Denzel Washington's star is on the ascendant. A Best Actor Oscar in 2002 - his second - has been followed swiftly by his directorial debut.
Antwone Fisher tells the story of US marine Fisher (Derek Luke), who finds
himself in trouble with the navy as his explosive attitude repeatedly gets
the better of him. He is sent to naval psychiatrist Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington) and
begins to discover why his childhood experiences are still affecting him, to
his detriment.
When an understanding woman (Joy Bryant) finds him and accepts him for who
he is, it is time for him to do likewise. But is he emotionally ready to discover who he is and to let himself be
loved?
The film is at once a competent yet clichéd affair. Washington draws
gripping performances from all of his first-time stars - and himself - and
lays claim to the moniker of being an "actor's director".
Luke impressively fills the screen with presence, and Washington's sage-like
portrayal of the psychiatrist/surrogate father is the perfect foil, if a
little too close to territory already better covered by Good Will Hunting.
Ex-model Bryant, too, handles a sensitive role with care and consistency,
and holds the camera' s attention whenever she appears.
The military scenery of the Pacific Fleet's ships and bases does all that it
should in providing impressive backdrops, and the film shies away from using
the hardware to create unnecessary action scenes, preferring instead to give
the actors centre stage.
Yet although based on Fisher's own self-penned and true story, neither the
subject matter nor the structure is terribly original. And the leisurely
pace occasionally drags too much. The trouble, however, is less with Washington's direction than with the
self-indulgent story he has decided to bring to the silver screen.
But strangely, as an over-emotive soundtrack and cliché after cliché
threaten to overwhelm, it's more than possible to get into the film despite
your reservations.
Ultimately, Antwone Fisher is a human story involving real people - at least, as real as
people are ever portrayed in Hollywood. This is why it's worth a look. So if you're in the mood for a gritty, if sentimental evening at the flicks,
Antwone Fisher could be for you. Take with you some tissues, and someone to hug.
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