"We are Formed of Frailty and Error" Roman J. Israel, Esq. Review

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

3/5

Written and Directed by: Dan Gilroy

Rated: PG-13

           In 2014 writer Dan Gilroy directed his first feature length film, Nightcrawler, a neo noir thriller about the haunting underbelly behind filming disturbing daytime news footage. The film illustrated the lengths someone will go to achieve their vision, and how underhanded those lengths may be, if the individual taking them has no moral compass. Adding to his directorial work on human nature and the mortality of man and his flawed ideals, Gilroy has created a film highlighting the importance of universal law and its inherent destruction in human hands. It features unique characters, terrific performances and a script with metaphorical imagery keeping audience's head's scratching. This is the story of lawyer, activist and human, the one and only Roman J. Israel Esq.
          Heading Gilroy's story is a character most peculiar from others, and yet bound to the same mortality all men face. Roman J. Israel, Esq. (Denzel Washington) is an eager lawyer, seeking to do good above all else. He will stand up for the weak and cry out against the proud. Roman's hours were spent working on cases in the back of his law office unseen and untouched by the world. When Roman's partner suffers from a heart attack, Roman, a misunderstood and determined individual, is thrown into the insurmountable social world and reminded of his human nature and ultimate inadequacy. In addition to this Roman's law firm is now being led by a stranger, George Pierce (Colin Farrell), who may not be able to guarantee Roman's isolation or job safety. With the future of Roman's law firm uncertain, Roman takes up the reigns of his life and searches the streets of L.A. for where his calling lies, but how long can this weather beaten old dog wander, before he realizes he cannot go anywhere without also taking himself?
          Roman J. Israel, Esq. features terrific performances bringing life to Gilroy's memorable and unique characters. Farrell offers a distant and yet uncomfortably personal performance as George Pierce. Though it is difficult discerning where Pierce's intentions lie, when Pierce has to be direct and clearer than glass, Farrell will not even unintentionally blink. Along with Farrell, this film has a heartfelt gesture from actress Carmen Ejogo who gives vitality and spirit to social justice fighter Maya Alston. Ejogo's onscreen charm and bright nature, make for a great platform for Alston's character to shine through. Beyond these two and anyone else in the film, Denzel Washington fills the screen as the unabashed and yet unsure of himself Roman J. Israel, Esq. The research Washington did in order to fully embody his character shows, and it seems no other actor could have known how to make this intimidating and unruly character appear so meek and humane.
          Apart from Roman J. Israel, Esq.'s curious characters and the enigmatic performances behind them, comprising this film is an intriguing script complete with perplexing imagery and allegorical symbolism. Not only do most of the images present in this film represent something more than the sum of their parts, but each image's metaphorical meaning is constantly expanding and changing as the film progresses. What could be shown as a sign of innocence in one scene could later on represent insipidity. This is where Roman J. Israel, Esq. will lose most of its audience members, as the film requires subsequent viewings in order to accurately determine why events occurred and what mindset characters had during these moments. As the film would be referred to as a "slow burner," most audience members would not want to spend their time watching and rewatching this lethargic morality play. Some audience members, however, will appreciate this film's narrative structure and stylistic soundtrack, with Jazz hits from Eddie Kendricks, Marvin Gaye and The Chambers Brothers. To them Roman J. Israel, Esq. may be just the hidden gem they're hoping to find at Redbox or their local library.

Verdict: Dan Gilroy's Roman J. Israel Esq. is a morality play with enigmatic performances, especially from Denzel Washington, but its slow pacing and peculiar style may deter uneasy viewers.