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RE ---- IC KNB bv a | "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2000-9 Cuba Gooding Jr. shines in tribute to real-life hero SGREENING ROOM By John Foote MEN OF HONOR (Yetetx) Directed by George Tillman Jr. Now in theatres With the look and feel of a biographical film made in the 50s, Men of Honor is a nostalgic look back on a largely unknown hero. The first black man to achieve the dis- tinction of Master Diver and Master Chief in the United States Navy, Carl Brashear quietly made history with his determina- tion and fierce dedication to what he believed in. Joining the Navy in the late 40s, just after the desegregation of the military, Brashear wanted to become a salvage diver but was met with constant opposition from the Naval brass. After writing in excess of 100 letters, he was finally accepted into the tough diving school, where he was met with yet more opposition from the Navy, and racial prej- udice from the men around him. Nonetheless, he gutted it out, perhaps inspired by the constant obstacles thrown in his way, slowly earning the respect of his peers and superior officers. Even after a crippling injury, Brashear would dive again, eventually earning the honours he so desired through the course of his life. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives an extraordi- nary performance as Brashear, capturing the man's quiet dignity in every frame of the film. Watching Gooding Jr. on screen can sometimes be frustrating, because he gives so much to some performances the energy can consume the character. Yet here, with the strong hand of George Tillman guiding him, he delivers a subtle performance of great beauty and power, capturing the essence of Carl Brashear. It is a performance that could land Gooding Jr. an Academy Award nomination for best actor. During the Toronto International Film Festival in September, | had the chance to speak with Gooding Jr. about his career and the role of Carl Brashear. But more importantly, | met and interviewed Carl Brashear. When Brashear entered the room, shook my hand and we began the inter- view, | was in absolute awe of the man within five minutes. How many times in. one's life can we say we have met a gen- uine hero? Carl Brashear bore no ill will towards the Navy for the harsh treatment he endured, nor did he expect an apolo- gy of any kind after all these years. The 69-year-old retired Master Chief explained that perhaps the treatment that offends us was the very thing that strengthened him. When [call the film old-fashioned, 1 mean that in an affectionate manner, because there are few dark sides to the character seen in the picture. Usually that would bother me, but after meeting Brashear, | decided that perhaps the dark Cuba a Gooding Jr. turns ina fine performance opposite Robert De Niro i in the new film Men of Honor. side of his character, which we all possess, was that he married the Navy and not his wife. The major disappointment of the film is the over the top, Southern cracker per- formance of Robert de Niro, who portrays . Billy Sunday, one of the men responsible for the dreadful treatment Brashear received, but also the man who pulled him up when he was down. It is a perfor- mance we have seen DeNiro do in the past - cigar chomping and spitting dia- logue out with contempt - perhaps best described as a sane version of the maniac he portrayed in Cape Fear (1991). I was bored with his performance after two min- utes. Cuba Gooding Jr. makes the film worth seeing, and understand that the man he portrays in the film, exists, and the actor becomes the man of honour with a perfor- mance that is breathtaking. THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE Directed by Robert Redford Now in theatres (Ye) There is nothing wrong with the way Robert Redford directs a film, or creates Please turn to page 30 Apply tobe a Member of the DURRAM ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY coMmMnrrss The Region of Durham is seeking individuals interested in membership in the first Durham Environmental Advisory Committee (D-EAC). Technical and non- technical members are needed. The D-EAC will provide advice to the Region on environmental planning matters in accordance with the approved Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference is available at the address noted below and can also be viewed on the Regional web site at www.region.durham.on.ca -- If you wish to be considered for membership on the D-EAC, please submit a brief expression of interest outlining your skills, abilities, knowledge and qualifications relevant to our participation on the D-EAC. Also include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail with your letter. Your submission must be received by November 30, 2000 at the following address: A. L. Georgieff, MCIP, RPP Commissioner of Planning Durham Region Planning Department Fourth Floor, Whitby Mall DIVARIZ FY SIENA Fox: (905) 436-6612 tH Cal Phone: (905) 728-7731 (Whitby) or (905) 686-1651 (Toronto) E-mail: eac@region.durham.on.ca Regional Council will consider the selection of the D-EAC membership in January 2001. open M Vitamin C Tabs Novasen Tabs | Wild Cherry 250 cc 489 Ibuprofen Natural source. Coated Caplets ASA, E.C.T. 1000 mg "gv 325 mg 689 pkg. 100°s 289 989 pkg. 100s Guaifenesin |Vitamin E Caps| Chocolate Expectorant Syrup | Natural Sp: Advent Calendars ¥: I 19 on Limited Quantites Multiple Vitamins | a2433 DRAW Hot Lemon and Minerals for a For Colds & Flu nd Crabtree & Extra 5 489 2 MAAN CTI MT 359 pkg. 100's (54.95 value) | pkg. 10's Christmas Figurines "Case ad Nee) with su Cascade" | ps0 or 95% Formula Ring Compartment "Cat 17%9 42? 24s 72 108's ive t Boxed 7122. Christmas. 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