Doubt

Doubt (2008)
Directed by John Patrick Shanley
Length: 104 minutes
Rated PG-13 for thematic material




Do you have doubts? Do you ever question another's actions? We all have dealt with the feeling known as uncertainty when it comes to other people, but how we act upon these reservations can have far reaching consequences. Doubt pertains to all of these questions as we ask, just how certain can you ever really be? Critically acclaimed for the amazing performances that netted four Oscar nominations for just acting roles, Doubt is a powerful movie that makes you question the unknown and pushes you to dig through the muck and mire that plagues all of our lives.

Based on John Patrick Shanley's screenplay and set in 1964, Doubt takes place at the stereotypical Catholic school: troublesome students, strict nuns that strike the fear of God into their pupils, and a questionable priest with ulterior motives. Or are his motives really true? This is the question raised by this amazing film filled with skilled actors at the top of their game. Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Boat That Rocked; Synecdoche, New York) plays Father Brendan Flynn, the compassionate Catholic priest who has taken a special interest with a young African American boy struggling to adapt to his new school. Soon, Father Flynn's actions draw the attention of the "Dragon," Sister Aloysius Beauvier, played by the decorated Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia, Mama Mia!), the strict and fear-inducing principal.

Movies based on plays (excluding musicals, usually) often are dependent upon the acting performances; it is much harder for a movie to succeed in the transition if the actors are unable to deliver the depth and content often presented in a dramatic production. With Doubt, the quality of the actors' performances is never in question. Starting at the top, both Hoffman and Streep are well deserving of their respective nominations. Hoffman has matured from "that guy" you see in every movie to a perennial Oscar contender; Hoffman's portrayal of Father Flynn really allows you to empathize with him, question him, and ultimately draw your own conclusion. Meryl Streep, the most decorated actress in the history of film, continues to show her mastery of the art. You'll immediately hate her character, the typical evil sister that demands perfection of her pupils. But as Sister Beauvier continues to dwell deeper into the mystery surrounding Father Flynn, you will truly begin to see the layers being peeled away from her tough exterior, revealing a woman who suffers from doubts much like us all.

Doubt is a rarity in that it produced two excellent supporting actresses, both of which were recognized for their contributions. Amy Adams (Julie & Julia, Sunshine Cleaning) as Sister James and Viola Davis (State of Play) as Mrs. Miller provide strong performances every bit deserving of their recognition. Adams has quickly risen as the sweet, charming, and almost naive actress that often is successful in any role; in this particular case, Sister James serves as the young and inexperienced character that often tries to see the best in all persons, sometimes leading her to overlook the follies of men. In contrast, Viola Davis is a relative unknown who has potentially launched a career on a role spanning only about twelve minutes. Though Davis's role may be limited, her performance as the mother of the boy in question will leave you wondering whether you should hate her for allowing her son to potentially be abused or sympathize with her for the sacrifices made for her child's benefit.

Doubt is a powerful story that should lead to discussion. Did Father Flynn truly abuse the boy? That is up for you to decide, and by the end of the movie you will have formulated your own opinion concerning his guilt. But what makes Doubt really soar are the various symbols and themes that are often prevalent in stage performances. Power, sacrifice, and yes, even doubt, are all part of the experience. You can definitely tell that this film is derived from a play. The timing of actions, the juxtaposition of characters, all help develop the various themes running rampant throughout Doubt. While you can certainly decide to only develop your own opinion about the guilt of Father Flynn, the fun in watching the movie comes from observing the levels Shanley has stacked on top of the main floor.

Ultimately, Doubt deserves the recognition it received in 2008. The cast provides great performances worthy of nomination, and allow the screenplay to seamlessly transfer to the big screen. This is not a movie you can just watch; you must engage yourself. Allow yourself to be swept up in the emotions and certainties of the characters and develop your own theory. A sign of a good movie is one that doesn't simply tell you what to think, but causes you to ponder and analyze your own life. With this great film, the question is, how certain are you, or do you too have doubts?

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Father Flynn: "Remember, a girl has the right to turn you down for a dance."
Boy: "What if they all turn me down?"
Father Flynn: "Then you become a priest."

Oscar Nominations:
Best Supporting Actor-Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress-Amy Adams
Best Supporting Actress-Viola Davis
Best Actress in a Leading Role-Meryl Streep
Best Adapted Screenplay-John Patrick Shanley