Movie Review: Doubt

Doubt is another film that has people talking. Doubt was originally a Broadway play, written by John Patrick Shanley, that won the Tony for Best Play in 2005. Shanley adapted his play for the screen, as well as directed it.

Having had the opportunity to see the play on Broadway in New York several years ago, and now the movie adaptation, there’s no doubt in my mind that Doubt is an incredible piece of work. The movie takes place at a Catholic school in the Bronx in the mid-sixties. The school’s principal, Sister Aloysius, (Meryl Streep) who is a stickler for discipline, becomes suspicious of Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his behavior with a young boy, Donald -- the first black student accepted in the school. Although she has no physical proof, her suspicion runs so deep that she enlists the help of the young and wide-eyed Sister James (Amy Adams), and begins a tirade against Father Flynn who consistently proclaims his innocence. The movie deals with a broad range of topics, from more the personal issues of doubt and faith, to the broader issues of the time, such as the church’s changing roles and the racial climate of the 60s.

Doubt did not lose anything in its adaptation from stage to screen, but it did not necessarily gain very much either. The story is simple, but the characters and concepts are complex and intriguing, and the writing is just about flawless. What sets this intense film apart from many others is the acting. Streep, Hoffman and Adams are all pitch-perfect, bringing the smallest, most wonderful details to their characters. Each actor’s performance shines greatly on its own, but together, the trio is as powerful, dynamic and full of fire as you can ever hope to see in a movie. I don’t think it’s likely that Doubt will win any Best Pictures, although it has been nominated by just about everyone. While Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Viola Davis (who brilliantly plays Donald’s mother) were all nominated for Golden Globes, neither walked away with a win. They both deserve Oscar nods, and in my opinion, to walk away with awards this time.