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ANTWONE FISHER Send This Review to a Friend
An especially moving film, "Antwone Fisher" is a notable coup for Denzel Washington, who both directs and acts. The film was a highlight of the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and is due further accolades now that it is in release. Written by the real Antwone Fisher about his own life, the film stars the impressive Derek Luke as a troubled U.S. Navy man who has an explosive personality that gets him into jams repeatedly as a result of unresolved emotional problems stemming from childhood. Washington skillfully plays the Navy psychiatrist to whom he is sent for help, and the good doctor patiently works to overcome Fisher's resistance and open doors to a turnaround.
Washington as director avoids pretentious frills in telling the autobiographical story, relying instead on low-key, straightforward drama that is packed with compelling situations and confrontations. The film also benefits from a lovely performance by Joy Bryant as Cheryl, the woman who comes into Fisher's life and helps him with her friendship, warmth and understanding.
Luke's performance is certainly among the very best of 2002, and this should be an important breakthrough for him. He is impressive as well in the looks department. Washington turns in another fine acting stint, and it must have been a difficult job handling the directorial chores in addition to appearing in front of the camera.
There's one aspect of the film that doesn't ring true and seems like extra screenplay baggage. It's enough that Jerome Davenport (Washington) leads Fisher to a better understanding of his life, but the script also demands that Fisher also lead Davenport to a better understanding of his. It seems highly unprofessional that Davenport would indicate problems in his marriage to his patient. Yet he does exactly that concerning his relationship to his wife Berta (Salli Richardson).
However, the film is so powerful overall that it easily withstands such secondary criticism. "Antwone Fisher" is filled with special moments and becomes an emotionally rewarding experience. A Fox Searchlight release.
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