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Antwone Fisher (2002) presentation


Antwone Fisher is a 2002 drama and based off of a memoir named Finding Fish, written by Antwone Fisher. It was Denzel Washington's directorial debut as well as lead actor Derek Luke's film debut. It primarily deals with trauma and the story of how a young black man in the Navy works to heal wounds that have been festering since childhood. The film also discusses the role of masculinity, poverty, and family in this slow burn character study. 




Antwone Fisher (2002) trailer




Antwone Fisher & Dr. Davenport, the naval psychiatrist, hug after an argument


Antwone returns to his childhood house to face his foster family


Significance

  • beyond masculinity and masculine stoicism
  • trauma responses & what catharsis looks like
  • normative sexuality and the vulnerability of sex
  • class and the foster care system
  • father figures, authority, love, and the role of family

Discussion Questions

One common thread of Antwone's insecurity is the fact that he is a virgin, not wanting to open up to the vulnerability of sex because of sexual trauma. How might the different environments Antwone is placed in create ideas of normative sexuality, play into this insecurity, or subvert it?

The film uses flashbacks to represent scenes from Antwone's childhood. Do you find that this is an effective technique (in this movie or generally)? What are some of the effects of using flashbacks and the ways it can display emotions in its technique of being employed?

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