MovieChat Forums > Primal Fear (1996) Discussion > Few questions and comments

Few questions and comments


Something I thought of early in the movie -- the movie dates itself by the public's reaction to the archbishop's death. It seems that Aaron is the most hated guy in America at the time of his arrest and during the trial. Nowadays, I think everyone would instantly call sexual abuse and side with Aaron, even before any details came out.

In court, the psychologist tells Laura Linney that she does not have Aaron's/Roy's "transition" on video. But just in the scene before, we see Richard Gere watching the video, rewinding, over and over, and finally pausing right when "Roy" comes out during the psych's evaluation. What was the point of this scene, and why did the psych testify that there was no video evidence of the transition?

Finally, at the end... Why doesn't Aaron/Roy just tell Richard Gere that the guards (or someone, anyone) told him what happened in the courtroom (i.e. that he held Laura Linney by the neck)?

Anyway, I really liked the movie. Edward Norton was adorable and great, and Richard Gere was only mildly annoying.

reply

Something I thought of early in the movie -- the movie dates itself by the public's reaction to the archbishop's death. It seems that Aaron is the most hated guy in America at the time of his arrest and during the trial. Nowadays, I think everyone would instantly call sexual abuse and side with Aaron, even before any details came out.


To be honest even back when this movie was made that was most peoples first assumption. It was pretty predictable, especially as soon as you see the tapes at crime scene when police are looking through. They don't get mentioned for a while so obvious they were coming in later.

In court, the psychologist tells Laura Linney that she does not have Aaron's/Roy's "transition" on video. But just in the scene before, we see Richard Gere watching the video, rewinding, over and over, and finally pausing right when "Roy" comes out during the psych's evaluation. What was the point of this scene, and why did the psych testify that there was no video evidence of the transition?


The part with the scene where Gere see's that small aspects gives him the idea to try and get the split personality in via backdoor with her testimony. I do agree it does seem a bit odd and teh scene after and not that well written in this aspect however I think you're supposed to assume that small section would not have been enough, looked desperate and maybe done more harm than good considering there would have been a cross.

Finally, at the end... Why doesn't Aaron/Roy just tell Richard Gere that the guards (or someone, anyone) told him what happened in the courtroom (i.e. that he held Laura Linney by the neck)?


Yes he could have done that very easily and that was my first thought but then Roy basically shows that he was itching to tell Gere for ages and since it's under attorney/client privileged he thought "*beep* it".

reply

I don't know about that first paragraph, I think it's a bit much to assume everyone would just jump to the conclusion of abuse.

Yeah, I was wondering what the point of that scene was too. Why did it show Vail watch the tape, and particularly the part 'Roy' appears...then never really follow it up? Surely it would have made some interesting evidence to back up the multiple personalities they were claiming. Unless he was thinking a real time episode would be more convincing, which worked in the end.

As for the end, he was toying with him. He even says something like he was going to let it go but he looked so happy and he was dying to tell him the whole time, so he let out that 'slip' about her neck for Vail to realise. He wanted Vail to realise what had just gone on, he even goes on to say how it will make him tougher in the future etc...

It was a good movie elevated by Norton's outstanding performance. A real travesty Cuba Gooding Jr beat him to the Oscar for this, he was awesome.

reply

The first question is interesting. When it comes to abuse many people want the abuser to pay dearly which is understandable. However committing a murder especially by the victim is just as bad.


As for the end Aaron desperately wanted to rub it in Marty's face. Lets face it he pulled off a major coup. he murdered a highly respected Archbiship as well as Linda and got way with it. He also loved that he outsmarted his own attorney who is known for outsmarting everyone else. Aaron is a psychopath as well as a egomaniac

reply