Akito HirataReview - Doubt
February 15th 2009 09:34
Doubt is based on the play of the same name written by John Patrick Stanley who also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. This is only the second film he has directed in the last 18 years - the last being Joe Versus The Volcano, but he seems to have gotten it right, particularly in light of the numerous festival nominations and wins the movie has received to date.
Starring a stellar cast comprising of Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis and Philip Seymour Hoffman, all four actors are coincidentally (or not) up for a nod from the Academy in the category of Leading Actress, two Supporting Actress nominations and Supporting Actor.
Sister Aloysius becomes suspicious of Father Brendan Flynn (Hoffman), the priest and newcomer to the parish in regard to his behaviour towards to the boys in the school and church. After one of Father Flynn's weekly sermons, the topic in discussion doubt, Sister Aloysius shares her concern with her fellow nuns and asks them to bring any information to her. Sister James (Amy Adams), a naive young nun, notices that Father Flynn is showering attention on Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), also a newcomer to the school who happens to be a loner and the first black child accepted into the school. Donald is called out of class and when he returns, Sister James cannot but help to notice his odd behaviour and the smell of alcohol on his breath.
She takes the information to Sister Aloysius who in turn confronts Father Brendan about the child. He denies any wrong doing but convinced in her cause, the Sister carries out a one women investigation in the search for the truth. Sister Aloysius is strict with the children to a fault and the only sign of kindness she shows, other than the concern for Donald, is her protection of an elderly nun who is going blind. Sister James believes Father Brendan's denial of the accusations and makes it clear to Sister Aloysius that she has her doubt over any incidences which may have occurred.
Captivated from start to end, I also said a silent prayer that I never went to a catholic school at which the principal ruled with such veracity.
Doubt carries with it a strong script, cast and subject matters. Religion, authority, doubt, trust, morality and belief are words thrown around but in no light manner. These characters believe in all they stand for, their god and their actions. But what happens when doubt enters their mind? As the accused Father himself says "Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty."
Voyage Review: 4/5
| 67 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Linh
Celluloid Fun
Excellent review on a very good film and Oscar contender.
I enjoyed the film Doubt but I loved the play much more.
Meryl Streep does give a fine performance as do the rest of the cast, yet I think it's either Kate Winslet or Anne Hathaway to win Best Actress Oscar this year.
As for Best Supporting Actor, it's Heath Ledger for me.
Phil Seymour Hoffman is great but Ledger is so twisted and bizarre as The Joker in Dark Knight it would be criminal for him not to win.
The only film I haven't seen that's been nominated for Best Actress is Frozen River with Melissa Leo.
Cheers!
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen
I am yet to see Rachel Getting Married so you are one up on me although have seen the preview and I liked the look of it.
Also agree that Heath will probably win the Oscar this year.