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.
The two primary supporting characters are played by Joy Bryant and Washington. Bryant isn't any better known that Luke (this is her second film; she had a tiny role in the Robert De Niro/Eddie Murphy comedy, Showtime), but, like him, she gives a strong performance. Most importantly, Bryant and Luke display an unforced chemistry. Washington willingly allows his character to remain mostly in the background. The actor's quiet, low-key performance is in contrast with the kind of emotive, intense work he usually does in front of the camera.
There are a few occasions when Antwone Fisher crosses the line to become too syrupy. (One such instance occurs during the speech used to conclude the movie.) For the most part, however, the production radiates emotional honesty. Some of the events of Fisher's real-life story may have been fictionalized in the name of producing a better narrative, but there's little doubt that this tale of genuine human courage will find favor with nearly everyone who sees it.
© 2002 James Berardinelli