Roman J. Israel, Esq. should have just been titled Denzel, because a) nobody can remember its actual title and b) he's the best part of it.
Roman Israel J., Esq. is a character drama of the highest caliber. Delving deep into the consciousness and conscience of an impossibly complex character, the film revolves around its titular protagonist (Denzel Washington, in a mesmerizing performance) as he works to save his job. He's the behind-the-curtain brains of a two-person law firm until his partner (and former professor) has a heart attack. Taking over, Roman finds that his firm is broke and that it had engaged in some morally bankrupt deals. His idealism wounded, he begins to work for George Pierce (an impeccably dressed Colin Farrell) and he uses his knowledge on a case to collect reward money for identifying a killer. With his newfound wealth, he attempts to live the life he has long denied himself: he goes on dates with a beautiful woman with similar passions for justice (Carmen Ejogo), he leases a fancy apartment, he buys stylish suits.
J. Roman Israel then becomes a clear-cut morality play, and by the time a heavy-handed touch of fate sends consequences his way, Roman's time begins to run out. Until this third act gets a little too contrived, the movie is as excellent a character drama as you are likely to find. Of course, it's also a twisty legal drama that never quite allows its elements to coalesce, much less take flight. And by the time this weird and thrilling climax happens, we're left wondering why there was so much ado about so little. This ending is the kind I'd expect from a real-life story, one that allows its denouement (as the movie does) to succeed where its tragic hero failed, to show that his life was not in vain and that justice prevails. I half expected to see text about the real life Roman and the impact his work had on the justice system. But, of course, this whole damn thing was fictional.
Maybe Esq. Israel Q. Roman would have worked better for me if it were all a thriller, instead of just the climax. Maybe it should have been a pure character study and cut out some extraneous scenes and characters. The movie soars when Washington and Farrell square off: Pierce is exactly the sort of rich bitch Israel hates in the business, and as they butt heads they also rub off on each other. Ejogo, though playing the part as well as she can, can't overcome a screenplay that does her character no favors. Early in the film she was pragmatic and strong, but her speech to Israel during their date is almost absurdly uncharacteristic, wallowing in compassion and sentiment. Similarly, there is little to no sense in Israel's gamble to finger a crook and collect the reward money, and there is nothing as astonishingly stupid as Pierce tailing the hitman out to shoot Israel. Why do these characters suddenly do ridiculous things? You might say money, you might say friendship. I say, poor writing.
For me, Roman Esq. Jr. missed its mark. But it might work for you. There's certainly nothing wrong with seeing Denzel showing his acting chops or Colin showing his beauty for a couple hours. If you want a razor-sharp character study that thrills and chills and rips apart institutions, do yourself a favor and go watch Nightcrawler. That was some fine Dan Gilroy work.
IMDb: Roman J. Israel, Esq.
No comments:
Post a Comment