
Feature film — 1996
Primal Fear (1996)
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
Martin Vail

Laura Linney
Janet Venable

Edward Norton
Aaron Stampler / Roy

John Mahoney
Shaughnessy

Alfre Woodard
Shoat

Frances McDormand
Molly

Terry O'Quinn
Yancy

Andre Braugher
Goodman

Steven Bauer
Pinero

Joe Spano
Stenner

Tony Plana
Martinez

Stanley Anderson
Rushman
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