PRIMAL FEAR (MA15+) Presented on 35mm

Primal Fear at The Revival House Perth

Hotshot Chicago defense attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) thrives on high-profile cases and media attention, so when the city's beloved Archbishop is brutally murdered, he jumps at the chance to defend the accused: Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a stammering, terrified altar boy found fleeing the scene covered in blood. Despite overwhelming evidence and public outrage, Vail believes in Aaron's innocence and takes the case pro bono, relishing the spotlight. As he investigates, Vail uncovers disturbing secrets about the Archbishop's private life and develops genuine sympathy for his traumatized client. But when Aaron reveals he suffers from dissociative identity disorder and harbors a violent alternate personality named "Roy," the case becomes far more complicated. Vail must navigate courtroom theatrics, prosecutorial aggression from his ex-lover Janet Venable (Laura Linney), and his own doubts as the trial builds toward a shocking revelation.

Director Gregory Hoblit's 1996 legal thriller announced the arrival of a major talent in Edward Norton, whose debut performance earned him an Oscar nomination and remains one of the great screen transformations. Norton's work toggling between the meek Aaron and the menacing Roy is electrifying, keeping both Vail and the audience perpetually off-balance. Gere delivers one of his finest performances as the morally ambiguous lawyer who discovers that winning isn't always what it seems. The film masterfully constructs its mystery, layering revelations about corruption, abuse, and deception within Chicago's power structures. The courtroom sequences crackle with tension, building to a final twist that recontextualizes everything that came before and delivers one of cinema's most unforgettable closing moments.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Thursday, February 26th at 7:30PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: MA 15+ (Strong violence and adult themes)

There is no justice, only victory—experience Norton's explosive debut and this legal thriller's devastating final revelation on 35mm film.

Presented by: The Revival House Perth