"Primal Fear" is a crime thriller film released in 1996, directed by Gregory Hoblit and based on the novel of the same name by William Diehl. The movie stars Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Frances McDormand, and Edward Norton in his film debut.
The plot of the film revolves around the murder of a prominent Archbishop, for which a young altar boy, Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), is accused. Defense attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) takes on the case, seeing it as an opportunity for fame and publicity. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to realize that things may not be as straightforward as they seem.
As the trial progresses, Vail uncovers evidence that suggests that Aaron may have multiple personality disorder and that he might not be responsible for the crime. However, as Vail tries to use Aaron's mental condition to get him acquitted, he discovers that Aaron is not the innocent, meek boy he appears to be.
The movie features a number of twists and turns, and its ending is particularly memorable. Edward Norton's performance in the movie earned him widespread critical acclaim, and he was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Overall, "Primal Fear" is a gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It has since become a classic of the genre and is considered one of the best courtroom dramas of all time.
