As titled, it's a movie that flows from how a doubt can turn to certainty simply based on perceptions and mind set. To such an extent that the principle and the ensuing need for adherence creates a perceived certainty, that becomes bigger than what's right.
Beautifully brings out how Being Rigid, can go overboard and hinder ones very ability to see the other Perspective
It's set in the 60's in a conservative catholic school, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as a progressive Father Flynn who is attempting to bring in some modernity and joy into a rigid, rule based system. And Meryl Streep as Sister Aloysius, a severe and strict nun, almost bordering on pathologically rigid,. It's an intense and dark portrayal that squashes in its wake the possibilities of change however needed or beautiful.
There is also Amy Adams as sister Jamie, a simple and positive person who is caught in the confrontation between the two. She is high on integrity but as highly influenced by the nun, and it's about the way the truth breaks through for her.
Sister Aloysius hates any inroads into modernity, symbolized by her total rejection of ballpoint pens, and she extends her beliefs into behavior based on even incidental and perceived occurrences. There is one African American student who Father Flynn is supportive of, and encouraging in sport and church, but Sister Aloysius perceives this as improper behavior by adding insinuations of sexual overtures, to a relationship that's based on pure love, and she attacks like a bird of prey.
No attempt of rationalization is even listened to.
Father Flynn's fate is sealed. Right sometimes doesn't prevail under the scanner of rigidity and ruthlessness.
A sequence that stands out even in this grim and powerful portrayal, is that of Viola Davis as the black boys mother and her aspiration, pain, hope and wisdom all come through in that one sequence as she handles a complex confrontation with the principal. She was brilliant, actually outshone Streep in that scene.
There is also Amy Adams as sister Jamie, a simple and positive person who is caught in the confrontation between the two. She is high on integrity but as highly influenced by the nun, and it's about the way the truth breaks through for her.
Sister Aloysius hates any inroads into modernity, symbolized by her total rejection of ballpoint pens, and she extends her beliefs into behavior based on even incidental and perceived occurrences. There is one African American student who Father Flynn is supportive of, and encouraging in sport and church, but Sister Aloysius perceives this as improper behavior by adding insinuations of sexual overtures, to a relationship that's based on pure love, and she attacks like a bird of prey.
No attempt of rationalization is even listened to.
Father Flynn's fate is sealed. Right sometimes doesn't prevail under the scanner of rigidity and ruthlessness.
A sequence that stands out even in this grim and powerful portrayal, is that of Viola Davis as the black boys mother and her aspiration, pain, hope and wisdom all come through in that one sequence as she handles a complex confrontation with the principal. She was brilliant, actually outshone Streep in that scene.
It's powerful acting, compelling thought, growing irreverance and merciless planning that takes the film to its logical end of Father Flynn leaving the school.
The end is when sister Aloysius allows Doubt to enter.
Recommendation........... It's serious, dark, intense, and powerful, so now you decide.
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