THE POWER OF FOUR

I remember in the 90's a film called “The Priest” was making a hullabaloo in our land. Everyone rushed to the theaters to witness the controversy. I was only 16 that time and even faked my ID just to see it. This year, another film that tackles the same tilt is making noise in Hollywood. Yeah, a film called “Doubt” is making a dissonance not because of its subject about sex scandals in the church but the puissant ensemble. Of course, there's no need to present a bogus ID this time coz I'm already too old for this. In Doubt, four amazing thespians make a boring film into an ebullient award-winning picture. No doubt that the film is gaining awards and nominations everywhere. Thanks to the Power of Four!

In 1964 at St. Nicholas in the Bronx, Father Flynn , is trying to overhaul the schools' stern customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier , the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Muller . But when Sister James , a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her hunch that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal venture to unearth the truth and to scratch Flynn from the school.

I'm a catholic (not so devoted) and I cogitate that this film is not abhorrent. It is not trying to be anti-Catholic either. I believe that there are countless arguments about these scandals. Some are true and some are just accusations. They do a magnificent job in depicting the issue here. “Doubt” is not too explicit like “The Priest” which has an astonishing sex scene . However, in Doubt the audience will visualize. They will doubt or accept if there is a sex scene. I think that's a clever way to create dubiousness in the film. That's why it aptly called “Doubt”. The film is quiet boring to the banausic moviegoer because for them it's too loquacious. If you're insomniac I bet you'll be soporific. But the dustup between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn is enough to keep you cognizant for a moment. Watching Doubt is like joining a game of tug-of-war. It's just crazy to be involved in this uncertainty.

I've seen most of Meryl Streep's films. I don't love her but I like her as an actress. I really thought that she will get a nod in Mamma Mia but Doubt is her strongest last year. She fascinates me in The Devil Wears Prada and this time her character haunts me. Streep may win the Oscar for Best Actress in this challenging role. Her portrayal of Sister Aloysius is spot on. After falling in love with her in Enchanted, Amy Adams is now an actress to watch out for in the upcoming awards. She is a Hollywood darling. She now holds 2 Academy nominations and I'm really hoping she wins this time. Her subtle acting as Sister James is truly compelling. Unfortunately, a newcomer named Viola Davis is her great rival in that category for Best Supporting Actress. Davis appears in the film in less than 10 minutes and her endearing performance is enough for her to bring home the bacon. Oh God her tears can move mountains! To complete the Power of Four, Philip Seymour Hoffman shows a magnificent portraiture again. He won in Capote as a gay reporter and, if the late Heath Ledger is not vying for the same category as Best Supporting actor as Joker in The Dark Knight , I truly believe Hoffman deserves the statuette too. Sorry Philip but Heath is really my bet!

All film lovers must watch this classic. However, if you've enjoyed the blockbusters from our local filmmakers, I'm afraid “Doubt” is not a film for your chagrin. “Doubt” is a perfect catharsis. Give it a try and discard your incertitude about this splendid film.