Quickcard Review Doubt
Directed by: John Patrick Shanley Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis Running Time: 95 minutes Rating: PG-13
CLICK HERE to read Allen's full Scorecard Review Plot:John Patrick Shanley wrote the play and now the screenplay. He also directs this film about a parish in the 1960's. A nun (Streep) accuses respected priest Father Flynn (Hoffman) of a serious crime, and she also attempts to convince another nun (Adams) that she's right, and he's guilty.
Who’s It For? Do you like plays? Well, let me qualify this better ... do you like slow-moving, character study plays? Then this is for you.
OVERALL
Man, Meryl Streep is evil. In fact, look closely, when she takes the stage (I mean screen) it's almost the spitting image of Darth Vader when Luke takes off the mask in Return of the Jedi. Streep plays the wicked nun, who is evil for good's sake. And even the topic seems as old as the Catholic church itself, she accuses Father Flynn of sexual advances on an alter boy.
And of course we are supposed to dislike her and all of her strict ways, especially compared to the new, exciting Father Flynn. Hoffman has a kind way about him, and we're given the rule book: root for him, dislike her. But you know there's more to the story here, after all it's not called "Certain Nothing is Wrong Here."
Some techniques get in the way here. Every time the camera is tilted, it's noticed. And really, the most glaring problem is ... it's not a play. But it's really obvious that this is where Doubt could truly shine. It's a simple, closed in location, with only four adult performances and some kids. It's better suited for the stage.
Adams capturs a similar purity like she had in Enchanted, Streep is creepy, Hoffman is great with his up and down emotions. And when Streep and Hoffman get together for a killer scene at the end, tension reaches an all-time high in Doubt.
I never spent time in a Catholic church and school, and Doubt makes me happy I can observe that world for a couple hours and leave it at that.