Review of Finding Forrester (2000) by Martin M — 13 Jun 2017
This movie starts out promising in the first thirty minutes, but begins to collapse in self-admiration after an hour or so. The character of Jamal, main protagonist in this film, is sullen throughout and is a one-note character. Anna Paquin's character is thrown in for no other reason but to provide a possible love dynamic between her and Jamal (Rob Brown). Throughout the entire course of the film I had no idea what Jamal's affinity for literature was about or where it stemmed from, and Forrester (Sean Connery) only gives him tidbits of advice which don't serve the overall purpose of their relationship.
It's as if the film wanted to stay on a one-note vehicle of making the audience feel sorry for Jamal and all the obstacles he has to overcome in terms of prejudices but there's not much fight in him; I didn't see him caring that much about literature or...anything. The film shows us a victim who is upset but gives no insightful answers on how to deal with institutional prejudices. And the administration with F. Murray Abraham as part of it is cartoonish as well with their over the top "snooty professor" antics. The film also doesn't ask important questions or explore really heady themes of class, race, status, etc. which could've been explored.
On a positive note, the cinematography looks good, and the direction by Van Zant runs smoothly,but a re-working of the script would've sufficed.
This review of Finding Forrester (2000) was written by Martin M on 13 Jun 2017.
Finding Forrester has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
