DECEMBER 2022:

“Hate put me in PRISON, love’s gonna bust me out!”

– Rubin “Hurricane” Carter

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE: EXAMINING THE NARRATIVE AND IMPACT OF THE HURRICANE…

The Hurricane is a 1999 film directed by Norman Jewison that tells the story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a former middleweight boxer wrongfully convicted of a triple murder at the Lafayette Bar and Grill in Paterson, New Jersey. The film stars Denzel Washington in his Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated role as Rubin Carter. While the film has received acclaim for its powerful performances and emotional impact, it also faces some valid criticisms. For this review, I will examine the narrative of the film and the impact it had on audiences when it was released in 1999. The script was adapted by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon from Carter‘s 1974 autobiography, The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender To 45472 and the 1991 non-fiction work, Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Freeing of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton. The film depicts Carter’s arrest, his life in prison, and how he was freed by the love and compassion of a teenager from Brooklyn named Lesra Martin and his Canadian foster family. The film received positive reviews and won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Washington‘s performance. Washington was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was released by Universal Pictures in the United States on December 29, 1999. It grossed $74 million against a budget of $50 million.

One of the strengths of The Hurricane lies in its compelling performances, particularly by Denzel Washington in the lead role. Washington brings an undeniable intensity and charisma to his portrayal of Rubin Carter, capturing the internal struggles and the relentless pursuit of justice. His performance is emotionally charged and showcases his exceptional acting abilities. While Washington’s performance is undeniably impressive, there are certain aspects that warrant review. One of the notable strengths of Washington’s portrayal is his ability to capture the essence of Rubin Carter’s indomitable spirit. He effectively conveys the intense frustration, resilience, and determination of a man wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Washington’s emotional depth and charisma bring a sense of authenticity and nuance to the character, evoking empathy and support from the audience. Moreover, Washington’s physical transformation for the role is commendable. He convincingly embodies Carter’s presence, from his boxing prowess to his stoic demeanor. The dedication he brings to the role is evident in his physicality and meticulous attention to detail, making his performance all the more compelling. Furthermore, the film’s narrative structure and emphasis on Carter’s boxing career may have overshadowed other important aspects of his life and personality. Critics argue that the film primarily focuses on his time in prison and his boxing legacy, leaving little room for a more comprehensive exploration of Carter’s background, motivations, and personal struggles beyond his wrongful conviction.

Despite the harsh critiques, Washington’s performance in The Hurricane remains a significant achievement in his career. His ability to capture the emotional turmoil and resilience of Rubin Carter draws audiences into the story and leaves a lasting impact. His nuanced portrayal showcases his range as an actor and further solidifies his reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest. Denzel Washington’s Oscar-nominated role in The Hurricane is a powerful and moving portrayal of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. His ability to convey the emotional depth and resilience of the character contributes to the film’s impact. While some critics have raised concerns about the idealization of Carter’s character and the film’s narrative focus, Washington’s performance remains a standout achievement, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most talented actors.

The film effectively highlights the racial injustices faced by Rubin Carter and the flaws in the criminal justice system. It raises important questions about racial bias, police misconduct, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. The film’s ability to shed light on these issues is commendable and invites critical reflection on systematic problems within the legal system. However, some critics argue that The Hurricane falls into the trap of oversimplification and narrative manipulation. The film employs a heavily fictionalized account of events, taking creative liberties that may distort the true story of Rubin Carter. While creative license is common in biological films, the degree of dramatization in The Hurricane raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the narrative. Moreover, the film places a significant emphasis on Carter’s boxing career and personal struggle, which at times overshadows the broader social and political context of his case. It misses the opportunity to delve deeper into the racial dynamics, legal intricacies, and wider implications of his story. By narrowing the focus primarily on Carter’s personal journey, the film sacrifices a more comprehensive exploration of the societal impact of his case.

Another review revolves around the portrayal of the secondary characters in the film. Some argue that the supporting characters are often one-dimensional and lack depth, serving as mere instruments to drive Carter’s narrative forward. While this approach puts the spotlight on Washington’s performance, it may leave audiences craving a more well-rounded and nuanced depiction of the people who played crucial roles in Carter’s life and legal battle.

The soundtrack of The Hurricane also plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact and setting the tone for the story of Rubin Carter. Composed by Christopher Young, the soundtrack delivers a range of musical styles and cues that complement the film’s themes. The soundtrack captures the essence of the film’s time period and the emotional journey of the characters. The score effectively blends various genres such as jazz, blues, and orchestral compositions to evoke a sense of both tension and triumph. The music enhances the film’s dramatic moments, heightening the emotional impact of the pivotal scenes. Additionally, the soundtrack features notable contributions from renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, whose song “Hurricane” plays a significant role in Rubin Carter’s life. The song was co-written by Jacques Levy as a protest song in favor of Rubin Carter and John Artis receiving a new trial in 1976 based on the racial bias and police misconduct discovered in the appeal of his 1966 case. Dylan would often play it at fundraisers he held in support of the retrial and appeared with Muhammad Ali at a fundraiser at Madison Square Garden. Ali was also protesting in favor of a new trial for Carter and Artis. Dylan’s powerful and evocative lyrics resonate with the themes of injustice and resilience, adding a layer of authenticity and cultural significance to the overall sound experience.

In conclusion, The Hurricane is a film that succeeds in raising awareness of the injustices faced by Rubin Carter and shedding light on racial bias within the criminal justice system. Denzel Washington’s powerful performance is a standout aspect of the film, showcasing his talent and bringing the character to life. However, the film’s fictionalized narrative and the prioritization of Carter’s personal journey over broader context and character development limit its potential impact. Despite this review, The Hurricane remains a thought-provoking film that encourages discussions on racial justice and the importance of fighting for truth and equality.

THE CONTENDING CAST…

Denzel Washington as Rubin ‘The Hurricane’ Carter

Vicellous Reon Shannon as Lesra Martin

Deborah Kara Unger as Lisa Peters

Liev Schreiber as Sam Chaiton

John Hannah as Terry Swinton

Dan Hedaya as Sergeant Della Pesca, based on Vincent DeSimone

Debbi Morgan as Mae Thelma Carter

Clancy Brown as Lieutenant Jimmy Williams

David Paymer as Myron Beldock

Harris Yulin as Leon Friedman

Rod Steiger as Judge H. Lee Sarokin

Vincent Pastore as Alfred Bello

The Hurricane is available now for rent on all streaming platforms.