Jamal's Transformation In Finding Forrester

Transformation is the first step in accepting one’s true potential. In Finding Forrester, Jamal, a talented high schooler, meets William Forrester, a hermit author. At first they seem to be two sides of the same coin, but as conflict occurs they rise above their fears and grow for the better. In chaotic confrontations, people’s faults become apparent, and they transform into who they really are. During confrontation, people realize their transformation into who they really are. Professor Crawford, the antagonist who could make or break Jamal’s future targets a student, and Jamal steps in to help him. Not only does Jamal confront and embarrass Crawford, but also beats him at his own game. Crawford wants to punish Jamal by making him read …show more content…
Beradinelli (2000), points out that William has taught Jamal “Write the first draft with your heart. Rewrite with your head. The key to writing is to write, not to thrive.” (p. 13). William teaches Jamal from the very beginning that if one writes with their heart that there is nothing false about it. Write to write, not to prove anything to anyone. Forrester gives Jamal purpose, and gives him meaning behind his desire to write. Jamal uses this spirited passion for justice. Therefore Jamal transforms into a true and stronger version of himself by refusing to give into Crawford’s demands. At the end of the movie, William Forrester sends his last letter to Jamal, thanking him for everything Jamal has done; transforming him into a better being and waking him from his depressing slumber. Jamal’s confrontations with William throughout the movie makes each realize who they really are. However, the viewer is left to think “What is one to make of Jamal?” (Holden, 2000, p. 10). Jamal has not only wakes William up, but unlocks his true self, Jamal completely changes his life in an unimaginable way. However, this leads the viewer to question whether it was Jamal as the