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From Amazon.co.uk
It's always a risk when writers direct their own work, since some playwrights don't travel well from stage to screen. Aided by Roger Deakins, of No Country for Old Men fame, who vividly captures the look of a blustery Bronx winter, Moonstruck's John Patrick Shanley pulls it off. If Doubt makes for a dialogue-heavy experience, like The Crucible and 12 Angry Men, the words and ideas are never dull, and a consummate cast makes each one count. Set in 1964 and loosely inspired by actual events, Shanley focuses on St. Nicholas, a Catholic primary school that has accepted its first African-American student, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), who serves as altar boy to the warm-hearted Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). Donald may not have any friends, but that doesn't worry his mother, Mrs. Miller (Viola Davis in a scene-stealing performance), since her sole concern is that her son gets a good education. When Sister James (Amy Adams) notices Flynn concentrating more of his attentions on Miller than the other boys, she mentions the matter to Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the school's hard-nosed principal. Looking for any excuse to push the progressive priest out of her tradition-minded institution, Sister Aloysius sets out to destroy him, and if that means ruining Donald's future in the process--so be it. Naturally, she's the least sympathetic combatant in this battle, but Streep invests her disciplinarian with wit and unexpected flashes of empathy. Of all the characters she's played, Sister Aloysius comes closest to caricature, but she never feels like a cartoon; just a sad woman willing to do anything to hold onto what little she has before the forces of change render her--and everything she represents--redundant. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
Written and directed by Academy Award-winner John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck) and with an exceptional cast including Academy Award-winners Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman plus Academy Award-nominee Amy Adams, Doubt is a gripping story about the quest for truth, the forces of change and the devastating consequences of blind justice in an age defined by moral conviction.
It’s 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is trying to upend the school’s strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the community and indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James (Amy Adams), a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-inducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence. Stills from Doubt (click for larger image).
It’s 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is trying to upend the school’s strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the community and indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James (Amy Adams), a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-inducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence. Stills from Doubt (click for larger image).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
69 of 73 people found the following review helpful
By MT
Format:DVD
I rarely review films and books, especially those I enjoyed, as it is usually a very personal experience, but when to my amazement I found such mixed reviews for what in my opinion is a masterpiece, I felt the need to speak out.
Everyone will have their own opinion in the end, but the negative reviews of this film to date appear particularly misleading (incidentally one of them actually contains spoilers--shouldn't Amazon.co.uk filter these out?), and I feel the need to clarify a few things.
You see, this is NOT a courtroom drama or a John Grisham action thriller. Some of the reviewers seem to have expected this to be the case, since the story revolves around whether a priest is guilty of a heinous crime. But what this film is actually about is what you learn in the process of his persecution by the mother superior.
In "Doubt", people reveal just how far they are willing to go in pursuit of a cause they believe in. Love of God is put to test as human, almost primal urges rear their head. Parents are shown to be willing to make unspeakable compromises. And a young and naive nun learns that little is certain, except eternal doubt.
Everyone will have their own opinion in the end, but the negative reviews of this film to date appear particularly misleading (incidentally one of them actually contains spoilers--shouldn't Amazon.co.uk filter these out?), and I feel the need to clarify a few things.
You see, this is NOT a courtroom drama or a John Grisham action thriller. Some of the reviewers seem to have expected this to be the case, since the story revolves around whether a priest is guilty of a heinous crime. But what this film is actually about is what you learn in the process of his persecution by the mother superior.
In "Doubt", people reveal just how far they are willing to go in pursuit of a cause they believe in. Love of God is put to test as human, almost primal urges rear their head. Parents are shown to be willing to make unspeakable compromises. And a young and naive nun learns that little is certain, except eternal doubt.
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Peter Hurst
Format:DVD
John Patrick Stanley's film adaptation of his own Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winning play 'Doubt: a Parable' unfortunately did not come up with any Oscars Sunday night but still deserves accolades for it's multi-layered plot, excellent performances and thought-provoking denouement.
The setting of the film at a Catholic school in a largely Irish/American Catholic neighbourhood of the Bronx in 1964 - a year after the deaths of JFK and Pope John XXXIII and the convocation of the second Vatican Council, which boldly sought a rapprochement of the Catholic church with the modern world - emphasises the central conflict of the film between:- (A) The old certainties of the past, as embodied by Meryl Streep's arch-traditionalist, stern, foreboding, ball-point pen hating nun. (B) The ever-increasing uncertainties of the present represented by Patrick Seymour Hoffman's modernist, charming and openly liberal parish priest.
The story is ostensibly a sort of 'whodunnit'? (or rather 'did-he-do-it'?) in regards to allegations of innappropriate relations with children but on a deeper level probes further into the nature of faith in an ever-changing and increasingly secularised world. Is Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character a sexual predator or merely a misunderstood victim? is Meryl Streep's character an overzealous gossip or true believer? there is indeed doubt. The film does not underestimate the intelligence of the audience and allows for several interpretations. Thought-provoking, engrossing and well-acted by a strong cast. A film that is well worth a watch.
The setting of the film at a Catholic school in a largely Irish/American Catholic neighbourhood of the Bronx in 1964 - a year after the deaths of JFK and Pope John XXXIII and the convocation of the second Vatican Council, which boldly sought a rapprochement of the Catholic church with the modern world - emphasises the central conflict of the film between:- (A) The old certainties of the past, as embodied by Meryl Streep's arch-traditionalist, stern, foreboding, ball-point pen hating nun. (B) The ever-increasing uncertainties of the present represented by Patrick Seymour Hoffman's modernist, charming and openly liberal parish priest.
The story is ostensibly a sort of 'whodunnit'? (or rather 'did-he-do-it'?) in regards to allegations of innappropriate relations with children but on a deeper level probes further into the nature of faith in an ever-changing and increasingly secularised world. Is Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character a sexual predator or merely a misunderstood victim? is Meryl Streep's character an overzealous gossip or true believer? there is indeed doubt. The film does not underestimate the intelligence of the audience and allows for several interpretations. Thought-provoking, engrossing and well-acted by a strong cast. A film that is well worth a watch.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The script and acting is amazing, I felt no difficulty in immersing myself in the reality of the school. I was taught in an Irish convent school in 70s, where the boys and girls were seperately educated, so the priests had very little contact with girls the way things were organised in our town.
There is such subtlety in how Fr Flynn interacts with the boys. He is positive and encouraging, warm and snarky. Yet the boys all flinch when he thrusts his long fingernails at them. Well all except Donald Miller, the boy under observation. Fr Flynn wants to innovate, Frosty the snowman, have a camping trip. Warning bells!!! Not Frosty, but the camping trip, an ideal occasion of total access to the boys.
Donald's mum hoped that the priest was kind to her son, regardless of his motivation. That sounded cold, until she said his life was in danger if he had to return to his last school or his father thought his son's "personality" had been discovered. The cruelty in that boy's life was barely sketched, but that was a theme that played whenever Sr Aloysius had dealings with children. The children were either a problem that needed correction and they should shut up. The other teachers and nuns were far warmer.
Cue Fr Flynn cuddling Donald in the corridor... he must have felt so secure to do that, either because he was innocent, or because he was in brazenly open and despite confessing to terrible sin "would never feel true regret" in Sr Aloysius' damning phrase.
I am puzzled about why Sr James hid the most telling evidence (the undershirt returned by the priest direct into Donald's locker) - was it inexperience, that she could not infer how the shirt was in his possession?... Read more ›
There is such subtlety in how Fr Flynn interacts with the boys. He is positive and encouraging, warm and snarky. Yet the boys all flinch when he thrusts his long fingernails at them. Well all except Donald Miller, the boy under observation. Fr Flynn wants to innovate, Frosty the snowman, have a camping trip. Warning bells!!! Not Frosty, but the camping trip, an ideal occasion of total access to the boys.
Donald's mum hoped that the priest was kind to her son, regardless of his motivation. That sounded cold, until she said his life was in danger if he had to return to his last school or his father thought his son's "personality" had been discovered. The cruelty in that boy's life was barely sketched, but that was a theme that played whenever Sr Aloysius had dealings with children. The children were either a problem that needed correction and they should shut up. The other teachers and nuns were far warmer.
Cue Fr Flynn cuddling Donald in the corridor... he must have felt so secure to do that, either because he was innocent, or because he was in brazenly open and despite confessing to terrible sin "would never feel true regret" in Sr Aloysius' damning phrase.
I am puzzled about why Sr James hid the most telling evidence (the undershirt returned by the priest direct into Donald's locker) - was it inexperience, that she could not infer how the shirt was in his possession?... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I missed this film at the cinema and so was looking forward to watching it on DVD. I wasn't disappointed. On the face of it the plot centres around whether or not a priest has an unsuitable relationship with a school boy. The film leaves you with more questions than answers so if you want a film that makes you think then this is for you! If all you want is action then turn away now.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Big Bertha
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Meryl Streep plays Sister Aloysius Beauvier a principal at a Catholic elementary school in the early sixties. In this powerful drama she suspects the priest Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) of having an inappropriate interest in her first black student, Donald Miller who is also one of the altar boys.
When Sister James (Amy Adams) a junior nun comes to her with similar concerns she feels compelled to take action.
The powerful impact of this film is acted out in one on one conversations/confrontations between herself, Sister James, Father Flynn and the boys mother played by Viola Davis.
It's not an action thriller, it goes deeper than that. It is a very well acted, thought provoking and powerful drama about how far Sister Beauvier was prepared to go to prevent wrong-doing even when there's doubt. There are some very moving scenes particularly the one between Sister Beauvier and the boys mother.
Definately recommended.
When Sister James (Amy Adams) a junior nun comes to her with similar concerns she feels compelled to take action.
The powerful impact of this film is acted out in one on one conversations/confrontations between herself, Sister James, Father Flynn and the boys mother played by Viola Davis.
It's not an action thriller, it goes deeper than that. It is a very well acted, thought provoking and powerful drama about how far Sister Beauvier was prepared to go to prevent wrong-doing even when there's doubt. There are some very moving scenes particularly the one between Sister Beauvier and the boys mother.
Definately recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great film
An excellent film with a tremendous understanding of humans beings and their doubt in various walks of life. Read and enjoy.
Published 13 days ago by rae
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doubt dvd
This is one of Meryl Streep's best films. The plot unwinds slowly and really draws you in. I bought this copy for my sister.
Published 1 month ago by linda
5.0 out of 5 stars
this is a must see
this is a great movie, the story line is excellent, when you watch it you will know why meryl streep got the oscar for this...she is brillant as is phillipseymore hoffman.
Published 2 months ago by Deborah Deakin
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
Impressed with product and service, and would recommend to anyone to use this product Very pleased. However irritated in order to review a product you have to use 15 words
Published 3 months ago by PAUL
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed!
I remember seeing this advertised and forgot all about it with the passing of time but when I was in a local charity shop having a peruse of the books and films you often find a... Read more
Published 5 months ago by M. Gates
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping
Extremely strong drama with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the rigid nun and priest who are at loggerheads. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Agnetha
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good!
Corruption has been known to exist within the Catholic Church and in other religions as well. I am not a religious person myself but value those that do have such faith. Read more
Published 5 months ago by D Brown
2.0 out of 5 stars
Doubt this film's plausibility.
This film really struggles to get any momentum at all - and the main problem is the implausibility of the plot. Read more
Published 8 months ago by ChrisG
5.0 out of 5 stars
NO DOUBTS ABOUT 'DOUBT'
Tired of car chases, explosions, sex, strong language etc ? Want a film that will make you think ? Well acted throughout with an unexpected (and ambiguous) ending, "Doubt" is... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Mr. W. Greenock
4.0 out of 5 stars
Depersonalisation and intolerance
I agree with Back to Basics, Meryl Streep plays the her part poorly, a shame because she is a good actress, however, this should not undermine the main thrust of argument in the... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Philip C. Hills
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