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Primal Fear (1996)
Release Year: 1996
Nation: United States of America
Alternative Title: N/A
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Writer: Ann Biderman, Steve Shagan
Production & Genre
Producer(s):
Companies: Paramount Pictures, Rysher Entertainment
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Awards & Similar
Awards: N/A
Similar:
Keywords
Keywords: altar boy, based on novel or book, bishop, chicago, illinois, child abuse, corruption, court, court case, lawyer, legal drama, legal thriller, manipulation, mental illness, murder trial, pornographic video, psychiatrist, psychopath, whodunit
Story
In 'Primal Fear,' an altar boy named Aaron Stampler is accused of brutally murdering his benefactor, Archbishop Rushman. Arrogant and high-powered lawyer Martin Vail takes on Aaron's case pro bono, driven by a desire to prove his own theories about mental illness in the courtroom. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that there may be more to Aaron than meets the eye. Aaron claims he suffered from multiple personalities, including one named 'Roy,' who he says committed the murder. Psychiatrist Dr. Molly Arkin is brought in to evaluate Aaron's mental state. Meanwhile, Detective Phil Daquad, who initially arrested Aaron, begins to uncover evidence suggesting that Aaron may not have acted alone.
Summary
'Primal Fear' is a legal thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit and released in 1996. Based on the novel of the same name by William Diehl, the film stars Edward Norton as the troubled altar boy Aaron Stampler, and Richard Gere as his defense lawyer Martin Vail. The story unfolds during Aaron's murder trial for the killing of Archbishop Rushman, with the plot centering around the question of Aaron's mental state and whether he acted alone. The film explores themes of manipulation, power dynamics between lawyers and clients, and the complex nature of mental illness.
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