John Patrick Shanley penned and helmed mystery period drama 'Doubt' is a film adaptation of Shanley's Pulitzer Prize winning play by the same name. Photo Credit: Miramax FilmsDecember 02, 2008, (Sawf News) - John Patrick Shanley penned and helmed mystery period drama 'Doubt' is a film adaptation of Shanley's Pulitzer Prize winning play by the same name.
The highly anticipated film, set in 1964 and shot in New York City, stars Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis.
It centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him of sexually abusing a new black student, but the priest denies the charges. Much of the film's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.
Synopsis:
It's 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is trying to upend the school's strict customs which have been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron gloved principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of change are sweeping through the community and the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller.
But when Sister James (Amy Adams) innocently mentions to Sister Aloysius her guilt inducing suspicion that father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to the new student, Sister Aloysius is galvanized to begin a crusade to both unearth the truth and expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shred of proof or evidence except her moral certainty sister locks into a battle of wills with Flynn, a battle that threatens to tear apart the church and school with devastating consequences.
Production began on December 1, 2007. The $25 million budget film, which centers on a Bronx Catholic School, was filmed in various areas of The Bronx and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The period costumes are designed by Ann Roth.
The film premiered as an opening act at AFI FEST 2008 in an unfinished version because it was a last minute replacement for The Soloist.
Oscar winner Meryl Streep has been short listed in the Motion Picture - Drama category in 13th annual Satellite Awards for her role in the film. She is also short listed for the second award in Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical category for her performance in Abba-themed Mamma Mia!
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