never feels like it drags.
A Must-Watch for Drama Enthusiasts
If you love court dramas and dramas that are hard-hitting, you are in for one hell of a ride with this. The ending gave me chills and it is honestly some of the best stuff that I have ever seen Edward Norton do and with a career as epic as his that is saying something. I am shocked that it took me so many years to get around to watching this, but I am glad that I did.
Paramount Plus and 4K Release
In case you are wondering, I watched this on Paramount Plus. However, I loved the movie so much that I have ordered the 4K release which I hope has some great features and extra content. I will probably wait a while to watch it again, I do wonder though now that I know the couple of big twists the movie has will the impact be as hard-hitting on a repeat viewing?
