Doubt (2008) (Blu Ray) - 8/10

Doubt is a very good movie that I think works as a different experience for everyone because it makes you question who you think is right with such little information presented. Written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, Doubt is cemented by the four Oscar nominated performances of Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis who take an almost stage-like approach with the dialogue and pacing. What really works for me though is the way we are introduced the characters and the little details that try to prove one thing, then another minute change your mind. As we first see Meryl Streep's "dragon-like" principal, she is mean and quick with everyone, reinforcing this idea that she is the one that needs to change with the times in the school. But as the events unfold regarding the priest becoming too friendly with the only black student, we start to see things from her persective and believe she is right. Amy Adams is perfect as the almost-too-honest and naive young teacher who want to believe the priest but is caught b/w the two fighting sides. Viola Davis brings an emotional punch as the boys mother who just wants to see her son survive and not get involved. Doubt is a complex and sometimes slow movie that demands multiple viewings to get all the hidden little hints. I think this was one of the best movies last year not only for the great cinematography from Richard Deakins, but the subtle use of character development that lets the viewer decide what the truth is. By the final breakdown scene where Meryl says she has doubts, there's no question that everyone brought such presence to the screen we are torn who to connect with. One of the more thought-provoking films in recent memory.