Finding Forrester

"Finding Forrester" is the clichéd, yet ultimately enthralling, new film from "Good Will Hunting" director Gus Van Sant.\nThe story chronicles the unexpected relationship that develops between Bronx-based basketball prodigy, Jamal Wallace (amazingly adept newcomer Robert Brown) and introverted, J.D. Salinger-esque writer, William Forrester (Sean Connery, giving an inspired, Oscar-caliber performance).\nUnbeknownst to many, Jamal also harbors great talents in the field of writing and recently amassed extraordinary standardized testing scores. Through Forrester's tutelage and a newly implemented "academic" scholarship to a swanky prep school, Jamal is given the opportunity to hone his skills both on the court and in the classroom.\nBut there are many obstacles that could easily stop Jamal's progression in the fields he loves so dearly: the taboo, pseudo-romantic relationship he shares with the down-to-earth, lily-white Claire (Anna Paquin) or the racism and classism he encounters amongst his teammates and bigoted English teacher Robert Crawford (F. Murray Abraham).\nSo much of what makes "Finding Forrester" work is the interaction between the two leads. Both Connery and Brown excel in their given roles, and the film falters when the focus drifts from them, like subplots concerning Jamal and Claire's romantic inclinations and the obvious scheming of Crawford to have Jamal removed from school. \nAnother fault that plagues "Finding Forrester" is the need to turn up every racial trump card available. The film's narrative is fueled by stereotypes and is less interesting as a result. Issues of race aren't nearly as "black" and "white" as these filmmakers would have you believe.\nVan Sant's direction is spotty with intermittent moments of brilliance. The film's introduction depicting Jamal's life in the Bronx is exceptionally well-done; these scenes are jam-packed with jump cuts and obscure camera angles lending the production an experimental look. Later moments within Jamal's prep school have the veneer of a mainstream Hollywood flick. This is a completely self-conscious directorial decision on Van Sant's part, and it pays off.\n"Finding Forrester" overcomes its more rudimentary elements through solid direction and fine acting. It is a film worth searching out.