Primal Fear

If there is something perfect that deserves a five-star rating about this film, it is definitely Edward Norton's performance in the role of a man accused of murdering a celebrity. In his debut, he showed immense potential with his talent and both critics and film viewers were amazed by him. He has certainly rightfully ranked among the most significant names of his acting generation. I have no problem with Richard Gere in the lead male role either, who is, although two or three levels worse than Norton, still good enough, and above all, Gere was perfectly cast in a role that he masterfully controls, and he has experience in portraying these types of self-confident elegant characters. However, what bothers me is the screenplay. It's the typical Hollywood construction that tries to manipulate the viewer as much as possible and prepares a "shocking" twist at the very end. That is exactly what pleases many film fans on the other hand. It's not about the fact that the perpetrator plans 20 moves ahead because every top chess player does that. It's rather about the fact that the brilliant plan counts on the reaction of many involved parties, which cannot be accurately predicted in reality, and if their reactions were to deviate even slightly from the assumptions, the perpetrator would end up in the electric chair very quickly. Not to mention that according to my indirect knowledge, this is not how the American justice system truly works. Overall impression: 65%. (06/16/2010)

Although quite uninteresting thematically, in the end it is a solidly directed one-off from typical 1990s production. That is, during a time when Richard Gere was still a sensation and elegant, not playing tormented policemen or morally conflicted middle-aged men. Moreover, it is perhaps the first time that Edward Norton also appears on the big screen, playing his part phenomenally – though the entire screenplay, which relied primarily on his performance and role, was ultimately somewhat predictable. But this does not change the fact that the film is definitely worth seeing for those who enjoy lawyers and courtrooms, as there are several excellent scenes along those lines. (10/17/2010)

There's this "90's vibe" that I can't quite put a name to, but it definitely had an effect on me throughout the film. Maybe it's because the exteriors were shot a little differently back then, the soundtrack used to be more restless/nervous than bombastic, and the atmosphere could be very imaginatively evoked even just by a "nighttime run" through the backstreets of the Big Apple. I got a bit nostalgic; but now to the substance. Norton is absolutely fantastic, Gere satisfactory, Laura Linney good within reason. The script is mainly designed so that the actors have something to work with, and there's no shortage of twists and turns, which actually feel quite tidy in the end and don't necessarily feel contrived or like a bet on a "shocking denouement". Gregory Hoblit was then able to use his craftsmanship to create an extremely suspenseful courtroom drama that can be considered the pinnacle of its genre. In addition, he de facto discovered and brought to wider awareness Edward Norton, who went on to create some memorable characters in the late 1990s. For me, this is the best Hoblit. (05/04/2013)

Thanks to Norton's fascinating performances, it is a solid spectacle that disappoints in all other aspects. Gere's discussions on honor are futile, just like the courtroom scenes, and Laura Linney matures into a charismatic and likable woman several years later. Fortunately, the finale picks up momentum and reaches the ending I expected and wanted. Without moralistic lectures, it is a decent snack, but ultimately forgettable. (07/29/2007)

Primal Fear is gripping, and it is unexpectedly brutal in detail considering it is a mainstream thriller. It is a movie that is well made in every way, with the debut of Edward Norton in a supporting role, who succeeded in perfectly and totally eclipsing the star powerhouse lead that was Richard Gere and it actually fits the tone of the movie perfectly. Bravo. (01/20/2022)