A Journey of Misunderstood Commitment: Roman J. Israel's Unrealized Dreams

Have you ever wondered which movie character you would feel the most sorry for? In the case of Roman J. Israel, Esquire, a character who dedicated his life to the unappreciated cause of civil rights, the answer may resonate with many. This article delves into the journey of this remarkable character, reflecting on his dedication, his unfulfilled dreams, and the impact of his ultimate decision to change.

The Backdrop: A Changing Era

The screenplay of Roman J. Israel, Esquire, is by a screenwriter with personal memories of the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, a time marked by significant social and political change. However, as the screenwriter matured, he observed a slowing of progress in the civil rights movement. This realization prompted him to wonder about those who continued to fight, despite the exhaustion of those who had already engaged.

“Above gentlemen and below knight—indeed, Roman was.” This line from the screenplay captures the essence of Roman as one of the few committed to the unfinished work of the civil rights movement. Through his unwavering dedication and 40 years of relentless efforts, Roman's contributions remain unrecognized.

Apathy and Self-Disconnection

Years of dedication did not bring the recognition and appreciation Roman had hoped for. His body and mind progressively deteriorated as he focused solely on his cause. Neglecting his own well-being, Roman found himself out of shape and disconnected from modern trends. This led him to question whether his time and efforts would have been better spent on different paths.

“I'm tired of doing the impossible for the ungrateful.”

In a moment of despair, Roman presented his most significant achievement to his new boss, only to have it dismissed. This incident marked the turning point in Roman's life. He decided to change completely, transforming himself in an attempt to break free from his struggles. However, his conscious mind fought back, leading this transformation to become sudden and abrupt.

A Snowballing Change

Roman's abrupt change was more than just a personal transformation. It was a decision to punish himself. Adopting the name “Permanent Disbar,” Roman deliberately sought out situations that would test his resolve. He aimed to disbar himself from both the California bar and the human race, declaring himself a hypocrite and renouncing all that he had once stood for.

To permanently disbar Roman J. Israel from the California bar and human race for being a hypocrite and turning his back on everything that ever claimed he stood for.

The movie’s plot unravels in just 21 days, highlighting the intensity and abruptness of Roman's change. Despite the unexpected ending and the unanswered questions about his unfinished work, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the price of commitment and the difficulty of change.

Reflections on a Realistic Scenario

A quintessential aspect of the story is its reflection on whether such events can realistically happen. While the plot is fictional, it draws from real-life struggles and the complexities of the civil rights movement. The movie challenges viewers to consider whether the unappreciated efforts of those who fought for justice might also have been met with despair and a desire for change.

The narrative of Roman J. Israel, Esquire, not only entertains but also serves as a thought-provoking exploration of commitment, justice, and the human capacity to change. It invites us to reflect on our own dedication to causes we believe in and the ultimate impact of our actions.

If you are intrigued by the story of Roman J. Israel and the themes of the unappreciated hero, civil rights, and the human fight for justice, this film is a must-watch. It provides a unique and sobering perspective on the struggles faced by those who constantly work towards making a difference.