Lakeview Terrace

Race and morality are one thing, but what happens when things of that nature become blurred in the name of justice? That’s the question that’s proposed in the dark thriller Lakeview Terrace; and while it executes things masterfully on the surface, it also makes it a point to question the infrastructure of our society.

Are we really bound/subjugated to harassment in our very own neighborhoods? Of course not, nor should we ever have to be, but color always seems to be the dividing line. Racism, while not as openly practiced as it once was, is still alive and when you combine that state of mind with an hypocritical oath of “to serve and protect”, who’s really at fault? Us for believing it? Or, us for allowing it to happen? You be the judge.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Lakeview Terrace is somewhat of an unorthodox thriller in that it takes the issue of racism and gives it a “novel twist“. Even in it’s most villainous form, the most heinous individual is one that lacks ignorance; and as Abel Turner, Samuel L. Jackson displays his character’s inner most hatred as effortlessly as one could imagine.

Fueled by a blind passion, the subplot of this movie is even more intricate than most would expect. On the surface, harassment seems like a moot point when considering what all else is involved; but it’s the motive of Abel Turner that draws you in along the way. Is he racist? Crooked? So many questions abound until the big reveal and, even then, it all revolves back to an issue of morality. Not to say that it justifies his actions, but his torment towards Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington’s characters is the perfect example of what’s wrong with our society today.

Let’s face it. Interracial dating is still a touchy subject in this day and age and I think Lakeview Terrace explores this ugly side of truth pretty accurately. It would’ve been easy to have reversed the roles and have had Abel been white, but I think you lose a certain element when you do so. Instead, as it stands, Lakeview Terrace is remarkable in that it doesn’t get caught up in what some consider taboo and, when you combine that with all the social aspects involved, it’s play on the human conscience makes for more than what your money’s worth.

Rating: 3 inkblots out of 5