PRIMAL FEAR
Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand
Paramount Pictures; Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Rated R; 130 minutes; 1996
A religious mystery threatens to rock the local church with scandal. Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), an altar boy, is accused of brutally murdering a Chicago archbishop. Ambitious attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) jumps at the chance to defend Aaron in this high profile case. Martin’s ex-flame, Janet Venable (Laura Linney), is the prosecutor in this intense courtroom drama.
AWARDS
GOLDEN GLOBES FOR 1996 - WINNER
For Best Supporting Actor: Edward Norton
REVIEWS
"Prepare for a primal jolt. I’ll do you a favor and not even hint at the genuinely shocking twist."
- Guy Flatley, COSMOPOLITAN
"
**** One of Richard Gere’s best performances ever. To give away the ending should be a felony."- John Corcoran, KCAL-TV
"A first-rate thriller! Spellbinding, heart-stopping suspense!"
- Ron Brewington, AMERICAN URBAN RADIO
"A riveting, smart thriller that keeps you guessing. Richard Gere is superb."
- Veronica Mixon, PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE
"A classic sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense film with a brilliant double-twist ending."
- Paul Wunder, WBAI-FM
"PRIMAL FEAR is riveting. Will keep you guessing right up until the end."
- Sara Edwards, NBC-TV
"A mesmerizing mystery! An awesome ending!"
- George Pennacchio, CBS-TV
"A tense thriller."
- Bruce Williamson, PLAYBOY