Directed by Gregory Hoblit • 1996 • United States
Starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton

A high-profile slaying becomes the case of an ambitious attorney’s career in this smash-hit legal thriller boasting shocking twists and compelling performances from Richard Gere and an Academy Award–nominated Edward Norton in his screen debut. Martin Vail (Gere) is a famed defense lawyer who volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Norton), a teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop. Covered with blood, Aaron was captured after a foot chase broadcast live on TV, making Vail certain that he could raise his profile by defending the obviously guilty suspect. But confronted with game-changing new evidence—including the revelation that Stampler suffers from multiple personality disorder—the cynical, opportunistic Vail is faced with a daunting prospect: a client who may actually deserve his best defense.