antwone fisher film review

this is a print version , of total film magazine, the ones below belong to a web page, as you can see the layout is very different, and the web page has a lot going on.

United States, 2002
U.S. Release Date: 12/20/02 (wide)
Running Length: 1:57
MPAA Classification: PG-13 (Mature themes, mild profanity, violence)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Seen at: Ritz Five, Philadelphia

Cast: Derek Luke. Joy Bryant, Denzel Washington
Director: Denzel Washington
Producers: Todd Black, Randa Haines, Denzel Washington
Screenplay: Antwone Fisher
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot
Music: Mychael Danna
U.S. Distributor: Fox Searchlight

For his directorial debut, Denzel Washington has used basic filmmaking techniques to tell a story that, although conventional, is at times deeply moving. The autobiography of Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke), who wrote the screenplay, is an inspirational tale that uses themes of family, courage, and the will to overcome as its building blocks. One could easily argue that Washington's relatively simple approach (he uses traditional camera placement, uncomplicated shots, and, from a storytelling perspective, doesn't do anything more radical than employ frequent flashbacks) is perfect for the material. The result speaks for itself.

When we first meet Antwone, he is an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy who is prone to uncontrollable outbursts of anger. One such incident earns him a reduction in rank and a visit to psychiatrist Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), who must determine whether Antwone is fit to continue serving his country. At first, Antwone and Jerome have a frosty relationship. Eventually, however, the doctor's non-confrontational attitude breaks through Antwone's silence, and he begins relating details about his past. Born in prison to a convict mother who abandoned him, Antwone spent the first two years of his life in an orphanage. He then moved in with a foster family and was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused until a bout of willfulness got him thrown out of the house. After a stint in reform school and a short period of life on the streets, he joined the Navy.

In short order, Jerome becomes a surrogate father to Antwone, whose biological male parent died before he was born. The young man also begins to cultivate a tentative relationship with Cheryl (Joy Bryant), a girl he has been attracted to for some time. Eventually, Jerome advises that Antwone search for his blood relatives. He reasons that only by locating them can Antwone free himself so he can go on with his life.

In an odd way, Antwone Fisher is a coming of age story. Even though the protagonist is in his mid-twenties, the movie details the steps he takes to gain control of his present and future by coming to grips with his past. It's a familiar story, but one that is presented with great sympathy and intelligence. Antwone, as depicted on screen in an impressive debut by actor Derek Luke, is a richer character than the traditional male figure who discovers himself, and this is one of the movie's strengths. A flat Antwone would have made the production seem ponderous and redundant.

James Berardinelli