John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt" is a riveting, tense film adaptation of his critically acclaimed play. Set in 1964, the film shows the rippling devastation of rumour and gossip. But what if what's said is not rumour and instead of gossip, is shockingly true?
Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) rules her Catholic school with an iron hand; any trangression, no matter its size and severity, is utterly punishable. In contrast, new arrival Sister James (Amy Adams) is friendly and gets on rather well with the students. One day, Sister James sees Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is possibly the second best actor in his age group working right now, after one Daniel Day Lewis), the well-liked priest, put something in a student's locker (at least, she thinks she sees what she sees). When Sister James tells Sister Aloysius of her suspicions that Father Flynn might have an improper relationship with a male student, a storm is unleashed for all three people.
Stage plays run the risk of becoming visually tedious movies, but this is not the case in "Doubt". Renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins (frequent collaborator with the Coen brothers) gives the period setting and parish a crisp wintery look which contributes to the ominous atmosphere of the film. Of course, it goes without saying that the performances are all award worthy. With its investigation of the fluidity of truth (the title has numerous meanings), and of how people can twist versions of events to their own agenda, "Doubt" is spellbinding even at just over one and a half hours.
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