Doubt – Blu-ray Review

By Jeff Swindoll Apr 13, 2009, 13:21 GMT

John Patrick Shanley brings his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play to the screen as 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 (Academy Award® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman), is trying to upend the schools’ strict customs, which have ...more

This story of a potential molestation by a Catholic priest may be timely (though set in the 60s) with the press about such tragedies in the church, but that’s only a portion of what the film is about. 

Certainly, the film is an actor’s showcase as all four of the lead roles wound up nominated for an Oscar.  Alas, no one carried a gold statue away.  

It’s 1964, roughly a year following the Kennedy assassination, and set at a school run by the Catholic church.  Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is a well-liked priest at the church.  Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) is the hardnosed nun that acts as principal of the school.  Sister James (Amy Adams) teaches history in the school and is quite mousy and shy, but loves her work in the classroom.

Donald Miller (Joseph Foster) is the only black pupil in the school and he’s also an altar boy.  One day Father Flynn calls Donald to the rectory and is later seen by Sister James putting an undershirt in the boy’s locker. 

Sister James is troubled by seeing the priest do this and takes her concerns to Sister Aloysius.  Sister Aloysius seizes on James’ concerns and begins a narrowminded campaign to oust Flynn. 

She brings her concerns to Donald’s mother (Viola Davis) but is surprised by the reaction that she gets from the woman.  She confronts Father Flynn with little evidence and succeeds in getting him out of the parish, but does she have proof he harmed the boy or does she also have doubts?

Doubt may seem quaint in our age since the Catholic church has gotten much press of late for disturbing behavior from some members of the priesthood.  The film is based on a play by John Patrick Shanley and he adapts it into this film.  He said he wanted to write a play in tribute to the nuns that he was taught by in his youth. 

Since the protagonist is a vindictive, stern nun he may not have succeeded.  I suppose that he does temper the hardness of Sister Aloysius with the kindness of Sister James though so maybe he did after all.  Even Sister Aloysius shows a bit of humanity but it’s usually followed by a moment of sternness. 

The film is an actor’s showcase with all four leads getting Oscar nods, Hoffman for actor, Streep for actress, and Adams and Davis both nominated in supporting actress.  Shanley was also nominated in best adapted screenplay.  Streep and Hoffman go at each other like old pros and there is some spark filled acting in their big confrontation scene.  Adams and Davis might be the surprises though. 

Adams is known for more saccharine roles and actually gets to go against type in the role of James.  She’s a bit overshadowed by Streep and Hoffman since her character leaves the stage for a time to make room for their big confrontation.  Davis might be the real discovery since she takes a small role, but leaves a big mark as the boy’s mother.  It’s a powerful performance and she holds her own against Streep. 

The question of molestation is somewhat of a McGuffin, Shanley even admits this in the special features.  My thoughts on the matter is that perhaps Father Flynn and Donald have more in common as far as preference goes and that Flynn is trying to comfort the boy.  The issue is really never resolved, but if it was would we still have “doubt?”  It’s a wonderful film (especially for actors) and made to make you think.

Doubt is presented in a 1080p high definition transfer (1.85:1).  Special features are also presented in high definition.  They include a commentary by playwright/screenwriter/director John Patrick Shanley.  First up is the 19 minute “Doubt: from stage to screen” looks at the journey of taking the play from Broadway to the silver screen. 

The 4 minute “Scoring Doubt” looks at Howard Shore’s task of scoring the film.  The 13 minute “Cast of Doubt” is an interview by Entertainment Weekly with the four main cast members.  The 6 minute “Sister of Charity” interviews some real nuns about the film and their lifestyle.  

Doubt is a fantastic film about a touchy subject (or is it?) that features some great acting from all involved.  It’s a shame that Davis didn’t walk away with a gold statue for her performance since it’s a powerful one, but I wasn’t allowed to vote.  Well worth the time if you want to see some actors at the top of their game.  

Doubt [Blu-ray] is now available at Amazon. Visit the DVD database for more information.