A kidnapping case draws attention to racial divides in Freedomland, starring Samuel L Jackson and Julianne Moore. Richard Price adapted his own novel, but all the sharp edges of his tough morality tale were blunted in the transferral. Naturally popcorn-peddling director Joe Roth got the blame for a film that comes across as having "an inflated idea of its own importance" and, going by the dismal ticket sales, moviegoers certainly didn't feel like being preached to.
Black And White
Price talks a little about growing up on a housing project (the US equivalent of a council estate) in the featurette Writing Freedomland. That experience combined with the real-life case of Susan Smith - who falsely claimed that a black man abducted her children - was the inspiration for Freedomland. Price has very strong opinions regarding the fallout of that situation, terming racism as "The American flu - everyone's got it." It's an intriguing but too brief insight into what makes Price tick as one of America's leading crime writers.
Homicide detective Calvin Hart expands on issues touched on by Price in Race On The Job. "One of the hardest jobs in the world is being a black cop," he insists. He qualifies that by saying a black police officer has much more to prove to his white peers while black people generally look down on him as an "Uncle Tom," doing the dirty work of his white superiors. Still, Hart is optimistic about "making a difference" within his community. As well as getting a glimpse into his day-to-day life, he also talks about filming a supporting role (as Boris) and hanging out with Samuel L Jackson who used him as the basis for his character Lorenzo.
The Lay Of The Land
The Look Of Freedomland is the only featurette dealing with the technical side of the production. Cinematographer Anastos Michos and production designer David Wasco explain how they went about giving a "noirish feel" to the city streets and there are quick tours around some of the sets. These include a rundown housing project in New York where the crew encouraged local residents to get involved with the production.
Aside from the obligatory trailers, the bonus menu is capped off by one typically unsubtle deleted scene. It finds Lorenzo trying to talk some sense into Billy (Anthony Mackie) who hits his wife and blames society for his rash impulses.
It's a telling sign that Joe Roth doesn't offer a commentary for the film, or indeed contribute to any of the featurettes. (Likewise, Moore and Jackson decline to comment.) In the end, the interviews with Price and Detective Hart only serve to highlight the missed opportunities in this film. Save your money and rent Clockers instead.
EXTRA FEATURES
