

Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.
Acting
Norton's stutter will haunt you for days.
Writing
That final line is cinema's greatest mic drop.
Direction
Hoblit makes the courtroom feel like a cage match.

Director
Gregory Hoblit
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This revived the 'trick ending' legal thriller trend and made Norton an instant star — every studio wanted their own 'stuttery altar boy' performance for a decade.
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