Doubt

Spokane is all too familiar with child abuse within the Catholic Church. Just a few years ago, it erupted in our backyards, shaking the core of both people with faith and those without. For some, memories still linger; for many, the issue seems to have passed them by. Thankfully, there are movies like Doubt to undermine our complacency. John Patrick Shanley’s play-turned-movie brings new life to the unsettled subject of priestly sex abuse without, oddly enough, ever really discussing religion.

Instead, the film compels viewers to self-question: What do I believe? How strong are my convictions? What are they grounded on? And in the final analysis, once I’ve struggled to find my way toward truth, how can I be so sure that my version reflected the actual truth?

You probably know the premise of Doubt; chances are you’ve even made up your mind about the conclusion. But rent it anyway. See if it doesn’t have the ability, even from one scene to the next, to change your perceptions. You may come to the realization that you didn’t have an open mind to begin with — and that you aren’t likely to develop one anytime soon.

Some of Shanley’s direction — unique camera angles and still shots — doesn’t always translate well to the small screen, despite Roger Deakins’ cinematography. Nevertheless, Doubt is visually striking, with a subdued color palate and generally dark atmosphere.

And once you’re finished this emotional roller coaster, there’s a promising set of bonus features. A glimpse into the story’s transition from theater to the big screen is interesting, yet takes second stage to the brief history of the Sisters of Charity. Oh, and skip the portion about the cast entirely. Meryl Streep is much more compelling in character, Amy Adams is meek, and when off-screen, Philip Seymour Hoffman acts like a pretentious Santa Claus. Or maybe a polar bear.

Everything else aside, it may be Howard Shore’s deadly quiet musical score that makes Doubt so powerful. Watching this movie in the intimacy of your own living room, you just might start questioning your own innocence and guilt. Doubt cultivates doubt. (Rated PG-13)