Primal Fear -1996- -

The story follows Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a flamboyant and cynical defense attorney in Chicago who thrives on high-profile cases and media attention. He volunteers to represent Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a stuttering, timid altar boy from Kentucky caught fleeing the scene of the brutal murder of Archbishop Rushman.

Gere plays against type here. Instead of the charming romantic lead, he plays a selfish, somewhat sleazy lawyer who ultimately gets outsmarted. It is considered one of his strongest dramatic performances. Primal Fear -1996-

Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, Frances McDormand Screenplay Steve Shagan and Ann Biderman James Newton Howard Cinematographer Michael Chapman ending's plot twist or an analysis of how the film compares to the original novel The story follows Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a

The audience, like the jury, starts to pity Aaron. His stutter is heartbreaking. His wide eyes are pure innocence. When he takes the stand and splits into "Roy"—the violent, profanity-laced protector personality—it is one of the most electrifying scenes in 90s cinema. Instead of the charming romantic lead, he plays

: Evidence suggests the Archbishop was not the saint he appeared to be, involving himself in corrupt land schemes and the sexual abuse of parishioners.