Messy, but still powerful

Rating: 7/10 (13 July 2009)

Forgive me for what is now a cliché, but many people say "Amistad" is to "Schindler's List" as "The Lost World" is to "Jurassic Park." That's an apt comparison, although "Amistad" is closer to a misfire than "The Lost World" is.
A ship carrying slaves from Africa (via Cuba) suffers an uprising from its captives, and the slaves force the surviving crew members to return them to Africa. But they are betrayed, and sent to America, where they are captured. Two abolitionists, Ted Joadson (Morgan Freeman) and Tappin (Stellan Skarsgard), hire a property lawyer, William Baldwin (Matthew McConaughey) to set them free, as (based on a technicality), they were illegally acquired "property." But tensions between the North and the South on the slavery issue are brewing, and President Martin Van Buren (Nigel Hawthorne) is pressured into intervening on behalf of the Southern states. What was once a simple case quickly becomes a fight for freedom.
Ask anyone who the greatest filmmaker who ever lived was, and many will have Steven Spielberg on their lists at some point. However, while it is true that Spielberg is one of the masters, he is not flawless. He takes a few major missteps with the film, and what could have been a worthy successor to "Schindler's List" is now just another credit on his resume.
To begin with, the first hour of "Amistad" is messy. There are a lot of things going on during this time, and Spielberg can't keep it all straight. It is navigable for the viewer, but many will be left slightly frustrated as I was. The film gets better after this, but the problems don't stop there. While many films of this ilk use manipulation (i.e. powerful music and dramatic shots) to convey the right emotion in the viewer, the best films are very subtle about it. During some spots in "Amistad," Spielberg's manipulation is obvious. Sometimes he even adds elements to the film that don't really have a place there. Finally, there are some technical issues (like how it is so easy for the crew members of La Amistad to understand the prisoners while it takes a long time for the Americans to become able to do so).
Spielberg's films are typically known for their strong performances (there are exceptions, however), and "Amistad" is no different. Matthew McConaughey has a very narrow range, but like many actors, he can be effective in the right type of role. As Baldwin, McConaughey is effective, but not standout. He does what is required of him, and not much more. At times, Spielberg seems to want to make Baldwin like Oskar Schindler (both men view their quarry (slaves/Jews) as a means to an end, but they gradually begin to care about them and their fate). However, McConaughey does not have the talent that Liam Neeson has, nor is the character developed enough. Freeman and Skaarsgard are important during the first half (both give solid performances), but are largely forgotten (Skaarsgard disappears from the screen before halfway without much explanation.
However, "Amistad" boasts two standout performances: Anthony Hopkins as John Quincy Adams, and Djimon Hounsou as Cinque. Adams is a far-cry from Hopkins' most infamous performance (Hannibal Lector), but Hopkins devours the role (in fact, it's almost impossible to believe that the two characters are portrayed by the same man); his Oscar nomination was well-deserved. Adams is a frail man, but he has great energy, and is an outstanding orator. His 11-minute speech before the Supreme Court is completely arresting.
Djimon Hounsou has tremendous screen presence. He can command a viewer's attention like no one else I have ever seen; his scenes where he lets loose his fury about his situation are almost frightening. Yet Hounsou is also effective at playing a subdued character, which he does from time to time. Cinque is the beating heart of the story; everything else just revolves around him. Hounsou makes his mark on the film, and his performance is unforgettable (an Oscar nod for his performance was well warranted).
When "Amistad" came out on video, I was about ten. I remember running from the room screaming and crying, and was unable to finish watching the film. Like "Saving Private Ryan," "Amistad" contains some very heavy and disturbing material. Although not as pervasive as Spielberg's second WWII epic, there are at least two scenes that will likely provoke a similar response.
"Amistad" is an okay film, as long as you don't compare it to "Schindler's List." Or "Jurassic Park," for that matter.