Doubt
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Movie Reviews of Doubt
Movie Review: An amazing adaptation of the play!
Summary: 5 Stars
Doubt. That's exactly what you feel by the end of this film. As soon as the credits roll, scenes from the film tumble around in your mind, causing you to seriously evaluate what you have just seen. You come up with your own interpretation of the events.
Directed by John Patrick Shanley from his own play, DOUBT tells the story of an uptight, extremely conservative nun who suspects foul play in the church, when the new priest is suspected of molesting a black student. The nun, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, has good reason to accuse the progressive, somewhat libral priest of the crime. Or does she? That's one of the many questions that the film asks the characters on screen, as well as the audience. Are things REALLY what they seem to be? Or is Sister Aloysius simply out to pick a fight? She doesn't like change. Father Brendan Flynn is all for it, and he constantly tries to break through Aloysius' tough exterior. Times have changed, he says, and so must she. It is no suprise that she takes aim at him the first chance that she gets - but, once again, does she have good reason? Did the priest really molest the boy or not? Is there any reason to doubt that he did? The film presents the argument from both sides, and in my opinion, is very ambiguous in it's conclusion.
This film is carried by the dialogue and acting, which is amazing. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymore Hoffman, and Amy Adams give some of the best performances of the year. Amy Adams shines as a young and naive nun who gives Streep reason to question Hoffman.
SEE IT! You'll be thinking afterwards!
Movie Review: Certainty vs. Truth
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't remember the last time a movie presented such an opportunity for discussion. Did Father Flynn or did he not behave inappropriately? Can Sister Aloysius' "certainty" be trusted or is she merely an intolerant (or disturbed) social dinosaur? These are questions the viewer will be asking. The movie swings both ways equally...giving evidence to Father Flynn's guilt and his innocence. The one element that really stood out for me was how Father Flynn seemed to use his pulpit to plant seeds of doubt in those who would be against him. If he was a manipulator, then he was a very, VERY good one...a "sheep in wolves clothing". On the other hand Sister Aloysius comes across as mean; almost cruel. But she has a will of iron and a steely determination. She will not back down from her sense of "certainty" regarding the character of Father Flynn...even when her only evidence is her observation of him touching a young boy's hand. She refuses to follow the protocol of the church and is willing to be cast out from its doors...all to protect the welfare of a child. Sister Aloysius is the only one not swayed, BUT in the end her humanity reveals itself. This is a powerful and disconcerting film. The performances were nothing short of amazing. I mean, who else but Meryl Streep could have pulled off the Sister Aloysius character. Phillip Seymore Hoffman as Father Flynn was amazing as well, although I don't think it was as demanding a role as that of Sister Aloysius. One final thought: listen for Sister Aloysius' subtle attempts at humor that no one appears to comprehend. This film is a definite "must-see".Movie Review: Some of the year's most compelling performances.
Summary: 5 Stars
In a 1964 Catholic school, a priest has been accused--by the school's principle--of molesting the only black student. This is the main plot of DOUBT, though as with any film of this nature, there's much more to it: tolerance, sexism, and yes, doubt in many of its forms. This creates a slow-moving film that may not be for all viewers; it is a film made to make you think--especially the final confrontation between Streep and Hoffman, and viewers with little patience will come away somewhat disappointed. That cannot be helped.
There is a reason why four of DOUBT's principle actors were nominated for awards: This film is driven by its actors, namely Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis. Hoffman is in strong form as always; Davis, in her too-brief role, is a marvel; Adams proves yet again she is a very reliable actress. It is, however, Streep who steals the show, diving headlong into the character of a traditional nun who resents the presence of a reform-minded priest. The actors help the film avoid the many pitfalls--too many dramatic camera angles, a couple of minor subplots that are distracting. The theme is strong and well-carried out (this film was also nominated for its script, and rightly so), but it is up to the actors to make everything work. And they do. If nothing else, DOUBT is proof that there are genuinely talented actors still working in Hollywood, and filmmakers willing to challenge their viewers, even if it means low Box Office receipts and certain audience members getting offended (lets face it, it always happens).
Movie Review: classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Doubt is not an easy film, which is what makes it work so well. The answers to the questions it poses are not readily evident
In 1964, a young idealistic priest starts work at a New York Catholic boys school, which just enroled its first black student. The school is run by an old school nun, who favors discipline over nuturing. The priest and nun are played by Philip Seamour Hoffman and Marrel Streep. Amy Adams plays the younger teacher trying to bridge the two.
Hoffman's charactor is accused of molesting the young black student. There is evidence to suggest he did, but evidence to suggest he did not. Both nun and priest bring their own biasis to their argument--they highly dislike one another on personal and politcal ground--so who you beleive depends may depend on who you agree with. If this sounds subjective, think of how Amy Adam's charactor felt when chosing sides. She is the kindest here and the only person with no clear agenda.
This was right after Vatican II, which tried to update dogma in the Catholic Faith. Doubt is also set during civil rights toumoil, and the indrodution of the pill. In 1964, the counterculture was not visable yet, but was budding. The film is about old vs. new, tradition vs. change, all the ambiguities surrounding this.
You are probably more confused at the end of Doubt then when you began, but the challange this film lays before you is what films are supposed to and to rarely do now. It gets you thinking and discussing and debating, and that is more than enough.
Movie Review: When things are not what they seem
Summary: 5 Stars
I still do not understand why critics savaged reviews for this movie. I have found it to be so compelling on many different levels. Meryl Streep plays a nun in the middle private school that is stern where even a local priest calls her a "dragon". She is a school principal dedicated to discipline, tradition and propriety. School priest in the other hand is likable, he is popular with students and seemingly easy going. However, the mutual dislike between him and the principal leads them both to a different level of intellectual battlefield.
Nun is concerned about priest's close relationship with one of the school students that also happens ot be black. Her suspicions are confirmed in one of the most stunning moments in the film when nun meets boys mother (shinning star actress Viola Davis). The revelation between the two women about the boy's present state and his future is the soul of the movie. Both nun and mother wish the best for the school and the young man, but what shall be the price of securing his destiny and the well being of the students of the school?
"Doubt" is about crisis of faith, of individual's choosing to do the right things and any decent person's making moral transgressions for the greater good. People's actions and outside demeanor is not always a reflection of the purity of their soul. At the end, we learn that everyone has a price to pay for their actions and their internal struggles. Wonderful movie, great performances.