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
Richard Gere
Martin Vail
Laura Linney
Janet Venable
Edward Norton
Aaron/Roy Stampler
John Mahoney
Shaughnessy
Alfre Woodard
Shoat
Frances McDormand
Molly
Terry O'Quinn
Yancy
Andre Braugher
Goodman
Steven Bauer
Pinero
Joe Spano
Stenner
Tony Plana
Martinez
Stanley Anderson
Rushman
Maura Tierney
Naomi
Jon Seda
Alex
Reg Rogers
Connerman
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.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
