Finding Forrester
"Finding Forrester" is a very intelligent movie that carefully examines both sides of this idea, not only showing us the behavioral patterns of those with a distinctive hidden talent, but also how individuals with slightly less talent can easily slip into a swamp of self-loathing behavior.
Start with sixteen year old Jamal Wallace and his friends ritually meet at the basketball court every day, releasing their concerns in a sport that frees their minds and invigorates their spirits. While at the very same moment, far above the court through a socially fissile window, the curious eyes of William Forrester) look on. The boys are keenly aware that he may be watching, but they have no idea who he really is. Only through a plethora of myths do they acknowledge him. He is referred to as "The Window" and is attached to various rumors, one that claimed he's a killer, another one has him as a socially inept post-war presence.
One night on a dare, Jamal sneaks into the old man's apartment through the partially open window and after a quick exploration of his abode, accidentally leaves behind his backpack; inside rests his notebook full of writings. The next day, his pack is tossed to the street below. But to Jamal's shock, his notebook has been inundated with ink marks, some critical of his writing style, others captivated with the poetic meaning behind Jamal's conjoined words.
He returns to the man's apartment (this time in a more practical manner, going to the front door), and asks him if he wouldn't mind offering his opinion on some of his other writings. After overcoming their initial hesitation in allowing each other into their lives, the two strangers finally break down the communication barriers and set the first building blocks of a lasting friendship in place.
Meanwhile, Jamal's test scores have made him very appealing to a private school in Manhattan, one that has a marvelous academic program, but that coincidentally needs a star basketball player to possibly facilitate a championship. Jamal decides to attend, more for academic reasons, and while there, must fight to overcome prejudicial attitudes from some who question his talent, and others who are suspicious of his background. He encounters both a close friend; the intelligent, perceptive Claire Spence, who sees the good in him immediately, and a vociferous adversary; the autocratic Professor Crawford , a brilliant man with some questionable motives.
When Jamal's self-respect and future both rest upon a tenuous line, both he and the reclusive William Forrester must reach deep within themselves to locate the courage that will elevate them above that which has weighed them down.
What really struck me about "Finding Forrester" isn't the emotional impact within the story, but rather the logic surrounding it.
Finding Forrester is a film about finding dreams, and making them happen, and is certain end up as one of the finest films of the year.
The Hobbit is known for saying something funny at this point, but this time I have nothing. Only a sincere and profound admiration for the REAL writers of the world and for those like Jamal who have overcome the obstacles before them and found their dream.
The Hobbit is known for saying something funny at this point, but this time I have nothing. Only a sincere and profound admiration for the REAL writers of the world and for those like Jamal who have overcome the obstacles before them and found their dream.
