What does Thanksgiving bring to mind for you? The obvious answer would be giving thanks for all that we have been blessed with. More specifically family, and perhaps even your freedom. Taking into account my own personal ancestry, that of both American Indian and English, I also think of diversity. The 1998 film Amistad is a celebration of two of these concepts: freedom and diversity.
The Steven Spielberg production honored with four Academy AwardÔ nominations is this year's Thanksgiving selection. There is no better way to describe to you what the featured movie is about than by quoting the description from the back of the video box.
"Based on a true story, the movie chronicles the incredible journey of a group of enslaved Africans who overtake their captor's ship and attempt to return to their beloved homeland. When the ship, La Amistad, is seized, these captives are brought to the United States where they are charged with murder and await their fate in prison. An enthralling battle ensues that captures the attention of the entire nation, confronting the very foundation of the American justice system. But for the men and women on trial, it is simply a fight for the basic right of all mankind...freedom."
One of the most impressive players in the movie is John Quincy Adams, played by Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins portrayed his character with such convincing manner of speech, gestures, and gait. I've seen Hopkins in many movies before. All have been fine performances, each one with its own distinct personality. Never before, however, have I been so enraptured by one of his appearances that I forget his name by the end of the film. One ever-present quality did manage to come through, which is that of his eloquent speech. I realize that his speeches were written for him. I do not think that anyone else could have said those words with more conviction. Hopkins was the perfect selection for the role.
Mathew McConaughey played the young lawyer who worked with the Abolitionists to free the captured Africans. His role was equally important, though I'm afraid a bit overshadowed by the performance of Hopkins, luckily which was for the most part held off to the end. I associate McConaughey with cowboy roles, but this one he pulled off quite well. Between his dress, speech, and apparent determination he successfully portrayed a young ambitious lawyer.
Morgan Freeman played his partner, and one of the leaders of the Abolitionist movement. Much to my dismay, he really didn't get a chance to give any heart-warming speeches. Though he didn't get much screen-time in his supporting role, he still put all he had into this role. That is to say that he imparted an extraordinary amount of emotion with every word and facial gesture.
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