Film Reviews

Doubt

• Rating:
• Director: John Patrick Shanley
• Starring: Amy Adams
• Details: USA / TBC / (TBC)

John Patrick Shanley directs this static adaptation of his own play, and while the film boasts exceptional performances from a flashy cast, there really isn't any more going on here to warrant a cinematic outing. Even the hiring of famed cinematographer Roger Deakons can't make this feel like something worth making the excursion to the cinema for. Story sees Streep's strict Sister Beauvier accuse a popular priest (Hoffman's Father Flynn) of having an inappropriate relationship with one of her students, despite a lack of any real evidence. The film then unravels into a series of tense scenes between the two, and Adams' kind, idealistic teacher, who is distraught at both the thought of the improper relationship, and the hand she may have had in condemning an innocent mans reputation. There was never going to be anything clear-cut about this production; ambiguity is firmly the theme, and the film plays on this for the vast majority of its running time. If Shanley's sole purpose was to have the audience question the characters, their motivations, and everything they believed up to a certain point, then he achieves that unequivocally; but the film goes nowhere, and takes a long time in doing so. That's not to say that parts of it don't make for exceptional viewing. It opens very strongly, concentrating on the kids, and their routine, before introducing us to the iron-fisted Sister Beauvier and the far more congenial Fr Flynn. He's popular and the kids love him, whilst she is feared and hated by the students in equal measure. Is she just grated by his new age approach to preaching the word of God, or does she genuinely think that he may be guilty of what he has been accused? Heavy, ponderous questions that are asked beautifully by the three excellent leads. If one does stand out, however, it's Adams. A fantastic actress, she's subtle and affecting here, managing to steal scenes from the two Oscar winning heavyweights sparring in front of her. Visually limp, this is not the must see cinematic experience that many expected - despite the acting masterclass on show.

Review by Mike Sheridan