ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ. – Review

Okay film fans, back to the bar. No, we’re not going to meet at the local pub after the multiplex (although many may want to run there after the big holiday meal). I’m referring to the setting of many a drama and even a few comedies (MY COUSIN VINNY for example), the courtroom. In and out of that “hallowed ground” , the role of attorney can be a showcase for actors as they deal literally with matters of life and death (Raymond Burr achieved iconic status for his TV law superstar Perry Mason). The trial based thrillers of John Grisham have given several such roles for many, while several veteran thespians have earned acclaim (Paul Newman in THE VERDICT) with cross-examinations and closing statements. Now another of today’s most celebrated actors approaches the bench as ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ., a most unusual “legal eagle”.

We meet Mr. Israel (Denzel Washington) as he lumbers into his law office, on what he thinks will be a typical morning. He’s stunned when the receptionist/secretary informs him that the head of the law firm, William “Bulldog” Jackson has suffered a heart attack and is in critical condition at the hospital. Roman must attend to his clients in several cases, but is told to ask the judges for continuances (until Jackson can return). Israel is thrilled to be out in the “field” rather than doing research in his cluttered office, and decides to argue the cases. Unfortunately his abrasive behavior eventually earns him a contempt of court fine. Reporting back to the firm the next morning, he sees Jackson’s daughter Lynn (Amanda Warren) who introduces him to George Pierce (Colin Farrell). The elder Jackson is in a coma with little hope of waking, so according to his will, former student Pierce, now the head of his own successful high-priced law firm. will handle pending cases and close up the office. He’ll get a hefty severance, but Israel is determined to land another legal job. He applies at a neighborhood law center, but most work there as unpaid volunteers. He does make a connection with the service’s idealistic director Maya (Carmen Ejogo). Luckily Pierce recognizes Israel as a legal “savant” (he can rattle off case file numbers and decisions with eerie accuracy and speed), and thinks he can handle the lower profile clients. But when Israel botches a plea deal discussion, he violates ethics laws in order to go after the “big bucks”. He’s riding high, but sometime he’ll have to pay the price for his new way of life.

The title character is not one we would immediately associate with Washington’s previous works. It’s certainly miles away from the forceful orator advocate in PHILADELPHIA. And unlike his recent work in FENCES and even TRAINING DAY, there’s none of that confident swagger that fills any room he enters. Israel retreats into himself, reciting ordinances and wolfing down peanut butter sandwiches (his kitchen looks like a Jif warehouse). He goes beyond the quirky, socially awkward, or eccentric to veer into compulsive behavior or one who’s at the “end of the spectrum”. With his baggy clothes, ever-present Walkman headphones (like a certain Starlord), and fluffed-out “perm”, Israel appears to be a man out of time, still trying to fight the “good fights” of the 60’s and 70’s like a legal Don Quixote with US court system as his windmill. He’s a flawed man full of good intentions until his seduction, his craving for all the “good things” denied him (or that he’s never embraced). But when that “postman returns” his Israel alternates between self loathing and self-preservation. Perhaps his main inspiration for the lush life is Ferrell as the impeccably tailed and coiffed Pierce. Despite his too slick demeanor, Pierce has a soft spot for the misfit Israel, maybe as a nod to their mutual mentor Jackson. Pierce goes from aggravated boss to protector of the “savant” in the film’s final act. Ejogo also inspires Israel to enter into the world. Her Maya sees the nobility in him and is attracted to his old school idealism, a trait many of her peers have jettisoned. Her emotional outpouring during an awkward dinner with the distracted Israel is powerful.

In his follow-up feature to the lauded NIGHTCRAWLER, writer/director Dan Gilroy has created a compelling critique of the modern legal system and an intriguing character study. It’s easy to chuckle at the out of touch Israel, but Gilroy makes him a sympathetic, even tragic unlikely hero. Unfortunately the film tends to drag around the midpoint, delving into too many quirks, while assuming the audience can make several legalize leaps to propel the thriller elements. A good 15 or 20 minute trim would have kept the timeline tense and taut. Still, this is an essential for fans of the ever surprising Washington. He’s the real reason to enter the skewed weird world of ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ.

3.5 Out of 5