Roman J. Israel Esq.

Roman J. Israel Esq.

Roman J. Israel Esq. is struck in the 60’s. Afro, tweed jackets with wide lapels and an Angela Davis poster on his wall. He is the backroom lawyer of a two lawyer firm. When his partner dies he is rudderless. Roman is either a savant, on the spectrum, neurotic or probably all three. With his copious legal knowledge, he secures employment with new owners of the old firm.

I do not want to call the movie dull, but it only gets interesting two thirds of the way in. Being the consummate actor Denzel Washington deliverers a yeoman’s performance. He has the walk, stooped shoulders and talks without thinking which defines Roman. He has a fall from grace betraying his lofty ideals. As with all down falls there is a price to pay, and he pays dearly. His downfall gives rise to a predictable ending which eliminating   suspense.

The other actor of note is Colin Farrell. He is the counter point to Roman. Sauvé, well appointed, confident and not bad looking. Roman creates problems for Farrell and himself.

The film veers of course. It starts out as film focusing on social injustices then it turns into a conventual semi-suspense movie with a predictable ending. Denzel Washington has a string of successful movies, but this one is a misfire.