Primal Fear

Primal Fear is a 1996 motion picture which tells a story of a defense attorney (Richard Gere) who defends an alter boy (Edward Norton) charged with the murder of a Catholic archbishop. Filled with twists and turns, this adaptation of William Diehl's novel boasts stellar performances that make this movie a memorable courtroom thriller. Norton was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his career-launching role.</p>

Martin Vail (Gere) is Boston's most famous defense attorney, known for getting acquittals for the most unpopular defendants--and so jumps at the chance to represent Aaron Stampler (Norton), a young alter boy accused of murdering the city's sainted archbishop. At first only in it for the publicity, Vail actually begins to care about his emotionally damaged client when he uncovers some of the archbishop's (very) dirty secrets, involving sexual abuse and worse. When Stampler reveals a darker side, however, Vail finds himself facing a much more difficult case.</p>

The film also stars Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, and Frances McDormand. It was directed by Gregory Hoblit. The running time is 130 minutes.