*Primal Fear* First Time Watching | Movie Reaction

For high-powered Chicago attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere), guilty or innocent are not degrees to decide. His job is to defend-especially when a case might put his name in the headlines and further his career. When Vail hears that a penniless altar boy (Edward Norton) is accused of murdering the local archbishop, he snaps up the case, eager for the media spotlight. Little does he know that it will uncover a viper's nest of corruption, pit him against a prosecutor (Laura Linney) who's his ex-lover, and test all his skill, judgement and even his win-at-any-cost attitude.
Actor: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, Andre Braugher, John Mahoney, Frances McDormand, Maura Tierney
Director: Gregory Hoblit
This channel is dedicated to watching Awesome US Movies for the first time. I hope you enjoy some of my reactions. Thank you so much for watching.
My 2nd Channel - / @awesomeshows
Support the channel - / awesomeusmovies
Buy me a cup of coffee - ko-fi.com/awes...
My List - letterboxd.com...
Twitter - / awesomeusmovies
Facebook - / awesomeusmovies
This video, and all of the reaction videos on this channel, transform the original material from entertainment into reaction based commentary.
While the video does use clips from movies, many sections have been removed. Please do note the total time of this video compared to how long the original content is.
If you wish to see further proof of my reaction based commentary please review my other reaction videos.
This video is for commentary and criticism only and is not a replacement for watching the actual movie.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "Fair Use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
All rights belong to their respective owners.
#reaction #firsttimewatching #courtroomdrama

[@AwesomeUSMovies]

Thank you all for the support. We now have a website: awesomeusmovies.com Make sure you check out my 2nd channel: www.youtube.com/@awesomeshows Full Reactions to all my movies on Patreon: www.patreon.com/awesomeusmovies Almost Famouse Reaction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWXGpX2Le8aLoas

[@BM-hb2mr]

Ozarks, you remember the name of her husband in it right?Her husband is thIs movie his name is alsoMarty

[@NintendoCapriSun]

Man, Edward Norton absolutely killed it (in more ways than one) with this role.

[@Ivy94F]

That oscar nomination was well earned for this film. He was amazing!

[@alexhaas9653]

Brilliant movie. All acting top-notch. To think this was Nortons debut! Also the scene where he pushes Gere against the wall was improvised and Geres reaction genuine. A real favorite movie of mine.

[@EricAKATheBelgianGuy]

RIP to Andre Braugher, who passed away on December 11 last year. He played Tommy Goodman, Vail's investigator.

[@howrued1500]

Loved him so much in ‘Duets’ w Paul Giamatti💔 I know- random. But for me it’s where my heart will always go when I hear his name🥲

[@reneedennis2011]

R.I.P. 🥀

[@leeannmcdermott8313]

Again! Your boys picked gold. Forget the polls just let your sons pick the movies 😂😂

[@MarkJones-rl9ph]

If you haven't seen Edward Norton in American History X, that needs to be your next reaction...

[@ryanmckenna3503]

Been a while since I've been on the Patreon but I'm pretty sure American History X is on the "never watch" list to avoid certain issues in the comments

[@jillfromatlanta427]

That and Russell Crowe's Romper Stomper are two of the most disturbing movies I've ever seen.

[@newpgaston6891]

Edward Norton is such a talented actor, it's crazy how underrated he is! This ('two parts'), Fight Club, American History X, he can play anything!

[@laudanum669]

Norton is great in the 25th Hour.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

My mind was blown when I first saw this movie. I thought the first reveal and the winning of the case was it - but then, there is the final reveal! What?! Anyway, wanted to mention - I read an article where Edward Norton's friend was trying out for a role in this movie (maybe Ed's role?) and Edward went along - not even interested in trying out. Someone from casting saw Edward there and asked him to read some lines and the rest is history. This was Edward's first acting role and to say the least, he made a big splash.

[@dageinarbergli2339]

Edward Norton is HIGH on my list of favorite actors and he just showed you why. He's always great, and sometimes absolutely spectacular.

[@russellward4624]

The actress from Almost Famous is Frances McDormand. Shes terrific. Was alsomin Fargo, not sure if you watched that one or not. If you havent put it on a poll. It will definitely win.

[@angelagraves865]

Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow was made into a movie in 1990 with Harrison Ford. It's a great mystery/courtroom drama. I highly recommend it. Apparently it's been remade with Jake Gyllenhaal. Also, in the context you're using it, it's wary, not weary. ✌💜

[@nateeller2748]

If you haven't read the book, the movie Presumed Innocent, starring Harrison Ford is another great courtroom drama. It also Stars Bonnie Bedelia.

[@benjones7641]

Funny thing how me and you are so different. I NEVER liked reading. Reading for enjoyment ? Not here… except for this movie! It was based on a book series from Georgia author William Diehl. I didn’t read Primal Fear. I did however read the sequel book to this movie called Show of Evil. Fantastic book. Really took me by surprise.

[@ladysky2883]

I LOVE that twist at the end. I felt so stupid the first time I watched this movie at the end. I did not see it coming. But I also believe that it was perfect to teach the lawyer, Martin Vail, a lesson as well. He was playing the game and was stung at the end. Definitely was taught humility. That was the purpose for the reporter. It brought the audience up to speed and clarified what Martin was thinking. This is so layered. Another movie with lots of layers id Betrayed (not the one with Leo DiCaptrio) with Tom Berenger and Debra Winger. Winger is betrayed and did the betraying. Really good movie from 1988. Another classic is 12 Angry Men.

[@tremorsfan]

You should watch the Popcorn In Bed reaction. Cassie's reaction is hilarious.

[@susanliltz3875]

They sure got you!!!😂(this one got all of us!!) Loved when you were feeling bad for Edward Nortons character, this poor kid!!

[@mysocalledgenxlife]

I have read The Martian twice and watched the movie a couple of times. You absolutely should watch it and react! You’re perspective as someone who has read the source material has a lot of value. Just as much as someone who is watching a movie going in blind. It’s a unique perspective that isn’t common in reaction channels. You can literally do comparisons and whatnot. Btw. Love primal fear. Great choice and great reaction!

[@joshuacoldwater]

This is one of my favorite films of all time. I love the entire cast, especially Laura Linney. There is book this is based off of, written in 1993 also titled “Primal Fear”, brilliantly written by William Diehl.

[@angelagraves865]

There are at least two Aaron Stampler and Martin Vale books.

[@Doug778]

PLEASE WATCH ROUNDERS. If you like this youll love edward norton with matt damon. Excellent movie.

[@EricAKATheBelgianGuy]

Trivia for Primal Fear - - Released in 1996; directed by Gregory Hoblit; written by Steve Shagan and Ann Biderman, based on the novel by William Diehl. - Primal Fear was Edward Norton's film debut. Over 2,100 actors auditioned for the part. - Edward Norton won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and received an Oscar nomination in the same category. At the Oscars, Cuba Gooding Jr. would win for Jerry Maguire. - Frances McDormand (Dr. Arrington) would win the Oscar for Best Actress for "Fargo" the same year. - Aaron Stampler was seen as such a juicy role that many big names pursued it. Both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were passed over for it, and decided that another role that great coming along at that point in their careers was low, so they decided to do something about it. The result was writing the screenplay for Good Will Hunting, which launched their careers. - Wil Wheaton (Gordie from Stand By Me) turned down the role of Aaron, because he was in acting school, which he said was the biggest regret of his career. Wheaton later said this was a reason why his career never exploded the way it did for other actors. Leonardo DiCaprio turned it down as well, but he already had an Oscar nomination at that point, so the risk was lower for him. - Primal Fear was also the feature film debut for Gregory Hoblit. He had directed two TV movies before this, and had directed regularly on TV shows. - Aaron's stammer isn't in the book. Edward Norton added it on his own because he thought it would make Aaron appear more sympathetic. Norton shoving Richard Gere against the wall in his "Roy" persona was unscripted, so Gere's reaction is real. - The Chicago newscasters are real, and cameo as themselves. - The film was #1 at the box office on its opening weekend of April 5, 1996, and stayed there for three weeks.

[@leeyaferguson9019]

You should try the movie Cher and Liam Neeson with Dennis Quade, SUSPECT. It's GOOD!!!! Think of Smeagle and Gollum, Lord of the Ring.😏. Try Usual Suspects. 😏

[@Curraghmore]

An amazing performance from Ed Norton in his FIRST film. Frances MsDormand (the psychiatrist) is another amazing actor. She has 3 acting Oscars from 6 nominations, and a fourth Oscar as a producer for one of the films she won an acting Oscar for, when it won the Best Picture award.

[@howrued1500]

SUCH a great film!!! It’s actually fun to go back and watch Siskel & Ebert’s review of it and Norton as well🥰 (They were the iconic 👍🏼 👎🏼 guys). If you’ve not read/seen it, Presumed Innocent w Harrison Ford is another good’un. Appreciate the time, effort, and kindness included in ea of your reactions. World could use a bit more, so Thank you/y’all! Stay safe & love big💖

[@Drawkcabi]

Loved this movie! Another great court movie is Sleepers (if you haven’t read the book).

[@totomomo18]

Great movie this was I think Edward Norton break out role. Another great movie with Edward Norton is The illusionist 2006. Other great court room drama (Two really great court room drama movies which are not being reacted because of movies like Time To Kill , A Few Good Man and 12 Angry Men. which are over reacted) The Rainmaker (by John Gresham) and A Civil Action . Fyi from my experience Books and Movies can be very very different and usually in my opinion the movie versions are much better. Also another great legal drama with Richard Gear is Red Corner

[@terribanks8633]

There are 3 books in the series.#2 Show of Evil, #3 Reign in Hell. Of course Primal Fear is the best one but the other 2 are pretty good. They're worth the read. I'm an avid reader myself, so I'd read Primal Fear before the movie release. It followed the book pretty closely.

[@shallowgal462]

You should see Richard Gere in _An Officer and a Gentleman_ too. You could also react to Edward Norton as _The Incredible Hulk_ (2008). I object to the death penalty for two reasons: (1) it is too merciful if we assert that people have free will and deserve punishment commensurate with their crimes, because taking away the rest of a victim's life deserves taking away the rest of a murderer's life, but doing that by locking them up forever does that in a way that doesn't violate (2); (2) we can never be sure an innocent person is not being executed, as hundreds of people have been exonerated after conviction, including many who had already been executed. Admittedly, this solution can torment innocent people with life in prison but, on the other hand, new evidence leading to exoneration remains at least possible.

[@TaritaLavern]

Edward Norton was nominated for an Oscar in a supporting role for this movie.

[@AwesomeUSMovies]

Well deserved

[@reneedennis2011]

Yup.

[@orangewarm1]

James have you done American History X yet? The Score is another good one with Ed Norton.

[@bobapjok4241]

Edward Norton always brings it, but this might be his best. just an amazing acting job

[@dianedeck9790]

no insanity is not an excuse for murder. I would prosecute. The electric chair all the way.

[@stevesheroan4131]

It could be argued that Ed Norton’s two best roles are one where he convinces the audience that he has two personalities but he doesn’t (Primal Fear) and one where convinces the audience that he only has one personality but actually has two (Fight Club). It could also be argued that his worst role is where he doesn’t sell the audience on either of his two personalities (Hulk).

[@hayleyferguson3346]

You forgot The Score, where he also has a false personality.

[@JacobDennisHarris8586]

I Admire People who can Read Books, I've read many Parts of The Bible, sort of where my First Name came from, but the only Book I've ever fully Read was "The Outsiders", I remember the Book is longer than the Movie, we Read the Book in School 6th or 7th Grade a long time ago then watched the Movie... This Movie is very Interesting to me, GREAT PERFORMANCES BY THE CAST!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR REACTIONS, You appear to be an Interesting Person! I Hope to see more, Thank You for your Time!

[@beqi4254]

This is definitely a book, and it is JUST as good as the movie. You should 100% read it. You should also still watch the Martian. I've also read it several times, and the movie is still fantastic.

[@angelagraves865]

Multiple personality disorder is no longer referred to as schizophrenia. That was never accurate. It's called dissociative identity disorder. A lot of people think it's BS, and I really have no idea either way, but I find it interesting that the various said personalities have differences, like different blood chemistry and even different (or no) scars (!). There's a lot that has yet to be explained about it.

[@uffda3937]

It was never referred to as schizophrenia, they completely separate disorders.

[@angelagraves865]

​@@uffda3937 I meant the general population that used to refer to it that way, not the medical community. You might remember that joke: roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic and so am I. *That* was once the prevailing attitude and lack of understanding I meant. ✌

[@BM-hb2mr]

That woman tht plays in this movie is also in The Truman Show.

[@Armyaunt73]

The 1st time I watched this my mind was blown. Edward Norton is such an amazing actor

[@poeslanding]

On the off chance someone is innocent, the death penalty should not be an option. too many innocent people have been put to death.

[@thseed7]

One of the best twists in movie history. Brilliant performances all around. This was Edward Norton's breakout role. Would love to see your reaction to "Moon" with Sam Rockwell based on your "Martian" explanation. Don't think it's a book first, but great story and performances again.

[@CamoJan]

The shrink also played Marge in "Fargo"

[@bryanrose1772]

Death to Smoochie is a good Edward Norton Robin Williams dark comedy.

[@jowbloe3673]

Sooo excited when I saw this reaction was available! Been suggesting reactors watch this forever, thanks for reacting.

[@nrgmanifest]

One of my fav movies from one of my fav reactors

[@513morris]

The Life of David Gale

[@jillfromatlanta427]

William Diehl's sequel novel to Primal Fear (Reign in Hell?) is a real nailbiter....if you want to know what happens in the weeks or months right after PF ends, you gotta read it.

[@jillfromatlanta427]

He's an excellent writer btw

[@dizzynikki5912]

Amazing Movie

[@green0037]

Hey!! You got chocolate on my peanut butter. You got peanut butter on my chocolate! Toghether.... The Mothman Prophecies.

[@jillfromatlanta427]

Fargo lady. Never saw Almost Famous. Francis McDormand

[@M3bully]

Would be thrilled to see you watch Noises Off!!! Transylvania 6-5000 and Undercover Blues would be great too 😊😊😊

[@DSGodiva]

The payoff at the end of this movie is just fantastic! Edward Norton did a great job. I HIGHLY recommend American History X where he also stars if you haven't seen it already, though it is a heavy one.

[@aaliyahthomas1456]

Please react to these movies: The Harder They Fall Barbershop series, including Beauty Shop The Help Daddy's Little Girls The secret life of bees Lean on me Friday Stomp the yard The Hate U Give Beyond The Lights Seventeen Again (2000, Tia & Tamera Mowry. Not Zac Efron) Major Payne Akeelah and The Bee

[@Lynn7015hb]

Thx for the watch. I saw this so long ago, I'd forgotten what happened. PS I myself enjoy watching movies when I've previously read the book bc it's like seeing the story & characters come to life.👍

[@jonwmeyer11]

15:60 I use to be for it, now I'm not. I think it's too easy of a way out. Lifetime of hard labor would make more sense to me. Allot of those people don't want to live anyways. You should check out the movie Beyond A reasonable doubt. Good courtroom drama

[@Dollywood623]

For multiple personalities I would recommend tv movie "Sybil"(1976), There are other versions, but this one was a big movie for Sally Field, where she was finally recognized as one of the best actors in Hollywood. It's from a novel, so hopefully u haven't read it. Always enjoy ur reactions!

[@shadowfrost__]

This was Edward Norton's film debut, talk about showing off your acting chops. I had already seen quite a few Edward Norton films before I saw this, but this movie solidified to me that Edward Norton is one of the greatest actors of my time. After seeing this I searched out as many of his films as I could find and my very next movie I watched of his was called "American History X" (1998), and man that is another amazing acting job from him.

[@PatiAnn]

This is a good movie... interesting my 2nd court room with Richard would be Red Corner then 'arbitration' then internal affairs, then no mercy ... all good movies

[@bryanparker2925]

Edward should have won the Oscar but he lost to Cuba Gooding for Jerry Maguire

[@jamesdamiano8894]

Edward Norton is a really good actor. You must watch him in American History X. It’s a very tough movie to watch because of the subject matter, but it’s a movie that everyone should be required to watch.

[@johncurtis2756]

Another off-the-radar courtroom drama that i love is From the Hip. Highly recommended!

[@deckofcards87]

Good performance from Norton, but this movie's average at best.

[@HereIsNate]

i love this movie...good shocking ending

[@donbergeson6771]

I get not wanting to watch a movie if you've already read the book but there's 2 reasons it can still be worthwhile. 1: it could still be enjoyable to pinpoint the differences that inevitability happen between movie and book. 2 (and more importantly): you could miss out on some truly great performances like Edward Norton gave in this movie. Even if there was a book and you had read it, his masterful performance still would have been very enjoyable.

[@jpd9h2i7]

Another great courtroom drama is Anatomy of a Murder from 1959. It deal with a touchy subject matter. Also check out the movie called The Verdict starring Paul Newman.

[@tremorsfan]

Richard Gere has made 3 movies where he plays a Chicago Lawyer. This, Shall We Dance and Chicago.

[@stephanieblackmore1461]

I’m so glad you didn’t figure it out. I love the twist. This movie made me feel the way I did after seeing The Game. Thanks to your boys for recommending this movie :)

[@hinesmaster99]

Hey James when you say it's your first reaction I can read people & I know your sincere. So if you need a list of action, horror, sci-fi, thriller, drama films let me know.

[@jayge17]

This is a great film and a great twist! But I am SO happy you are reacting to A Time to Kill! I remember it being on your no-go list and I understand why, but A Time to Kill has such a strong story and message, and it rivals A Few Good Men in my opinion for one of the great trial movies!

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

Why not give us KZbin subscribers some love, James? Do you just not appreciate us enough to not choose our suggestions?

[@trevorsmith9162]

James this is the one of the first movies I ever recommended to you I was starting to lose hope that your patreon's would pick it but here we are I'm happy that you caught that bit at the end you sir are quick you should be proud of that...I'm glad you liked it I thought you probably would.

[@jonm6891]

Loved your reaction. Really glad you and the boys chose this one. 👏 👏

[@dumahim]

James, thanks for not reacting to The Martian if you know the story already. I think it'd be worthwhile for you to watch, but we can skip the reaction for it.

[@bryanrose1772]

Murder in the first is a good courtroom drama. Kevin Bacon and Christian Slater.

[@johnmoreland6089]

Aeesome reaction to this terrific film. Brilliant cast, and hard to believe this was Edward Norton's first film. What a debut.

[@Azmedon-AU]

Primal Fear is a 1993 American thriller novel by William Diehl

[@LibertarianJRT]

Yes, it's based on a book of the same name. First in a Trilogy (I believe).

[@michaelconnor1542]

"At least there was a kind of justice..." Ooooh just wait.

[@anthonyzarate9807]

If you love courtroom dramas, A Few Good Men is one of the best ever, no BS! This is only if you haven't seen or reacted to it yet. Also, this is based on a true story, more or less.

[@thebluecollarbibleguy5114]

I have never been interested in your tv show channel until you said Cobra Kai. I will be subscribing

[@orangewarm1]

Another court room drama is Red Corner with Richard Gere

[@laudanum669]

This movie is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by William Diehl.

[@dizzynikki5912]

Such an Amazing Movie..

[@IsabelleRSG]

It's an amazing movie and such a performance from young Edwad Norton. Glad you watched it and had a ball!

[@AwesomeUSMovies]

So good

[@BM-hb2mr]

Bro Ozark gets better and better as it goes on. I live in the Ozarks where that lake is Lol

[@Fallopia5150]

I love Ed Norton. This is one of his best.

[@kraytosgodofwar431]

A time to kill… that one will break you

[@kimbervoss3753]

Saw it when I was young..never forgot Norton's performance.. If u haven't seen it and like courtroom dramas, then one that is excellent but doesn't usually come to mind is The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

[@scipioafricanus5871]

Laura Linney is also in it.

[@kimbervoss3753]

@@scipioafricanus5871 she is.. and playing another attorney ☺️

[@russellfernandes9607]

Great reaction 👍🏻

[@alexistrebexis3195]

Is he kidding about not watching the Martian on his channel cuz he read the book?! It’s still a totally different experience seeing it! And I think we’d love to see your reaction while watching, to stuff that happened in the book. Seriously.

[@jillfromatlanta427]

Another good courtroom movie you might watch is Presumed Innocent - not the current tv watered down version but the Harrison Ford/ Raul Julia/ Brian Dennehy brilliant movie.

[@easilydistracted5140]

A great movie

[@kimByhurst-px1zd]

So excited for this mind blowing. Great performance for Edward gifted actor. This illness though is an umbrella like dementia, my dad and uncle have but it can be helped, but I worry sometimes I’ll get it, scary but if you have the support but as well depending on the extent of the illness

[@karenlackner192]

Great choice! An awesome twist at the end! Wonderful acting by Ed Norton.

[@reneedennis2011]

Great review and reaction 😃! Subscribed.

[@AwesomeUSMovies]

Awesome thank you!

[@reneedennis2011]

@@AwesomeUSMovies You're welcome 😊!

[@shallowgal462]

Some states call a "district attorney" a "state's attorney," including Illinois. The ending was one of the biggest twists I've ever seen. I never saw it coming _at all!_ Laura Linney was also in _Dave._ John Mahoney played Frasier's dad and he was also in _The American President._

[@jillfromatlanta427]

The exploding brain gesture at the end of your reaction made me really laugh out loud 😆. I did the same thing the first time I saw this. Just like Sixth Sense, the ending got you

[@cog4life]

Love this movie! Loved watching you watch 😊😊