22: DOUBT (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actor in a supporting role - Philip Seymour Hoffman

Performance by an actress in a leading role - Meryl Streep

Performance by an actress in a supporting role - Amy Adams

Performance by an actress in a supporting role - Viola Davis

Where?

Chelsea, 6.30pm (a pain in the ass to get to, so a double bill was required to justify the trek).

Comments?

As can be seen by the Oscar nominations, this is a movie for the actors. Despite a tremendous effort by the director, John Patrick Shanley, who also wrote the screenplay based on his own stage play, the ensemble cast carry this movie beyond that of just a good dramatic film.

Doubt held my attention throughout. It is a harrowing tale about the suspicions of the Principal of a Catholic Church in the Bronx; suspicions of the Father of the Church and how he may have strayed from the flock, taking particular small boys with him.

The paedophile priest, unfortunately, has become a bit of a cliche in movies and real life, but it pays to remember when watching this movie that it is set in the sixties. The Principal, Sister Aloysius, played by Meryl Streep, has grave concerns about the Father's conduct and for her to make any accusations at all is a major step outside the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. But, nevertheless, she takes those steps and puts Father Flynn's reputation at risk.

Are the accusations unfounded? Shanley skillfully ensures that nothing is clear cut and that the audience remains in the same boat as the main characters, never really sure what is happening behind closed doors. Some of the characters have no doubt, they have their certainty that they are right; some seem certain but then their minds are changed, they become confused, they choose what is less hideous to comprehend, they want "simplicity back". Others make decisions that seem unfathomable in the face of the obvious repercussions.

The movie builds up along the thoughts and feelings of these characters, driven forward by the actions of those who think they are right, and ultimately searches for a satisfying resolution. A final emotional statement ensures that this can not be so, a revelation that, on the face of it, shatters everything that has gone before, but upon reflection, in my opinion, refers to something less obvious, and reflects a greater fear, a greater sense of self doubt, one that is not so easy to cast out.

Oscar worthy?

What a cast! Streep! Hoffman! Adams! It's a stellar line up of consummate professionals and they deliver in spades. The skill that these actors show is amazing; their performances breathtaking without dominating any one particular scene. They form part of the bigger story, each of them bringing a captivating performance to the screen.

I read somewhere that there was an award (not in the Oscars) for best ensemble cast and that the Doubt team were nominated. They should win that, for sure. A confrontation scene mid-way through the film, with the three actors above involved, is something truly mesmerising to experience; you can not help but enjoy watching them in full flow, acting their socks off, but avoiding taking it too far. Professionals, every one of them.

In my opinion, though, no one will win an Oscar. Not because of their performances, but because of who they are up against. Streep is amazing and, as expected, at her best, bringing the very strict and stubborn Sister Aloysius to life; Hoffman as Father Flynn, as he so perfectly does, tip toes along a line of creepiness, staying on the right side so as to keep the doubt brewing. That said: Streep will lose out to Winslet; Hoffman to Ledger. It's a shame but it doesn't take anything away from their performances.

Best Supporting Actress could be a different kettle of fish. Amy Adams is very good but she is slightly overshadowed by the two headline acts above; but that works, as she plays Sister James, young, naive and totally overwhelmed by the head Sister and Father Flynn. Another great performance.

Viola Davis is good too, as the mother of the only African American boy in the Church. Her son attracts the care and attention of Father Flynn and his well being becomes of great concern to Sister Aloysius. The mother makes a decision that shocks and Davis plays it quite well, but her screen time is minimal, fifteen minutes tops, not enough in my opinion to make a good enough impression.

So, the jury is still out on Best Supporting Actress. I haven't seen the other nominations yet, so I won't make a call. I will say, on their performances alone, the Oscar probably isn't here either. The team at Doubt need a new category in the Oscars - Best Ensemble.

Rating?

8 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Either I've discovered something quite profound in the movie's last words or my mind is not completely with it because I haven't eaten enough food. More popcorn for the next one please."