Date: January 25, 2000
Cast:Ruben "Hurricane" Carter - Denzel Washington
Lezra - Vicellous Shannon
Della Pesca - Dan Hedaya
Sam Chaiton - Liev
Schreiber
Lisa Peters - Deborah
Unger
Terry Swinton - John
Hannah
Director: Norman Jewison
"Here comes the story ‘bout the Hurricane" - Bob Dylan
Inspiration. It is one word that carries so much power, emotion and strength. It drives authors to compose masterpieces, songwriters to pen ballads and poets to lament about loves lost or found. In general, it empowers people to do things that they may have had inside them, but just needed that little extra push to complete. Those who are inspired may not realize where it comes from, or even why it inspires them, but they just know that it does. The Hurricane is a movie about inspiration and the power that one man’s story has on another’s life.
Regardless of what your opinion of Ruben "Hurricane" Carter is, there is no denying the effect that he had on one young persons life. How true it remains to the facts of the story, I really can’t say. I don’t really know too much about it. From what I have read after the fact, it seems that director Norman Jewison may have embellished, glossed over, and glorified Carter more than he should have. I do appreciate and admire a movie that makes you want to read up in order to learn more about the story. However I also appreciate if it comes as close to the truth as possible, without compromising, or moralizing. Some scenes seemed inserted just for the purpose of eliciting emotions. I swear I could see the flashing "Oscar Clip" several times. The direction becomes too heavy handed in his preachiness and Jewison’s slanted views on the reality may take away from those who know the truth. The tale of Lezra, and how he was inspired is well told, well done, well acted and performed. I actually would have preferred to see the story, focusing on he, and the three Canadians who helped him, using Carter as an inspiration, rather than a focus.
It follows Hollywood’s generic Underdog-Triumph Script, down to the letter. There are no surprises, or unexpected twists, yet it still works.
The performances are all first rate, especially from Washington, who gives the best of his career, showing the range from rugged, to lovable, to tortured with great ease. Add his name, again, in ink to those who may collect gold in March. Washington, and newcomer (Vicellous Shannon) seem to play off each other well, and make the others around them reach higher. Especially impressive again is Live Schreiber (see Walk on the Moon for his true talent, and Scream 1,2,3 for his campy, yet effective humor ability). My only problem with the acting was the stereotyped "bad guy" (Dan Hedaya) who is obviously portrayed as detestable, unlikeable, and a scapegoat. As I understand it, this was a bit of dramatic and creative melding of several people in Carter’s life, and it just seems too "convenient" to be real. Otherwise, The Hurricane is a true acting clinic.
Ultimately, The Hurricane is a powerful experience that will tug at your heart and tear ducts, showing the effects of believing, and overcoming. The conflict and problems exist when it comes down to storytelling versus a true story. As a story, it is completely predictable, yet well done in its predictability. As the truth, it strays and takes a bit of a slanted view on things. When it comes to the truth, versus perceptions of the truth, a fine line must be walked. You cannot take too many liberties for fear of dilution by those who know better. The Hurricane seems too goody goody and fairy tale like, to be completely true. It has been glorified and polished up to make it more appealing. Ruben Carter may have been an inspiration, but he was far from a saint, but do not take my word for it. Read up on Mr. Carter, and his story before you see this movie, and take it as inspiring story, but far from the truth. ($$$ out of $$$$)
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
