Introduction

Antwone Fisher is a 2002 American biographical drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington in his feature film directorial debut.

He also stars in the film as the psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, alongside Hollywood newcomer Derek Luke, who plays the title role (and personally knew the real Antwone Fisher), and ex-model Joy Bryant, as Fisher’s girlfriend.

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Outline

The film focuses on Antwone “Fish” Fisher, a temperamental young man with a violent history who is serving in the US Navy. His father was killed before he was born and his teenage mother, Eva Mae Fisher, ended up arrested soon after and put in jail, where she gave birth to him. He was then placed in an orphanage until such time as she was released and could claim him. Since she had not yet claimed him, at the age of two Antwone was placed in a foster home run by a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Tate. Antwone suffers years of physical and emotional abuse at Mrs. Tate’s hands, and is molested by her adult daughter Nadine. He finally leaves the home at age 14. After living out on the streets for the next few years, he decides to join the US Navy to make something out of his life.

The rough life he had as a child has caused him to have a violent temper; after getting into a fight with a fellow sailor, Antwone is sentenced at a captain’s mast to be demoted, fined, and restricted to the ship for 45 days. His commanding officer also orders him to go to psychiatric treatment. Antwone goes in to meet Dr. Jerome Davenport, who attempts to get him to open up. Antwone is at first extremely resistant, but gradually comes to trust Davenport and opens up about his traumatic childhood. Meanwhile, Antwone develops feelings for fellow Navy sailor Cheryl. With Antwone still getting into altercations, Davenport tries to explore his feelings for Cheryl in order to channel Antwone’s feelings into something positive. Antwone finally goes on a date with Cheryl and establishes a relationship with her.

While on leave in Mexico, Antwone gets into a fight with a sailor who insinuates that he is gay, and is thrown into jail. Davenport meets him in jail, where Antwone confides the sexual abuse he suffered as a child. Antwone eventually reveals to Cheryl that he sees a psychiatrist, and they share their first kiss.

At a Thanksgiving dinner, Davenport advises Antwone to find his real family. Antwone refuses, but thanks Davenport before inviting him to a graduation ceremony. Following the graduation ceremony, Davenport tells Antwone that he is ending the sessions and feels Antwone needs to progress on his own. Antwone breaks down, feeling everyone has abandoned him. He reveals his best friend Jesse was killed while attempting a robbery, and that he resents Jesse for leaving him behind. Realising he needs to find his parents to find closure, Antwone asks Cheryl to go with him to Cleveland. After a dead end at social services, Antwone decides to return to the Tate household. There he confronts Nadine and Mrs. Tate about their abuse. Mrs. Tate ultimately reveals Antwone’s father’s name: Edward Elkins.

After looking through multiple telephone books, Antwone comes into contact with his aunt Annette and visits her. Antwone learns his mother lives nearby, and goes to visit her. Antwone finds closure, forgives her, and leaves. When he returns to the Elkins household, he finds a feast prepared for him and finds the family he lost.

Antwone visits Davenport and thanks him for everything. Davenport then replies that it is he who should be thanking Antwone. Davenport confesses that he had been failing to deal with his own problems, and that treating Antwone prompted him to finally confront his demons. The film draws to a close as Davenport and Antwone go to eat.

Cast

• Derek Luke as Ship’s Serviceman Third Class/Seaman Antwone “Fish” Fisher.
  • Malcolm David Kelley as Antwone Fisher (Age 7).
  • Cory Hodges as Antwone Fisher (Age 14).
• Denzel Washington as LCDR Dr. Jerome Davenport.
• Joy Bryant as Petty Officer Second Class Cheryl Smolley.
• Salli Richardson as Berta Davenport.
• Leonard Earl Howze as Pork Chop.
• Kente Scott as Kansas City.
• Kevin Connolly as Slim.
• Rainoldo Gooding as Grayson.
• Novella Nelson as Mrs. Tate.
• Vernee Watson-Johnson as Annette Elkins.
• Viola Davis as Eva May.
• Stephen Snedden as Berkley.
• Leo Nepomuceno as SP #1.
• Sung Kang as Davenport’s Receptionist.
• Cordell Stokes as Keith.
• Ellis Williams as Reverend Tate.
• Timothy Reddick as Dwight.
• Yolonda Ross as Nadine Tate.
• De’Angelo Wilson as Jesse (Age 19).
• Jascha Washington as Jesse (Age 8).
• Andre Patton as Kenny.
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Deric Elliz.
• Gary Russell as Hector Fisher.
• Doug Jewell as Spinoza.

Trivia

• The film is inspired by a true story, with the real Antwone Fisher credited as the screenwriter, and is based on his autobiographical book Finding Fish.
  • The film generally follows the plot of the novel. However, the book proceeds in a linear fashion while the movie is explained through various flashbacks.
  • The movie stresses Antwone’s relationship with his doctor as opposed to the book, which chronicles Antwone’s entire life.
• Producer Todd Black was first inspired to make the film upon hearing the story from Fisher, who was then working as a security guard at Sony Pictures Studios.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Denzel Washington.
• Producer(s): Todd Black, Randa Haines, and Denzel Washington.
• Writer(s): Antwone Fisher.
• Music: Mychael Danna.
• Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot.
• Editor(s): Conrad Buff.
• Production: Fox Searchlight Pictures and Antwone Fisher Productions.
• Distributor(s): 20th Century Fox.
• Release Date: 19 December 2002.
• Running time: 120 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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