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Antwone Fisher Review
By admin | August 13, 2009
Antwone Fisher Trailer
Antwone Fisher Review
Studio: 20TH CENTURY FOX
Genre: Drama
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 2.35:1
Screen Format: Anamorphic - Enhanced for 16×9 viewing
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Exposure: Color
Running Time: 120 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13
Release Year: 2002
COMMENTS
It’s difficult to put into words the emotional impact of experiencing ANTWONE FISHER, but it’s not unlike the feelings we got when watching THE COLOR PURPLE. However unlike Alice Walker’s outstanding novel, this largely biographical account of the author’s life isn’t the work of fiction. Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine anyone concocting a more compelling, life-affirming story than the one contained here.
Denzel Washington scores a complete victory with this solid directorial debut. Here, Washington shapes the performance of a lead star (Derek Luke) who has never appeared on film before, helping the actor creating a memorable and lasting impression. We also enjoyed listening to Washington’s comments during the commentary track. We get the sense that Washington is as generous as a director as he is as an actor — but at the same time — very disciplined in his dedication to his craft. And it shows.
ANTWONE FISHER weaves a complex and rich story, in which we see the troubled past of a young Navy seaman unravel as his superior officers seek to root out the source of his inner rage, hoping to channel his aggression and anger into a positive force for the betterment of his life.
This DVD, which includes a very relaxed, engaging and informative feature length commentary with producer Todd Black and director/producer/co-star Denzel Washington, also has a nice featurette which introduces us to the film’s namesake. Antwone Fisher makes it clear that the U.S. Navy saved his life, by giving him the structure, direction, and most importantly, support, that the young man so desperately needed after a lifetime of unspeakable abuse.
It should be noted that while largly based on real events, certain characters, such as the one played by Denzel Washington, are either composites or created to augment the the basic storyline. It’s based on a true story, but it’s still Hollywood, folks. Thanks to the commentary, we’re often given clear deliniation between fact and art as the film progresses.
ANTWONE FISHER is easily one of the best pictures of 2002 and highly recommended. It’s a triumph of the human spirit that’s underscored by the truth of its foundation.
Editor’s Note: The cover art depicted in this review is not the final DVD cover art, which at the publishing of this review, was not yet available. ANTWONE FISHER has a street date of May 20, 2003.
SYNOPSIS
Raised in Cleveland by a loathing foster mother, Mrs. Tate, who beat him unconscious, Antwone Fisher was also sexually abused by the teenaged daughter of Tate beginning at the age of six. Raised in this loveless, hostile environment, ANTWONE FISHER and his foster brothers never had the opportunity to develop even an ounce of self-esteem. Having been born in prison to a mother who never came for him after her release, the young boy grew to a man never knowing his father’s name — only that he had been killed by a girlfriend after an argument two months before he had even been born.
Both verbally and physically abused during his entire childhood, ANTWONE FISHER developed an irrational resentment for whites, after being continually compared to his half-white foster brother, whom their foster mother held in higher regard due to his lighter skin and mixed parentage. A vicious self-loathing black, Mrs. Tate seldom called Antwone by his name, choosing to call him the “n” word, instead. Antwone and his stepbrothers could tell which one she was yelling at by the way she said the “n” word. Recognition by inflection.
After being ejected from Mrs. Tate’s home after finally standing up to her brutality, the emotional scars of his formative years boiled over into open hostility against fellow crewmen, which led to psychiatric counseling, which in turn leads to the emotional redemption of Fisher and the salvation of his future. From the depths of isolation and despair to becoming the toast of the town. Not bad, Antwone. Not bad.
IMAGE
Fox produces an outstanding transfer with rich, deep colors, outstanding clarity and impressive shadow detail. The key lighting changes throughout ANTWONE FISHER as some days are overcast and others are drenched in sunshine.
Though we missed seeing this one in the theaters, we get the sense that we’ve really missed little or nothing in the transition from film to DVD. An excellent effort for an excellent film.
SOUND
The original score by composer Mychael Danna (8MM, GIRL\, INTERRUPTED) provides several powerful cues throughout the film, enhancing the drama and emotion. This is not an action driven film, so don’t expect much from the split surrounds. But the soundtrack will fill the room as much as the story will lift your heart.
FEATURES
Scene access to 32 chapter breaks
Feature length commentary with producer Todd Black and director/producer/actor Denzel Washington
Alternate French soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1, 2.0 Spanish track
Subtitles in English and Spanish
Three featurettes: “Meeting Antwone Fisher”; “The Making of Antwone Fisher”, Hollywood and the Navy”
Theatrical trailers for Le Divorce, Drumline, In America and Master and Commander (but oddly, none for ANTWONE FISHER)