Gregory Hoblit
Schegge Di Paura

If you have never seen the film, do not read the review because I start from the end!

The defendant is guilty, but he will never be sentenced to death! Despite all the evidence pointing to him, he will never be sentenced to death! Edward Norton, however, will be "sentenced" to be a celebrity!

I just finished re-watching the film on Netflix and I'm "terrified," just like in 1996, coming out of the cinema. This time, though, not because of the film, but for the purity of Norton's interpretation, that debut, unique and incredible. In his first film, he wins a Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actor and receives three Oscar nominations. While re-watching the film to write this review, the first annoying thing, (which I hadn't noticed before) is the Italian dubbing. I switched to the original language and it was wonderful.

Aaron is an altar boy, running away, bloodied and shocked, after the Archbishop of the annex where he lives is killed with 78 stab wounds.

For everyone, he is the culprit facing the death penalty but the situation stimulates the Prince of the Forum, lawyer Veil (Richard Gere), who wants to defend him for free and believes in his innocence!

Aaron in the cell seems tender, insecure, stammers and does not remember the incident.

He undergoes a psychiatric evaluation by the brilliant Molly, played by Frances McDormand (the protagonist that year in the Coen Brothers' Fargo). Once it is determined that Aaron suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder and his alter ego Roy (violent and vengeful) is the killer, it is already too late.

Aaron will manage to pretend to be mentally ill, checkmating everyone and saving his life.

The true defendant throughout the film is the Lawyer. His ego and fame lead him into a slow decline, ultimately obliterating him.

Richard Gere is not up to the confrontation with Norton, not even in the beautiful final scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSglojKUfeE