Such an intriguing movie. I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with this film, it reassured me that there is still quality in movies.
"Doubt, a status between belief and disbelief, involves uncertainty or distrust or lack of sureness of an alleged fact, an action, a motive, or a decision. Doubt brings into question some notion of a perceived "reality", and may involve delaying or rejecting relevant action out of concerns for mistakes or faults or appropriateness."
This Broadway play turned movie is sure to gage your attention as well as ask your own personal and moral questions. Set in 1964, St. Nicholas a catholic school in the Bronx is introduced to a charismatic priest, Father Flynn, who is trying to adjust and change the schools' strict customs; which have long been fiercely upheld by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. Now with a political change sweeping through the community, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. Throughout the school year one of the fellow nuns Sister James, a hopeful innocent nun, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-ridden suspicions that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald. From that moment, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without an ounce of proof other than her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.
Doubt will amaze audiences because of its powerful acting and writing, these elements we don't see too often in Hollywood. Doubt has a great amount of intensity, but there are moments that you almost suffocate due to its powerful subject matter. Meryl Streep does an excellent job of portraying the Principal/Head Mistress of the school. She is able to capture the idea of unemotion with perfect ease. Its almost as though you could feel the tension in her eyes. Streeps character is a natural "force of nature" which may come off a little cold or even robotic. Now Hoffman is a bit more calm in his role which makes you wonder his true character as a man and priest in this film. At times during the movie one may see moments when true emotions shine through, and these are mostly the responsibility of the marvelous supporting cast, as Amy Adams (Sister James) and Viola Davis (Mrs. Miller) show their vulnerability and sympathy to Streep's superior and implacable director. One part in particular, is Streep's street scene with the child's mother this scene all by itself will trigger hundreds of conversations as the mother pleads the case of her son. Doubt may have very few minimal flaws but it does a very good job at exposing the rationale behind many of the emotional and flawed actions of humans today. By the end of the film most people will doubt who is truly responsible in their own perception; yet in still will express their own doubts about what they are about to say or do.
The combination of two Oscar winning actors and actresses (Streep and Seymour Hoffman) brings about a film that regardless of your religion, faith, or belief your heart just pours out to the children in the film. And it may even get you to thinking "do I have doubt?" What or who do you believe?
"Doubt, a status between belief and disbelief, involves uncertainty or distrust or lack of sureness of an alleged fact, an action, a motive, or a decision. Doubt brings into question some notion of a perceived "reality", and may involve delaying or rejecting relevant action out of concerns for mistakes or faults or appropriateness."
This Broadway play turned movie is sure to gage your attention as well as ask your own personal and moral questions. Set in 1964, St. Nicholas a catholic school in the Bronx is introduced to a charismatic priest, Father Flynn, who is trying to adjust and change the schools' strict customs; which have long been fiercely upheld by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. Now with a political change sweeping through the community, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. Throughout the school year one of the fellow nuns Sister James, a hopeful innocent nun, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-ridden suspicions that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald. From that moment, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without an ounce of proof other than her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.
Doubt will amaze audiences because of its powerful acting and writing, these elements we don't see too often in Hollywood. Doubt has a great amount of intensity, but there are moments that you almost suffocate due to its powerful subject matter. Meryl Streep does an excellent job of portraying the Principal/Head Mistress of the school. She is able to capture the idea of unemotion with perfect ease. Its almost as though you could feel the tension in her eyes. Streeps character is a natural "force of nature" which may come off a little cold or even robotic. Now Hoffman is a bit more calm in his role which makes you wonder his true character as a man and priest in this film. At times during the movie one may see moments when true emotions shine through, and these are mostly the responsibility of the marvelous supporting cast, as Amy Adams (Sister James) and Viola Davis (Mrs. Miller) show their vulnerability and sympathy to Streep's superior and implacable director. One part in particular, is Streep's street scene with the child's mother this scene all by itself will trigger hundreds of conversations as the mother pleads the case of her son. Doubt may have very few minimal flaws but it does a very good job at exposing the rationale behind many of the emotional and flawed actions of humans today. By the end of the film most people will doubt who is truly responsible in their own perception; yet in still will express their own doubts about what they are about to say or do.
The combination of two Oscar winning actors and actresses (Streep and Seymour Hoffman) brings about a film that regardless of your religion, faith, or belief your heart just pours out to the children in the film. And it may even get you to thinking "do I have doubt?" What or who do you believe?
Grade: B+
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