BRIAN BANKS

US, 2018, 99 minutes, Colour.

Aldis Hodge, Greg Kinnear, Sherri Shepherd, Melanie Liburd, Tiffany Dupont, Xosha Roquemore, Monique Grant, Morgan Freeman.

Directed by Tom Shadyac.

This film was based on a true story, Brian Banks, a young African-American football player, moving towards professional status, 2002. At school, there is an episode with the young woman, Brian backing off, the young woman caught by a school superintendent who puts the idea of rape in her mind. Brian is arrested, goes to trial, is urged to make a plea by the lawyer but the judge sentences them to 6 years imprisonment. We see him in prison, resentful, then influenced for the good by a prison adviser, Jerome Jefferson (played by an uncredited Morgan Freeman).

The film opens with Brian coming out of prison, under strict parole supervision, California legislation changing and his having to wear an ankle signal, preventing him then from playing football. Nor can he get a job.

The other main character in the film is Justin Brooke, played by Greg Kinnear. Brooke was a lawyer who is interested in cases where those accused were treated unjustly, looking again at the Lord to help them. Brian Banks appeals to him but is put off because there is no new and compelling evidence.

Brian is supported by his loyal mother, by some members of Brooks staff. When the accusing young woman appears, Brian interviews her in the presence of a lawyer, taping her, she admitting the truth. However, this is also inadmissible and she later denies what she said.

There is quite some emotion in the dramatising of this story, audience sympathy, Brian is sincere, but as an underdog, a victim of the law. However, Brooke becomes more involved, approaches the DA, and the case is heard again, difficulty with time because of Brian’s parole period ending and the inability for the case to be reintroduced.

The film is a star vehicle for Aldis Hodge who is persuasive in the central role. Greg Kinnear is always reliable. And, it is a pleasure to see the cameo by Morgan Freeman.

The film was directed by Tom Shadyac who began his career with comedies like Ace Ventura and Lliar, Liar with. He made quite a mark with his comedy, Bruce Almighty, again with an Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman playing God. This was taken up again in Evan Almighty with Steve Carell.

A humanitarian story.

1. A true story? Miscarriage of justice? A prison sentence? Attempts to rectify the situation?
2. The setting in the to thousands, football, training and matches, prospects? School, the compromising situation, the accusation? The court, the trial, Bryan in prison, over the years, release, reporting in, the leg signal, trying to get jobs, trying for justice?
3. The portrait of Brian banks, the final credits, the photos of the actual Brian banks, of Justin and other members of the story?
4. The background, Brian at school, his prospects, the coaches, his being praised for his sports skills? The encounter with knish, mutual consent, breaking off, knish and the encounter with the supervisor, her story, words put in her mouth? Brian and his relationship with his mother, her support? The arrest, the humiliation, prison, in court, the advice of the lawyer, to make a deal and plea, the decision of the judge? The years in prison, the harshness, the cell, the other prisoners, witnessing the killing, punching and breaking the jaw of the assailant, in solitary? The effect of solitary, the classes by Jerome Johnson, the gift of the book, getting into think, focusing on interiority? The strong influence, change of heart?
5. Brian, on release, parole, the strict interpretation of the parole officer, putting on the device on his leg, unable to play football, trying to get jobs, not to go near schools and parks, putting up the barriers, warm to go away?
6. Justin Brooks, career, assistance, lectures, knowledge of the law, taking on causes? The issue of compelling evidence, new evidence, habeas corpus, the discussions with Brian, unable to help? Yet sympathetic? The assistance, their willingness to discuss with Brian? Brian telling his story, writing to the DA, Habeas Corpus and the rejection? Presenting the case to the group? Ideas? The issue of the school hallway, nobody hearing the alleged abduction? Justin later going, filming?
7. Brian, the plea, pressure on Justin, just in talking with the DA, the possibilities of reopening the case?
8. The appointment with the DA, the police holding up Brian, hurrying to the meeting? Persuasive? Is mother support?
9. Going to the lawyer, out of LA jurisdiction, the reaction of the parole officer? The lawyer, knish and the discussion, filmed, admitting the truth? Brian showing this to Justin, inadmissible? The pressure from her mother?
10. The case going to court again, knish and her mother and the interview, knish and denying everything, walking out? The hearing, the plea, the role of the DA, the decision of the judge?
11. The aftermath, the final credits, Justin and his work, Bryan and his contribution? The issue of sport, the coaches, training, too old to be accepted, finally finding a team, playing in the top league at 28?