Review of Primal Fear

PRIMAL FEAR was a surprisingly effective courtroom drama which will always have a place in history because of the electrifying performance from Edward Norton in his first major role. Norton is nothing short of astonishing as a former Chicago alter boy who has been accused of murdering a celebrated priest with a checkered past. Richard Gere has one of his best roles as Martin Vale, an arrogant yet capable attorney who agrees to defend Norton because of what the victory would do for his resume more than belief in the young man's innocence. It is the complicated twist and turns of the trial, Gere's surprisingly solid interpretation of a rather complex character and most of all, the amazing performance of Edward Norton, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor that, that make this film sizzle. Mention should also be made for a strong supporting cast including Laura Linney as the prosecuting attorney and former protégé of Vale's, Alfre Woodard as the judge, Frances McDormand as a court-appointed therapist, and Andre Braugher as Vale's leg man. Steve Shagan's solid screenplay and Gregory Hoblit's uncompromising direction are the final touches on one of the better courtroom dramas of the 90's but what you really go away from this film remembering above all else is the performance by Edward Norton that made him a star.