Finding Forrester Details

After teaming up with Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment, Sean Connery took on an even more youthful co-star in this Gus Van Sant-directed drama about literary aspirations. Connery (who also co-produced) plays William Forrester, an elderly, reclusive writer, a JD Salinger-like figure seemingly crippled by the success of his first novel. Living in the Bronx he befriends black teenager Jamal (impressively played by newcomer Robert Brown), a basketball ace with a brilliant literary streak who's forced to downplay his intelligence. An unlikely friendship grows, as Forrester recognises and nurtures this talent — despite opposition from F Murray Abraham's malicious professor. Of course, there are similarities to Van Sant's earlier Good Will Hunting — a gifted youth encouraged by an older mentor — but this film has a mood and tempo that transcend manipulated cosiness. It's an astute choice of role for Connery, who belies his advancing years with an outstanding and vigorous portrayal of the blocked writer.

"...Two enormously appealing performances dominate FINDING FORRESTER....The two actors tear into their roles the way a hungry man enters a banquet hall..."