Relieving My Doubt
Relieving My DoubtWhen I saw John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Doubt in March 2005, I was in complete awe of this completely compelling drama. With the redoubtable Brían F. O'Byrne as Father Flynn sparring with Tony-winner Cherry Jones as Sister Aloysius, we were left debating, “Did he or didn’t he?” long after our departure from the theatre.
But upon entering the movie theatre a week ago, I have to confess that I had my doubts as to whether Shanley's personally directed screenplay could match that live theatrical experience audiences had found so riveting just a few short years ago.
With Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep now in the leads, I should have known better. Their extraordinary performances were both enthralling and pitch perfect.
My larger concern was whether the silver screen incarnation would give too much away. After all, Shanley's small play only included four principal actors. A film version would by its very nature demand greater context and additional characters, including those who had only been mentioned in the play. Again, my fears were allayed. Yes, the stage version of Doubt forced its audience to rely entirely on hearsay, but I believe the key visuals in the movie were so expertly crafted by Shanley, that precious little is given away.
Just as the stage version offered excellent turns by Heather Goldenhersh as Sister James and Tony Award winner Adriane Lenox as the conflicted Mrs. Muller, the screen version offers no less compelling performances by Amy Adams and Viola Davis. Both are superb.
Best of all, just as with Doubt on stage, we were still discussing whether or not he did it. Bravo to John Patrick Shanley and cast.
While I've just begun my annual holiday filmgoing spree, I can tell you that to date, "Doubt" is the best movie I've seen all year.
UPDATE (12.21.08, 8:10 p.m. EST): Scratch that last item. I just came back from "Slumdog Millionaire" -- a movie unlike any other. Yes, I love "Doubt," but "Slumdog Millionaire" is in a class unto itself. My advice? Go see them both!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: Amy Adams, Brian F. O'Byrne, Broadway, Cherry Jones, Doubt, Film, Heather Goldenhersch, John Patrick Shanley, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffmann, Play, Viola Davis
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Sunday, December 21, 2008
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