The Hurricane

Denzel Washington Director: Norman Jewison Norman Jewison

Overview

The Universal Studios DVD of The Hurricane nicely frames the story of Rubin Carter's personal and social redemption, with a lovely anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen transfer highlighting the superb work of cinematographer Roger Deakin (Shawshank Redemption, Fargo), and Dolby Digital or Surround Sound options (all the better for listening to the timely, eclectic soundtrack music of Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Etta James, and Gil Scott Heron). In the "Audio Commentary" feature, director Norman Jewison answers the controversy surrounding the film by saying, "Truth is a moving target. You'll never get it right." He points out the historical facts and dramatic license between the film and actual events. He also comments on the more technical details -- film locations, lens size, and the need for different angles when forced to use the same location over and over (e.g. the prison visiting area). A 20-minute featurette, "The Making of The Hurricane," gives the audience a glimpse of the real-life Rubin Carter and Lesra Martin discussing their experiences. The "Deleted Scenes" section includes five brief scenes, with introductions by Jewison. Along with the usual DVD extras of a theatrical trailer, cast and crew background, production notes, and DVD-ROM links, these features provide a thorough and intelligent DVD package.

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Ed Hulse

Many know Rubin "Hurricane" Carter best as the subject of Bob Dylan's thundering '70s ballad (which plays over the credits of The Hurricane). But the harrowing, true-life story of the black prizefighter falsely convicted of murder then vindicated after two decades in jail becomes gripping screen entertainment in the hands of director Norman Jewison (A Solider's Story). Denzel Washington, at his most riveting, drives the film with his impassioned, Oscar-nominated portrayal of the hot-tempered pugilist whose prison-penned autobiography becomes the instrument of his salvation. After reading the book, black teenager Lesra Martin (played by Vicellous Reon Shannon) convinces three Canadian friends (Liev Schreiber, Deborah Unger, and John Hannah) to help him prove Hurricane's innocence -- but they're blocked at every turn by corrupt police and a disinterested judiciary. The Hurricane (cowritten by Carter) telescopes time and eliminates numerous characters and events from the incredible story, culminating with a suspenseful courtroom scene that will have you on the edge of your chair. The result is a heartfelt expression of social conscience that also manages to be dynamic cinema.

All Movie Guide - Karl Williams

The true-life story of an up-and-coming boxer convicted of a bloody crime he probably didn't commit, this drama has more heart than the stereotypical prison drama because it's cleverly told from a unique perspective: that of an inspired youth attempting to get his jailed hero freed. The script by Dan Gordon, who successfully mapped unjustly imprisoned territory once before with Murder in the First (1995), is a top-notch affair that keeps the pace moving -- an admirable bit of work considering the film's rather dour subject matter. Denzel Washington is a mask of pride and barely contained rage in a role that will likely stand as a career highlight for the intense actor and his left-leaning, socially conscious director Norman Jewison. While playing at times like a narrative goulash into which a little bit of every drama genre is thrown (including sports, courtroom, ghetto, and prison), The Hurricane is a moving, powerful story that's stylishly told on every level: visually, emotionally, and intellectually.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/11/2000
UPC:	0025192071928
Original Release:	1999
Rating:	R
Source:	Universal Studios
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital, stereo]
Time:	2:26:00
Sales rank:	24,527

Related Subjects

• Biographical Feature
• Boxing
• Courtroom Drama
• Docudrama
• Drama - General

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