Roman J. Israel, Esq

Ever since my childhood, i was always interested in TV series and movies, that would bring up law and justice. Perry Mason was one of those TV movies i used to watch with my mother, where legendary actor Raymond Burr returned as Perry Mason, after a hiatus of nearly 20 years. During the 80´s and 90´s, there were some interesting films about lawyers. One of those films that comes to my mind is the 1997 film The Devil´s Advocate. This is a film that have divided many movie critics. Some really appreciate this film, while some does not like it at all. I personally think this film does a really good job, mixing up the lawyer image between good and evil, where both actors Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino does great performances. This is one of those films that feels very different, because the mixture of horror influences is clearly inspired from Roman Polanski. Not that The Devil´s Advocate looks like Roman Polanski´s classic films, but you can sense that director Taylor Hackford could have found inspiration from Rosemary´s Baby. I do know that The Devil´s Advocate is inspired by the story of historical Johann Georg Faust, according to director Taylor Hackford. And it does make perfect sense, Faust is said to have made a pact with the Devil. I suggest you pick up the blu ray release and enjoy the film. Speaking of films with lawyers, how many of you remember the performance from Denzel Washington in the 1993 film Philadelphia ? Actor Tom Hanks gave a performance that you will never forget as the AIDS patient Andrew Beckett. Speaking of Denzel Washington, this is an actor who pretty much can do any character on screen, and knows exactly how to portrait people in very different life situations. One of the films i personally love with Denzel Washington, is the 2007 film American Gangster from legendary director Ridley Scott. Denzel as the drug dealer Frank Lucas, is one of those performances you won´t forget. Actor Russel Crowe is also very good in this film as Detective Richard. The cinematography is excellent, the costume designs looks gorgeous, and the story is very effective. I have seen so many good films with Denzel over the years, so of course i wanted to see his new film Roman J. Israel, Esq. With such a good lead actor on board, and a talented director as well, is Roman J. Israel, Esq a delightful surprise, or a film that most of you will forget ?

Lawyer Roman J. Israel ( Denzel Washington ) have worked hard many years for a lawyer company, making sure that every client is treated with respect. One day, he is informed that the lawyer company´s owner is hospitalized with a serious heart condition. Roman see this as an opportunity to take over the lawyer firm. Instead, the decision is made to close the lawyer firm, leaving Roman without a job. To make sure that Roman have a steady job, Roman accept the offer to work for lawyer George Pierce ( Colin Farrell ). It becomes clear that Roman finds evidence that his former boss have hidden secrets from him, as he digs into the law firm. But as he takes on new clients, it becomes clear that Roman is heading in the wrong direction, making some bad choices.

It becomes very clear that this film makes a strong impact, thanks to the performance of Denzel Washington. He is the most interesting character in the entire film, and you can sense that Denzel Washington is the biggest reason why this film works. When you have such a strong character as Roman, you would need a really good cast to back him up in the story. There are a few actors that do a pretty good job, like actor Colin Farrell as the lawyer George. But my biggest issue with this film, is that Denzel is so good, that you don´t really care about any other characters. Now, i do feel that the film is a fascinating look at the life of Roman, and everything he does to survive after he lost his job. You do feel sorry for him, and you can understand why he is becoming desperate, since he devoted his life to the law firm all these years. The other parts of the film, where we get to see Roman step out of his comfort zone, makes you curious to see how far he is willing to go. Will he break all the rules that he always made sure other people followed ? I would have liked to know more about the character Roman´s background, how he became interested in working in a lawyer office. Overall, Roman J Israel, Esq is a film that will be enjoyed, especially if you like lawyer films. You do not get to see many court scenes, i think that is a good idea. Director Dan Gilroy ( who directed the excellent Jake Gyllenhall thriller Nightcrawler ) does know how to make a professional film. I think the problem with this film is that his vision of telling the story of Roman, does not dig deep enough into his personality. Otherwise i do enjoy the film in general, because this is a good looking film with Denzel running the show all the way. They say that being honest is always the best way, and it is true. Roman J. Israel, Esq clearly shows what we as humans can do, if we end up in complicated situations. Denzel Washington is nominated for an Oscar Academy Award for best actor for this film. He deserve the nomination, because clearly he made this film good.

Rating: DDD