Hot-shot lawyer, Martin Vail, takes on a pro bono case for a stuttering alter boy, Aaron Stampler, accused of brutally killing the local archbishop.

Vail discovers the archbishop has caused investors to lose million and received death threats, but that he also was forcing Stampler and another alter boy to have sex on video with a girl while the archbishop watched. Veil is stuck because it would make the jury sympathetic toward his client, but it would also give the prosecution a motive, which they couldn't previously establish.

During psychiatric evaluations, the doctor discovers an alter ego to Aaron, Roy, who is a sociopath and was the one who killed the archbishop.

During the trial, Vail begins to question Aaron about the sexual abuse, then the prosecutor does more harshly. At this Aaron turns into Roy and attacks her, threatening to kill her.

After he's subdued, the trial is changed to a bench trial and he's found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. The prosecutor is fired for losing the case and allowing dirty laundry (the archbishop's and the city's) to be aired in public. Then there's a twist...you'll have to watch it to find out.

This movie is good for people who like courtroom drama, crime, and endings with a twist.

I especially liked watching Aaron turn into Roy. What fun!

When I was done, I wanted to watch it again. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but it's awesome! One of the few movies I'll willingly watch over and over!

This movie made me feel surprised (the first time I saw it) and excited by the twist.

The cast is full of greats: Richard Gere (Vail), Edward Norton (Stampler) in his motion picture debut, Laura Linney (prosecutor and Vail's former lover), John Mahoney (state's attorney), and Frances McDormand (Stampler's psychiatrist). They did a fantastic job!

I recommend this DVD because I'm usually pretty good at guessing endings and I didn't guess this one. Plus, I don't know anyone who didn't at least like this movie, if not love it.

2 hrs 10 min long

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Created Jun 27, 2016 at 4:37pm • Submit your own review...