Yes. Wonderfully acted downer with masterful direction. A triumph for all concerned, but not a fun evening at the movies by any means. (But you knew that.)

Before anyone else can say it, I have to add (re Last Chance Harvey) that it breaks no new ground and in fact (late in the movie) introduces a lame plot device from An Affair to Remember that came thisclose to losing me. But my overall assessment was still overwhelmingly positive due to the chemistry between the two leads and the joy of seeing them get real starring roles to play after too long a drought.

Per author Shanley, the inspiration for Doubt was his observation of how automatically Congress and Americans fell into lockstep with the push to invade Iraq. As such, it seems largely about the pitfalls of making hard distinctions about matters better served by critical probity and sober questions, the pro-active uses of skepticism, the dangers of drawing conclusions based on instinctive certitude without clear evidence, the inevitability of change and what happens when those lines blur and butt up against each other.

http://www.cinematical.com/2008/12/09/interview-writer-director-john-patrick-shanley-of-doubt/

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98142901

From a somewhat gauche young woman, Emma Thompson has matured beautifully, physically and, seemingly, emotionally. Undoubtedly intelligent, she gives the impression of haing tempered her mental restlessness, with a sense of proportion, a realisation of what's important in life and we she can and wants to achieve. It shows in her looks and her body language. Snuggling up to Dustin, was anyone else so at ease on the Golden Globe stage. Maybe its to do with growing older or being o mother or having outside interests. Regardless, she radiates a warmth and certainty unusual in actors.
...
Similarly, Dustin Hoffman seems a man with a sesne of proportion. It's not surprising there combined screen presence is alchemic. They must have realised this themselves when acting together in Stranger Than Fiction. As American's are won't to say, they're a class act.

How does it rate to "Tootsie?"

Is warpedgirl "movielover"? Didn't have a clue. Welcome back, warped one!