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Feature film — 1996

Primal Fear (1996)

7.72h 10mCrime — Drama — Thriller

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.

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A high-signal pick with 4,249 votes.

Paramount Pictures / Rysher Entertainment

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Director: Gregory Hoblit

On screen

Cast & crew

Richard Gere as Martin Vail

Richard Gere

Martin Vail

Laura Linney as Janet Venable

Laura Linney

Janet Venable

Edward Norton as Aaron Stampler / Roy

Edward Norton

Aaron Stampler / Roy

John Mahoney as Shaughnessy

John Mahoney

Shaughnessy

Alfre Woodard as Shoat

Alfre Woodard

Shoat

Frances McDormand as Molly

Frances McDormand

Molly

Terry O'Quinn as Yancy

Terry O'Quinn

Yancy

Andre Braugher as Goodman

Andre Braugher

Goodman

Steven Bauer as Pinero

Steven Bauer

Pinero

Joe Spano as Stenner

Joe Spano

Stenner

Tony Plana as Martinez

Tony Plana

Martinez

Stanley Anderson as Rushman

Stanley Anderson

Rushman

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