MovieChat Forums > Antwone Fisher (2003) Discussion > So what did Antwone Fisher do that was s...

So what did Antwone Fisher do that was so great?

posted 20 years ago by GradyQ
72 replies | jump to latest

Seriously, what did Antwone Fisher ever do with his life that was so great that warrants a movie being made about his life, or even a book being written about him? Seems to me he was a poor kid from a bad situation who rose above many obstacles to become a moderately successful writer. That's all well and good, and nothing against him, but so what? There are tons of screenwriters in Hollywood, many of whom are more successful and better writers than Antwone Fisher. I'm sure you wouldn't have to look too hard to find one that had a rough home life. It just seems that the whole book/movie was Antwone Fisher tooting his own horn, as if he's gone on to become a great man instead of only a good one. If by holding a job and being a better person than the vermin that raised him makes him a hero, then what the hell does that say about heroes? Are all of us heroes? Or were we just not expecting anything from young Antwone to begin with, so we now herald his mediocrity as if it were greatness?

GQ

[–] WILSON702 20 years ago

Well maybe I dont know much about the movie (i have not seen it yet) but from waht I understand I thought the real antwone fisher just wanted to write a book/movie about what happened in his life. I didn't take it that he thought his life was so differnt from anyone elses. I didn't think it was all like that but maybe I'm wrong.

[–] x-Trinity-x 20 years ago

Seriously, what did Antwone Fisher ever do with his life that was so great that warrants a movie being made about his life, or even a book being written about him? Seems to me he was a poor kid from a bad situation who rose above many obstacles to become a moderately successful writer. That's all well and good, and nothing against him, but so what? There are tons of screenwriters in Hollywood, many of whom are more successful and better writers than Antwone Fisher. I'm sure you wouldn't have to look too hard to find one that had a rough home life. It just seems that the whole book/movie was Antwone Fisher tooting his own horn, as if he's gone on to become a great man instead of only a good one. If by holding a job and being a better person than the vermin that raised him makes him a hero, then what the hell does that say about heroes? Are all of us heroes? Or were we just not expecting anything from little Antwone to begin with, so we now herald his mediocrity as if it were greatness?

This is my take:

There's not many that come from a foster home, 'ward of the court/state' background who have been able to give a voice to others who've been through the same experiences/situations as he has. *In my experience*, you just don't hear many semi or full on success stories of kids coming through the 'system'(which is not to say that they don't exist, you just don't hear much about it).

Have you seen the movie or read the book? I have seen the movie numerous times and have read the book. While he may not be the best writer, he is gifted in his own way but more importantly, his ability to be transparent and 'real' for lack of a better word in communicating his thoughts and emotions about the things he endured was a Godsend for me. As one who has been through a similar background and experienced alot of the same emotions and pain, it was awesome to be able to find some validation that I was not the only one on the planet that has experienced or felt that way. Common sense can tell you that but nothing can substitute for being able to actually know that someone else can relate and understand and that is often an important key in the healing process (at least it has been for me). That's why stories like his have relevance and importance. He is a hero in his own personal right, to people like me because he overcame and didn't succumb to his situation and his story provides hope for others. What may appear to be mediocrity to someone who starts with a level playing field can sometimes be greatness for someone starting out with the odds/cards stacked against him/her to begin with. It's all relative. If he's not a hero in your eyes, hey, that's fine, but that doesn't diminish his standing in mine. I will concede that the term 'hero' is a bit much but I don't recall ever seeing that adjective used to describe him by himself or in any of the press surrounding the book and/or film. I know for me, he is definitely someone I'd like to meet and thank one day and he's someone I hold in high esteem and admiration for his courage and candor.

If he toots his own horn a bit, so what. I think he deserves it after the hell he's been through. To me, that small bit of tooting is little to balance out a life filled with the opposite.

"...to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face."

"know thyself"

[–] deepcleansed 17 years ago

Very nicely said X.

[–] Ironman54 13 years ago

Ditto.

[–] GeoDude 11 years ago

Yes.

[–] TeacherCowgirlJanice 20 years ago

I think the question really is, why doesn't Hollywood make MORE films like Antwone Fisher? I think you missed the point, GradyQ. The movie wasn't to show "Antwone Fisher tooting his own horn", rather it was to show viewers that everyone has a history that makes them unique. We all have faults, dark secrets, parts of our past that shape our personality. And, rather than be ashamed, we should embrace our life experiences, because it is these experiences that make us who we are. I also liked the idea that a man was convinced that he needed to see a psychiatrist. Men generally think it is weak to ask for help, especially psychiatric help, and the movie addressed this issue accurately and well. Some people need this, men AND women, and there is no weakness in asking for help to become a stronger person.

One of the points that struck me the most was that Antwone was ashamed that he did not have family like his girlfriend, Cheryl, who's parents were still together, who loved her and were proud of her - and she of them. Antwone's story showed the importance of family, even for those who have been abandoned in life. It showed the richness we take for granted in the annual get-togethers like Thanksgiving and Christmas...that even though the family argues, it is all normal, and that there is something so very valuable that those who have never had such a family moment would cherish forever, once they acquired it. I bet Antwone is greatful for his found family, I know I would be.

That was my take on the movie, GradyQ. I just watched it tonight, for the first time, and I am so moved that Antwone Fisher could put so much feeling into a book/movie AND help me see why I need my family in my life! Thank you for your opinion, it helps me see that not everyone shares my opinion. Still, I hope that sharing my opinion answered some of the questions in your post. I bet there is yet another perspective out there, somewhere.

[–] quadz89 20 years ago

This movie is not just about Antwone. It is about all people that have had to rise above adversity. It is not him and his ego. He had to go through a hell of a lot and for you to question his life and his greatness. I am not saying that he is the second coming or anything like that but he is one hell of a person. I mean have you been a foster child? Have you dealt with never once being loved? So until you have you can't say a god damn thing about his life and struggle. I mean for you to have the audasity to be such an ass hole as to even question then you must have had *beep* for a life. Antwone is a picture of rising above all odds, you on the other hand can only wish you accomplish half of what he has done.

[–] octave57south 20 years ago

I have to agree with GradyQ on this one. First of all (though its a tired argument, i know) one must not experience directly the life situations presented in a movie to have an opinion about it &the characters involved. I have befriended many people with difficult lives, but none with the audacity to pen a story glorifying his life, especially when it's only up to his twenties! That's about as compelling as a story about Michael Corleone right up until he goes to his sisters wedding. What about the rest of life. Seriously, he was a freaking security guard. Of course, GQ and I are taking a somewhat detached perspective on this point and from there it simply cannot be resolved in the presence of emotionally-based arguments

Good Day.

[–] x-Trinity-x 17 years ago

Sorry, octave (if you're still out there) but of course I respectfully disagree. There's nothing wrong with having some passion and emotion in an argument if the logic and reasoning behind it is still there.

"...to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face."

[–] wsvbus 20 years ago

GQ, that was really funny. You really did not get it at all. For one, this guy did not have a rough childhood, he had one that was really off the charts. He went through at least 6 things that individually had the potential to destroy a person. His father was killed, mother was locked up and then abandoned him, being around that crazy minister, his violent wife and sexually abusing daughter and having his best friend blown away right in front of him after he unknowingly distracted him during a robbery. Trust me, any one of these things have destroyed many a person. To overcome all of these things with any of your sanity left is a miracle. The beautiful thing about this movie is that too many movies have been made about people in bad circumstances who grew up to make very bad decisions. From Menace to Society to American Me, don't you get tired of people using their past as an excuse to do bad? Don't we have enough of those movies?

One more thing-if he was great man, that would take away from the movie. Not everybody can be a great man, but we can all be good men. Even if we have a horrible start we can all be good men!!! This movie isn't about Antwone tooting his own horn. It is him giving anybody who is willing to try a road map back from the hell that is their past. Obviously, you must have had a real soft life not to understand that.

[–] kmj_ca 19 years ago

I couldn't say it nearly as good as you wsvbus!!!

[–] shurbanm 18 years ago

Amen to that.

What's the point in labeling anything heroic or not. Antwone said it himself - that he is a good man. Never heard the label heroic anywhere implied or stated.

In any case, this is a story that rings true because it is. If more people had the strength he had it would be a better world for all. That is what matters.

[–] rayevans 18 years ago

Amen #2.

[–] x-Trinity-x 17 years ago

well said, wsvbus.

"...to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face."

[–] GradyQ 20 years ago

octave57south--

Glad there's somebody else who agrees with me here. Antwone's life seemed comparatively uneventful, and it befuddles me that the others on this board hold this film in such high regard. It's only slightly above the quality of an afterschool special, in my opinion.

wsvbus--

Perhaps I did miss the point. Maybe Antwone will go on to become a great writer with numerous works under his belt, and if that happens, I will be eating humble pie. I know he does some script doctoring these days, but anything else? When's his next masterpiece coming out? I think he might be a good writer for the soap operas. His mastery of melodrama is exceptional. You said in your post I must have had a "real soft life" not to see the value of The Antwone Fisher Story... I can't argue with that. I was brought up with the finest of everything, from food to clothes, and anything less just will not do. I only drink the best wine and I drive a $180,000 Aston Martin. I dated Paris Hilton in middle school(f*cked her) and I've dined with the president(twice). I have had a wonderful life, indeed. In fact, it's starting to sound like my life would make a better movie than Antoine's. I'm gonna throw on a damn wig and write this sucker myself. I'll keep everybody posted on my progress.

schexnider99-1--

Armageddon and Godzilla? Where do these movies come into the argument? Kinda out of left field, isn't it? I'm not sure why you picked these two films to challenge Antwone, but I'll play along. Both of the above mentioned films sucked, but they sucked no worse than this one. It is true that so many young men do less with their lives than Antwone Fisher, but certainly Godzilla did more with his life than Fish did! Godzilla fought monsters, he levelled cities... there's simply no comparison. And Ben Affleck saved the earth from a Texas-sized meteor, which is arguably more remarkable than a guy who was abused as a kid and then became a security guard. Honestly, motherf*cker. You're comparing apples and oranges here.

If you think The Antwone Fisher Story was so "honest" you should ask yourself why they chose to gloss over Antwone's homosexuality and why they decided to create entirely fictional foster parents for him. Anyone else smell bullsh1t, or is the GQ trippin'?

GQ

[–] vindicator19 20 years ago

grady im going to try and explain what was so great about this film without playing the race card. i'm a black man and here is my take. You see, we all have secrets, and many of those secrets merge intour our everyday existence, and yet most of us dont bare those secrets to anyone. we hold those secrets in. We sometimes even allow those secrets to destroy us.

Antwonne had a this same dilemma, a past which threatened to destroy his present and his future. This movie isnt just about overcoming struggle, its about accepting the struggles in our lives. You ask, what did antwonne do that was so great? What does any person do that is so great? This movie represents a look into a young black mans life. and its a rare look without any stereotyping, without any watering down. You must understand how rare it is to see a movie discuss black male virginity, rape, physical abuse, and the courage it takes to confront those things. when 99 percent of hollywood movies only put one view of the black image out there. This film is important for so many reasons.

Grady i ask you to step outside your skin color, and your background. What secrets are you holding in, what insecurites, what questions about your past.
You have to understand Grady that that was the point of this film, the willingness to answer those questions no matter how painful. Once you do that youll see the massive importance of this film

[–] ginro3 20 years ago

I just find it a litte scary that you think getting sexually, and mentally abuse and beaten on a regular basis is "comparatively uneventful"
I honestly don't think he was tooting his own horn I just think he wanted to share his story for others who may be struggling with having these same types of experiences.

[–] Erin1620 20 years ago

If you feel that Antwone Fisher is "tooting his own horn" and that it is somehow wrong for him to do so (and, of course, you are entitled to your own opinion), what makes you so different? I'm pretty sure you just tooted your own horn....

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] supatugg10 19 years ago

Antwone Fisher's life story is more compelling than Godzilla and Armageddon because it actually HAPPENED. Godzilla didn't do more with his life, because he's never had a life off of celluloid, and Affleck never saved the planet from anything. It's the small minded, little people that enjoy putting down others accomplishments like you so obviously do that make me hate the IMDB boards.

Oh yeah, tell Paris that Chad says "hi." Because I'm sure you know her just about as much as I do. Don't you all just love jackasses that make up huge unbelievable lies about themselves on the 'net trying to impress others that they'll never meet?

www.moviecompound.com

[–] GradyQ 19 years ago

Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays...

GQ

[–] kmj_ca 19 years ago

Now, I can't stop laughing!!
GradyQ, tell me this is sarcasm -->" You said in your post I must have had a "real soft life" not to see the value of The Antwone Fisher Story... I can't argue with that. I was brought up with the finest of everything, from food to clothes, and anything less just will not do. I only drink the best wine and I drive a $180,000 Aston Martin. I dated Paris Hilton in middle *beep* her) and I've dined with the president(twice). I have had a wonderful life, indeed. In fact, it's starting to sound like my life would make a better movie than Antoine's. I'm gonna throw on a damn wig and write this sucker myself. I'll keep everybody posted on my progress."
I would really like to know.

[–] shurbanm 18 years ago

Somebody's tripping yes.
If you can't see the point in the movie then you should go back to superman and spiderman comics for your heros.

[–] righteous_zeal 18 years ago

Antwone Fisher is not homosexual, he's married and lives with his wife and two daughters or something like that.

[–] x-Trinity-x 17 years ago

I know this post was addressed to others but I just have to address some of this:

Antwone's life seemed comparatively uneventful, and it befuddles me that the others on this board hold this film in such high regard.

Comparative to what? I ask again, did you even bother to read the book?

wsvbus--

Perhaps I did miss the point. Maybe Antwone will go on to become a great writer with numerous works under his belt, and if that happens, I will be eating humble pie. I know he does some script doctoring these days, but anything else? When's his next masterpiece coming out? I think he might be a good writer for the soap operas. His mastery of melodrama is exceptional. You said in your post I must have had a "real soft life" not to see the value of The Antwone Fisher Story... I can't argue with that. I was brought up with the finest of everything, from food to clothes, and anything less just will not do. I only drink the best wine and I drive a $180,000 Aston Martin. I dated Paris Hilton in middle *beep* her) and I've dined with the president(twice). I have had a wonderful life, indeed. In fact, it's starting to sound like my life would make a better movie than Antoine's. I'm gonna throw on a damn wig and write this sucker myself. I'll keep everybody posted on my progress.

He didn't write the script by himself so the "melodrama" is not to be credited to him solely. Sure, the script was doctored up "Hollywood" style and a tad on the melodramatic side to tug on the heartstrings but so what. Big effing deal. The rest of your response to wsvbus is not even worth addressing IMO because you're simply being a caustic d*ck.

schexnider99-1--

Armageddon and Godzilla? Where do these movies come into the argument? Kinda out of left field, isn't it? I'm not sure why you picked these two films to challenge Antwone, but I'll play along. Both of the above mentioned films sucked, but they sucked no worse than this one. It is true that so many young men do less with their lives than Antwone Fisher, but certainly Godzilla did more with his life than Fish did! Godzilla fought monsters, he levelled cities... there's simply no comparison. And Ben Affleck saved the earth from a Texas-sized meteor, which is arguably more remarkable than a guy who was abused as a kid and then became a security guard. Honestly, *beep* You're comparing apples and oranges here.

His point was Armageddon and Godzilla were probably more your "speed" since you so easily dismiss Antwone Fisher's story. After reading that smarta$$ reply to wsvbus, and your attempt to be a smarta$$ in reply to the post by schexnider99-1 which so obviously went over your head, I'm inclined to agree. In fact your response to schexnider99-1 is almost painful to read because not only did you not get it, but you succeeded in making yourself look like more of a complete douche in the process. Good job.

If you think The Antwone Fisher Story was so "honest" you should ask yourself why they chose to gloss over Antwone's homosexuality and why they decided to create entirely fictional foster parents for him. Anyone else smell *beep* or is the GQ trippin'?

LMAO! How can you gloss over something that isn't there? Oh, I see, so only because he was molested by a woman and took off on the guy who accused him of being gay because he had issues from being molested, that's akin to "glossing over his homosexuality. Only a reprobate mind would glean that from his story. I ask again, did you bother to read the memoir on which the movie is based?
The only bullsh*t I smell is coming off of your replies in this thread.

Time to flush the toilet.

~A

"...to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face."

[–] rondine 16 years ago

GradyQ is a troll & an a$$hole.

how do I know this? read his post below:

Perhaps I did miss the point. Maybe Antwone will go on to become a great writer with numerous works under his belt, and if that happens, I will be eating humble pie. I know he does some script doctoring these days, but anything else? When's his next masterpiece coming out? I think he might be a good writer for the soap operas. His mastery of melodrama is exceptional.

--> You said in your post I must have had a "real soft life" not to see the value of The Antwone Fisher Story... I can't argue with that. I was brought up with the finest of everything, from food to clothes, and anything less just will not do. I only drink the best wine and I drive a $180,000 Aston Martin. I dated Paris Hilton in middle *beep* her) and I've dined with the president(twice). I have had a wonderful life, indeed. In fact, it's starting to sound like my life would make a better movie than Antoine's. I'm gonna throw on a damn wig and write this sucker myself. I'll keep everybody posted on my progress.

I rest my case. To those of us who not only had LESS than GradyQ, but had obtacles that no child should EVER have to face- like sexual, verbal, physical abuse- this movie is a story that shows that it is possible to triumph- to not allow the vicissitudes of life to overcome us. They have been writing this story since the beginning of time. Is the one the greatest? no. Does it have to be to be of worth? no.
I loved this movie because of the scene where he tells Mrs. Tate, "I think YOU forgot- I said listen to ME, this is MY time - it doesn't matter what you tried to do you couldn't destroy me. I'm still standing, I'm still strong, and I always will be."

but then why am I wasting my time responding to a troll?

because someone else may read this and get the message of this movie. Hope and courage. They are the tools that allow us to not merely survive but to thrive. And I know just what he meant when he told his mother of his acheivements. They may sound commonplace to someone with a gold spoon in his mouth like GradyQ, but after that kind of dysfunction, it is a small miracle that he never got in trouble with the law, no drugs, no addictions (he chose to see life without the help of such things) and that he was excelling in school and the life he picked. Bravo to him and all like him. WE ALL OF US ARE HEROS, or to say it in the elegant words of Charles Dickens, "Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else." Antowne held that station himself.

[–] brotherman07 20 years ago

Grady Q said: "I was brought up with the finest of everything, from food to clothes, and anything less just will not do. I only drink the best wine and I drive a $180,000 Aston Martin. I dated Paris Hilton in middle school(f*cked her) and I've dined with the president(twice). I have had a wonderful life, indeed. In fact, it's starting to sound like my life would make a better movie than Antoine's."

That is what makes Antwan Fisher so remarkable compared to your fantasy that you described above. It seems like you have been spoiled and had everything handed out to you, if not most. You only drink the finest wine? Well it shows you may have had too much of that wine to come here your bogus squabling. A $180,000 car (if you even have one) does not make you a better man. Who gives a flying sh*t if you dated Paris Hilton. And as far as dining with the president(twice)...I wouldn't brag about that too much if I were you. Basically, you're not scoring any points here. Given the struggles he's had in life, Antwan Fisher has overcome what a dozen men could dream of doing. He was homeless, he was in a shelter, he was abused in every way, and then some. This guy manage to build a strong heart and made accomplishments on HIS OWN starting from the very bottom. Are you this type of braveheart Grady Q? It doesn't sound like it.Grady, a man like Antwan Fisher's life makes your so called silver spoon life look like a hooker on training wheels. And if you think your life would make a better movie than his, you really need to lay off that fine wine of yours and stop hanging around the president so much.

[–] ems1969 19 years ago

Yeah, brother man... I agree with you and others with similar sentiments here.

Oh, and about Paris Hilton... it seems like you are only one in many that have had a "Night in Paris." Not exactly an achievement. Get real, Grady Q. Besides, sounds like YOU ARE STILL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. If not, you should repeat it.