Doubt started as a 2004 play written by John Patrick Shanley. Along with Frost/Nixon it appears that films adapted from plays have done well this year, however what does Doubt bring beyond a straight film adaptation of the original play? The answer is not much.
The movie focuses on the conflict between Aloysius (Meryl Streep), a principal of a Catholic school in The Bronx, and Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), who serves as the school’s pastor. Tensions rise when Flynn is suspected of inappropriate behavior with an atlar boy. Sister Alyosius is a stern disciplinarian who fears the worst despite no clear evidence of wrong doing. Flynn is the opposite, a progressive preacher that hopes to create a “kinder, gentler” image of the church. Amy Adams plays Sister James, a young nun/teacher that is becomes caught in the middle of the conflict.
Doubt offers strong acting performances from the entire cast, with Oscar nods to Streep, Hoffman, Adams, and Viola Davis. But great acting is only one part of making a great film. Doubt benefits from the original work it was adapted from: a play that won the Tony for Best Play in 2005. I’m not saying that Doubt is a terrible movie, in fact i think it’s great, however as an adaptation of a play it is very plain. Doubt finds it’s strength with the acting, not with the cinematography. Watching the piece made me feel like they took the script from the stage and used it as a shooting script. I felt there were missed opportunities to make the film even better.
What’s really interesting though is even though the movie has extremely strong acting performances; none of the nominees are considered front runners in their categories. Maryl Streep is in a tight race with Kate Winslet; Philip Seymour Hoffman doesn’t have a chance against Heath Ledger; Amy Adams and Viola Davis are considered underdogs against Penelope Cruz. However don’t be surprised if Adams can pull of an upset- that’s what Tariq Kahn is calling. However I’m skeptical that a Philip Seymour Hoffman upset will occur.
Doubt is a drama that will keep you wondering after the credits roll. The acting is top notch and is worthy of all the praise, but will it find Oscar gold this weekend?
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