A compelling chronicle of a childhood
crucible
Denzel Washington is one hell
of an actor. It is a lesser known fact
that he is also one hell of a director. While
his first feature is a striking examination of the legacy of slavery, it is
thankfully not a “message” movie. The
themes are strong and omnipresent, but they don’t drown out the drama with
off-putting proselytizing. Instead of
broadcasting the issues with the subtlety of a bullhorn, the emotional and
psychological grist is ground within the characters.
Antwone Fisher is an ensign in the Navy with
major rage issues. After a series of
sudden set-tos, he is sent for counseling.
At first obstinately silent, Antwone slowly begins to open up. His psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel
in an excellent supporting role) urges Antwone to reconnect with his long lost
family. The good doctor is well aware
that self-realization is just one of many difficult steps on the path to maturity. He urges Antwone to investigate his painful history,
knowing it contains the key to Antwone’s future happiness.
Derek Luke’s performance as Antwone Fisher is heartbreakingly vulnerable. He evokes all the anger, confusion and feelings of betrayal an abandoned orphan would struggle with, yet also displays charm and genuine warmth in his introspective moments. Antwone has begun to date a young woman (who is also in the Navy) and the humor and tenderness he reveals in their scenes together gives his good side a chance to shine. Though Antwone has suffered heinous abuse, his humanity has not been beaten out of him.
As Antwone’s search for his
family progresses, it appears that the mystery surrounding Denzel’s
psychiatrist character and his marriage troubles are going to be left
unresolved. Thankfully, Denzel’s directorial
attention to detail doesn’t lapse and the final scene is almost more euphoric
and healing than the redemption of Antwone’s past. The relationship between these two men began
as a purely professional and clinical connection. It has now nurtured powerful and positive
growth for both and established a lifelong bond. It is the beginning of a beautiful
friendship.
