Like millions of others around the world I started my education in a Catholic elementary school. The nun there where strict but overall dedicated to their faith and vocation. As a lefty in the fifties there where attempts to get ne to switch but in general I had no firsthand knowledge of the much published abuses. Anyone with such a background will naturally have a little baggage going into a film such as Doubt. On the surface it is a movie concerned with a priest, a nun and a student but one word of advice; do not let preconceptions color your view point of this gripping drama. It is a masterpiece that depicts the clash or religious tradition with the inevitable changes in society. True to its name there is nothing clear-cut or straightforward about this story with the exception of the incredible heights the performances take. All too often a movie in this particular setting the plot would be pedantic perhaps even hackney but this film is so well crafted that it will keep the audience guessing throughout. Some have complained that the story is far too obtuse and confusing with no clear cut conclusion. This is certainly not the case here although, admittedly, the narrative does exhibit a tendency to drift off course on a few occasions. What carry this film to the heights that it does manage to reach are the stellar performances by the cast. They have an incredible command of the material and the presentation is close to perfection. The film was produced by the independent movie branch of Disney Studios, Miramax, and as usual they managed to create a film that provides an intense, thought provoking evening of entertainment. It is also the type of film that might paper to have been crafted specifically for award season. ‘Doubt’ exudes the required gravitas for the Indy world combined with the high powered star draw of a major studio movie. ‘Doubt’ is not a film that can be casually watched. It demands that the audience commit fully allowing them to become fully immersed in the somewhat convoluted story.

The film was written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, who also authored the award winning stag play of the same name. As the author of the play John Patrick Shanley was in top form here with the stag ply garnering a shelf full of awards including the much lauded Tony and Pulitzer Prize. This is a taut, extremely well constructed story that juxtaposes the titular doubts with characters possessing unshakable moral certainty. Adding to the drive and emotional impact of the story is the underlying theme that explores a forceful clash between generations and their respective approaches to the expression of their faith. Many Catholic that can remember the post Vatican II era will better understand the conflict between the conservative old school mind set clashing with the introduction of new interdenominational acceptance. In this story the more progressive side is forwarded by Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman). He is an affable, progressive minded priest in charge of a local parish. His counter point comes in the form of the nun serving as the principal of the associated school, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep). The sister embodies what I remember about the nuns I had in school in the late fifties; stern, unbending and a staunch protector of the old traditional rule. The older sister is caught in a quagmire; she is deeply devoted to the church and its established hierarchy but objects to the growing trend to modernize. For her this is akin to cutting out the heart of her faith. This story is very much a study in contrasts which are apparent on numerous levels. Of course there is the aforementioned old guard versus new age concerning the expression on fundamental implementation of the religion which forms the foundation for the film. Layered on top of this is the conflict of worldly desires and impulses that directly oppose moral behavior. All of this sets the stage perfectly for the main contrast; faith versus doubt. These are both fundamental and defining attributes of humanity, they are also two edged swords, Doubt has permitted people the ability to challenge the understanding of the world and discovery the earth moves around the sun and you can’t sail over the edge of the world. Doubt has also bred fear and distrust. Likewise faith sustains us in the darkest of times yet it has also been the excuse for countless wars. In the context here the central characters from a microcosm where the conflicts simmer until they finally boils over.

The catalyst for the doubt here comes in the form of a simple set of circumstances that may be innocent or indicative of heinous wrongdoing. When a young student, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), the school’s only African American student, receives some extra attention the staff begins to take notice. One day Donald is called to the rectory by the priest. Upon his return Sister James notices the boy is upset and there is the smell of alcohol on him. Later during a lesson Sister James observes the Father placing a shirt in Donald’s locker. She takes her misgivings to the older nun and the two women fear the worse. Subsequent incidents just further the doubts and growing suspicion.

While the story is riveting and the direction incredible what truly makes this film one that should not be missed is the acting. Both the male and female leads garnered Academy Award nominations as well as two supporting nominations. This is a brilliantly crafted demonstration of the art of acting. It should come as no surprise that Meryl Streep dominates the production with her portrayal of Sister Aloysius. Rather than playing the nun as a zealot Streep layers her performance with textures that present Aloysius an honestly devoted woman who has sacrificed her life for the church. For the mistrust of a priest, a man dedicated to serving God, is an arduous thing for the nun. If the allocations are true the behavior is an unforgivable abomination. If false she runs the risk of ruining the life of a devoted priest. In the role of the priest Hoffman is more than up to the challenge. He started his career as a character actor in great demand in the Indy world. Now he has taken his place as one of the great actors of his generation. Amy Adams is best known for lighter roles such as ‘Enchanted’ and ‘Underdog’’ but this film pots her firmly on the map as an A list actress.

The film is available in DVD and Blu-ray both with extras you will enjoy many times over. this is a film destined to become a classic.

Doubt: From Stage to Screen

- Scoring Doubt

- The Cast of Doubt

- The Sisters of Charity

- Feature Commentary with Writer/Director John Patrick Shanley

Posted 06/02/09