Denzel Washington, in his debut as a director of the film "Antwone Fisher" (AF), chose Derek Luke, a literal unknown to play the starring role. Before he got the part, Luke's claim to fame was a few small TV parts and lots of rejections from previous auditions. He met aspiring screenwriter (the real life) Antwone Fisher,in the Sony Studio gift shop where he was working.

Derek Luke, for the moment at least, still has his feet on the ground, even though he no longer works for close to minimum wage. Now he is making the rounds of the major TV talk shows to promote his new films. Although Luke gives an Oscar caliber performance in "Antwone Fisher," he may not get a nod because the competition is so strong this year from more veteran actors. He is, however, showing up on a lot of "best promising actor" lists for 2002.

During a recent stop in Chicago, Derek appeared to be humbled by his good fortune to star in a film by his idol, Denzel Washington. He was first motivated to become an actor when he saw Denzel in "Philadelphia Story." At this time, he loves his craft and is motivated by the art form more so than being a celebrity or making megabucks. When interviewed on "Good Morning America" recently, Derek started to tear up just talking about what he was doing and how strongly he felt about the story of Antwone Fisher.

Much of the great acting in "AF" was at the direction of Denzel encouraging his actors to give raw performances. In particular, the wrenching scene where Antwone meets his mother for the first time is what movie making is all about. It's more than a story about getting past bad things that happen to you. I believe that this movie will both entertain many and save a few lives. At my local multiplex (where I went to see the film a second time) often on opening day there is a survey taker. When I flashed four fingers, being the last to leave the theater, he said with an enthusiastically broad smile, "Everybody likes this film."

It's too soon to say if Derek will be a successful actor over time, but the early signs are encouraging. You'll see him playing a lead role opposite Laurence Fishburne in "Biker Boyz." At Sundance this year, he plays the boyfriend of Katie Holmes in "Pieces of April."

There is a lesson to be learned about movie stars in the performance Derek provides in "AF." It's great to go to movies because of a recognizable name on the marquee, like Denzel Washington. When the credits roll Denzel's name is after Derek's and Joy Bryant's, his costar. Washington is a man making a mid course adjustment in his career, while he's developing new talent in the next generation. It's refreshing to be a part of discovering new talent in stories, even when it contains a touch of Hollywood corniness in spots. Possibly one of the things that makes many independent films worth seeing is that by not focusing so much on stars, but on the story and characters, it appears to offer the best in movie making. One might call "AF" a Hollywood independent film.

It's even better when you get what you expected and then some because of fresh talent like Derek and Joy. Luke should be able to live up to the hype because there is none. Here's hoping he can be as good in other types of roles as he is as a frustrated young man looking for the goodness within himself¾and in others as well. As Antwone Fisher says with pride, after so many problems that HAVE ruined so many lives, "I'm still standing!" All he needed was someone who would say, "Put your head on my shoulder." The help he found in the US Navy made that happen.