THE HURRICANE (1999)

Directed By: Norman Jewison
Written By: Armyan Bernstein & Dan Gordon
Based on the book “The 16th Hour”: Rubin “Hurricane” Carter
Based on the book “Lazarus and the Hurricane”: Sam Chaiton & Terry Swifton
Cinematography By: Roger Deakins
Editor: Steven E. Rivlain

CAST: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger, Live Schrieber, John Hannah, Dan Hedaya, Clancy Brown, David Paymer, Debbi Morgan, Harris Yulin, Rod Steiger, Badja Djola, Vincent PAstore



This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, an African-American man who rose above his troubled youth to become a top contender for the middle-weight boxing title. However, his dreams are shattered when he is accused of a triple murder, and is convicted to three natural-life terms. Despite becoming a cause celebre and his dogged efforts to prove his innocence through his autobiography, the years of fruitless efforts have left him discouraged. This changes when an African-American boy and his Canadian mentors read his book and are convinced of his innocence enough to work for his exoneration. However, what Hurricane and his friends learn is that this fight puts them against a racist establishment that profited from this travesty and have no intention of seeing it reversed.

The power if Denzel Washington’s performance elevates the film. It’s not that the film is bad. It just seems more basic and not too innovative except for the lead performance that excels and makes everything else look good in comparison. It is sort of like Jamie Foxx’s Performance in the film RAY does the same thing for that film. Washington’s performance is ferocious especially in the beginning he is like a wild animal a panther sleek and calm always watching and thinking until you set him off and he attacks then he is a unrelenting predator physically violent. He is the same way when he is seducing ladies he has a charm that he uses to overpower them,
Despite your opinion on the case in life. The film is illuminating in story and presents a strong case for his innocence (Then again as he is a technical advisor on the film of course the film is a bit biased) Though it doesn’t make the film, the story or the performances any less compelling. It gives a fair and balanced view of of the character and case.

Towards the middle of the film the addition of the 3 canadians investigating the case after the teenager in their charge who reads Ruben Hurricane carter’s biography and then bonds with him. Is based on truth but the storyline is treated in such a Scooby Doo’ish manner which the film takes a few turns towards being a thriller. Which is where the film tries to be exciting without Denzel in the scenes. Then in the third act of the film it suddenly morphs into a basic courtroom drama. Don’t get me wrong the film is presented well but not exactly compellingly all the time. I give both credit to Denzel’s performance and the guidance of Legendary Director Norman jewison. Who definitely elevates the material himself then what it could have turned out to be.

This personally is one of the films that Denzel Washington was nominated for and should have won for. No offense even though he gave an excellent Performance in TRAINING DAY it was a little disheartening that while he played men of valor and bravery full of spirit and respectable he kept losing. Soon as he plays a criminal who is despicable then he wins an Oscar. While it was a great part of history it was a bit insulting as it showed The African American community an iconic role that was unfortunately another criminal adding to the list of dastardly characters played by us that become iconic. Though the roles that are truly respectable and honorable that are more uplifting continue to stay unheralded and certainly never awarded. I understand Oscar politics where you are owed if you keep getting nominated eventually you win, but again why for the most insulting of roles? He trained for over a year to get in shape for the role to morph totally into the character physically.

Learning humanity and how to grow and change and taking someone who believes in you under your wing to help them learn how to be a man is commendable in this film. It also manages to have an uplifting message. Which leaves the film as a true learning experience that can be shown and shared with the youth in a classroom or in life. It is also a useful history lesson.

A few facts
Carter was actually convicted of three muggings and served four years in prison prior to his murder trial
• Carter and Lisa Peters eventually married and later divorced
• In reality, there was no Det. Della Pesca
• Carter did not give a speech in the courtroom when his conviction was overturned and Lesra was not in attendance
• Carter was actually released from prison for 4 years between his two trial convictions
• Carter was dishonorably discharged from the military after four court-martials (after just 21 months' service)
• There actually was no evidence found that proved Carter's innocence. The reason his conviction was overturned was because the prosecution mishandled much of the evidence it had that Carter did commit the murders. When all the evidence from the real case is looked at, it seems more than likely that Carter was guilty of the murders, but got off on a technicality during his second trial.

The picture of Malcolm X in Hurricane’s cell Is actually a picture of Denzel Washington as the character from the film of the same name.

The film is good and old fashioned with a bit of an edge. The film manages to keep you interested and on the edge of your seat though you already know the outcome.

GRADE: B