by Paul Costello
Today’s monologue marks the first time we’ve looked at a scene from a Spielberg movie since our very first one with Robert Shaw’s USS Indianapolis speech from Jaws. This time, we turn our focus to a monologue delivered by another even greater actor, in film that also involves boats… but that’s really the extent of the similarity.
Today’s monologue marks the first time we’ve looked at a scene from a Spielberg movie since our very first one with Robert Shaw’s USS Indianapolis speech from Jaws. This time, we turn our focus to a monologue delivered by another even greater actor, in film that also involves boats… but that’s really the extent of the similarity.
Amistad is based around the 1839 case of the Mende slaves who rose against their captors and took control of the ship La Amistad off the coast of Cuba, who were then discovered by a US ship and the legal battle that subsequently followed. International politics with Spain, language barriers between the defenders and their representatives and the potential ramifications of freeing slaves at a time when slavery was still very much ongoing in the US are all part of the extensive backdrop to Steven Spielberg’s historical legal drama. Although criticised heavily for historical inaccuracies spread throughout the film, and though it is fair to acknowledge the differences between the actual facts and their representations onscreen, Spielberg and co. are aiming for something else with the film’s message. The main topic at its heart is this: freedom.
Freedom is a right bound to all men, women and children on Earth, and Amistad seeks to makes this as plain and clear as it can with the story of the Mende slaves. David Franzoni’s script is a work of marvelous texture and depth. It draws on all of the emotive aspects of the story, but couples them with great courtroom drama. The balance between that emotion and legal drama is carried in a multitude of ways by the various characters throughout the film, but the one who captures it and delivers the film’s message with the clear erudition and dignity it so needs is former US President John Quincy Adams, played by Anthony Hopkins.
Freedom is a right bound to all men, women and children on Earth, and Amistad seeks to makes this as plain and clear as it can with the story of the Mende slaves. David Franzoni’s script is a work of marvelous texture and depth. It draws on all of the emotive aspects of the story, but couples them with great courtroom drama. The balance between that emotion and legal drama is carried in a multitude of ways by the various characters throughout the film, but the one who captures it and delivers the film’s message with the clear erudition and dignity it so needs is former US President John Quincy Adams, played by Anthony Hopkins.
Hopkins earned himself an Academy Award nomination for his work on Amistad, and proves just how good he can be by giving a fine performance without even really seeming to try. But then that is really what lies at the heart of his John Quincy Adams: the great man now seemingly washed-up and incapable of being any use to anyone, though the truth is that he is now and always has been the sharpest one in the room. Hopkins proved his salt here by not only delivering a 10-minute long monologue with character and conviction, but doing it in a single take without error. I don’t care who you are, that’s impressive.
Also, just as an aside, think of the collected talent standing in that room for this one scene: Anthony Hopkins, Pete Postlethwaite, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Djimon Hounsou being directed by Steven Spielberg. The number of Oscar wins and nominations in just that group is astounding.
Setting the scene: With the case now going before the US Supreme Court, the defence team know they need help from a knowledgeable and experienced source. Having approached him without success before, they approach John Quincy Adams. After inviting Cinquè to his home and talking with him, Adams finally acquiesces to their request. Now in court, Adams delivers his defence of the accused Mende…
Also, just as an aside, think of the collected talent standing in that room for this one scene: Anthony Hopkins, Pete Postlethwaite, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Djimon Hounsou being directed by Steven Spielberg. The number of Oscar wins and nominations in just that group is astounding.
Setting the scene: With the case now going before the US Supreme Court, the defence team know they need help from a knowledgeable and experienced source. Having approached him without success before, they approach John Quincy Adams. After inviting Cinquè to his home and talking with him, Adams finally acquiesces to their request. Now in court, Adams delivers his defence of the accused Mende…
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