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Antwone Fisher 2002 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Denzel Washington
PG-13, 113 min. (violence, language, mature themes) |
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Starring: Derek Luke, Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant, Salli Richardson, Stephen Snedden
Producers: Todd Black, Randa Haines, Denzel Washington
Screenplay: Antwone Fisher
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Released: 12.19.02 (Limited), 1.01.03 (Wide) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
Although there's nothing spectacular about Antwone Fisher, Denzel Washington's directorial debut, it does an at least mildy
effective job at garnering sympathy for its characters. For someone as immensely talented as Washington is on-screen,
it's a bit disappointing to see him tackle such well-tread subject matter, even if his direction of it is competent. Because
the film is based on a true story written by Antwone Fisher, it's hard to be too critical of his life's hardships and eventual
healing. The film uses several strong performances to overcome the sentimentality that creeps into the storyline on more
than one occasion. The clever casting of Derek Luke to play Fisher was a coup for Washington, who plays the naval
psychiatrist that helps Fisher confront his past. Luke is a talented newcomer who invigorates a film that desperately needs
infusion of a strong central character, and, for that, Antwone Fisher is a success.
The story begins with seaman Fisher (Luke) finding it difficult to control his emotions, particularly his temper. After his latest
scuffle with another Naval enlistee, he is sent for evaluation by Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), one of the Navy's
best pychiatrists. At first hesitant to discuss his inner demons with Davenport, Fisher eventually begins to offer tidbits of
a dark past that include his mother's abandonment of him and an abusive foster home. To complicate matters, Fisher
has begun a close relationship with Cheryl (Joy Bryant), a girl who has sought his attention for some time. But when things
become uncomfortable as, with Davenport's fatherly guidance, healing begins in his life, Fisher must face his toughest task - to find whatever family
he has left in the world and reunite with them.
Washington has played the film straight, meaning he doesn't employ any fresh techniques or bizarre narrative thrusts to
give the story any higher meaning that what it is. He uses flashbacks as the main source of critical background information,
even if it's probably used too liberally at times. His straightforward approach is the best course of action for such a
simple film, but his greatest achievement comes in his own choice to play Davenport in a low-key, quiet manner. He simply
becomes the conduit for which Fisher lets his baggage loose. It's moments like these that one can appreciate how powerful
a presence Washington has in almost every scene - we never see him as anything but strong, authoritative, confident, but here
his ability to show hidden vulnerability is evidence of his multi-faceted acting skills. Compare this with last year's forceful
performance in Training Day, and it becomes obvious that he can effectively play almost any role he chooses.
But the film belongs to Luke, who finds his career now enlivened by a once-in-a-lifetime type opportunity. He doesn't
disappoint. He'll be up for several newcomer of the year awards, but his biggest achievement is in the way he portrays
Fisher as a sorrowful but stubbornly confident young man. There's no hysterics or forced melodrama here, instead a
down-to-earth character that fights his inner demons with the self-realization of his own path to redemption. His co-star,
Bryant, develops the kind of chemistry with him that is sorely missing in many of today's supposed romantic films. She
is beautiful yes, but also has the humble charm and sweet innocence that makes for a perfect match for Luke's childlike
demeanor.
Antwone Fisher probably won't be considered as an elite film despite its Oscar-bait release date, but it will provide some
rewarding moments for an audience that is tired of the somber tones of most other Oscar-contending films this season.
Maybe even more interesting than the story of Antwone Fisher is the manner in which it became a film. Fisher worked
as a security guard at Sony studios when his script found its way into Washington's hands. Of course, the rest is history, but
that Fisher's well-written script impressed Washington enough to make it his directorial debut is more than just impressive.
Luke and Fisher were friends even before the film was greenlighted, and their relationship is a primary reason for the
picture's honest, warm-hearted feel.
© 2002 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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