"Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real."
Budget:$30,000,000
Revenue:$102,616,183
Release:3/6/1996
Genres:Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Original language:English
Spoken languages:English | Spanish
Countries:United States of America
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.… Expand
I was never the greatest fan of Richard Gere, but this is certainly one of his better performances. He is cocky lawyer "Vail", adept at ensuring his criminal fraternity clients evade justice. When the shocking news that an archbishop has been savagely murdered is announced, he decides on a bit of pro-bono work to defend the young "Aaron" (Ed Norton) against the prosecuting skills of his ex-girlfriend "Janet" (Laura Linney). As the courtroom drama unfolds, though, we soon establish that there are undertones that call into question not just who did what to whom, but also the integrity of the victim and of many of his well-connected associates. The film belongs to Norton, though. As his character develops, with the assistance of probing psychologist "Molly" (Frances McDormand), we discover that there are quirks to his character that this actor delivers superbly. So much falls into place in the last ten minutes, or so, before a denouement that is both unexpected and perversely quite fitting. It is a bit too long, and takes maybe half an hour before it starts to simmer; but once the plot starts to advance in earnest, this becomes a superior crime thriller with twists, turns and strong performances throughout.… Expand
80%
RalphRahal
Created:12/14/2024
Updated:12/16/2024
Primal Fear is a masterclass in tension, turning a courtroom drama into a high-stakes thriller under Gregory Hoblit’s sharp direction.
Then there’s Edward Norton, in his very first role, who makes such an impression it’s no surprise he went on to win over 15 awards including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Playing Aaron, a timid altar boy with hidden depths. Richard Gere holds his own as the slick defense lawyer, Norton’s layered acting and the intense chemistry between them make this movie unforgettable.
Primal Fear goes beyond a typical courtroom drama, serving up suspense, stellar performances, and production.… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
70%
JPV852
Created:9/22/2025
Updated:9/22/2025
Solid enough court room crime drama featuring good performances all around but especially Edward Norton in his breakout role. Loved the music and score and found myself entertained by the twisted murder. I think it could've been better but still a good film. **3.5/5**… Expand
90%
Dr_Nostromo
Created:12/21/2025
Updated:12/21/2025
92/100
Easily included in my Top 5 Legal Thrillers of All Time, this is an exquisitely well-written story of Aaron, a young man who was present during the slaughter of an archbishop but insists he blacked out and doesn't remember anything. Looking for more fame, Attorney Martin Vail takes the case free. What follows is a fascinating ride that takes us though homicide, political corruption, sex abuse, gangsters, madness and a twist ending that is profound and shocking. Edward Norton is absolutely stellar as Aaron and everyone else is fantastic. Must see! -- DrNostromo.com… Expand
Paramount PicturesUnited States of America
Rysher EntertainmentUnited States of America
