Disappearing Acts (2000) Film Analysis

Like0

Film Overview

Based on Terry McMillan’s novel of the same name, Disappearing Acts follows Zora Banks (Sanaa Lathan), a talented singer-songwriter and teacher, and Franklin Swift (Wesley Snipes), a construction worker with big dreams but a troubled past. Their whirlwind romance is tested by financial struggles, differing ambitions, and emotional baggage, making for a realistic but sometimes frustrating love story.

TIR’s Take on Disappearing Acts

At its core, Disappearing Acts explores love, ambition, and the weight of expectations, but the relationship between Zora and Franklin does not seem to have a strong foundation beyond attraction and circumstance. While Franklin’s shortcomings are obvious, including his dishonesty about his marriage and children, his lack of financial stability, and his self-destructive tendencies, Zora is not without fault. She makes poor decisions, choosing to ignore red flags and rationalizing behaviors that should have given her pause. Her attachment to Franklin feels more like a reaction to loneliness and the idea of being in love rather than a deep connection built on shared values or mutual growth.

Franklin enters the relationship seemingly drawn by Zora’s encouragement of his dreams, but he lacks the discipline to pursue them seriously until she leaves. His initial attraction to her is primarily physical, and though he benefits from her emotional support, he does not seem to appreciate or reciprocate it in a meaningful way until it is too late. His failure to be upfront about his past, particularly his marriage to Pam, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and his children, adds an unnecessary level of deceit that only serves to damage the fragile trust between him and Zora.

Speaking of Pam, her character is frustratingly underutilized. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is a powerhouse actress, and the film misses an opportunity to deepen Franklin’s character through their dynamic. Pam could have been a more developed presence in the story, serving as either an adversary or an unexpected ally to Zora, giving more insight into Franklin’s past and the cycle of his behavior. Instead, her role is reduced to a brief revelation that feels like a footnote rather than a turning point in the story.

Ultimately, Disappearing Acts feels like a series of moments rather than a fully fleshed-out narrative. The stakes never seem high enough to make the audience deeply invested in whether Zora and Franklin should stay together or part ways. Their love story lacks the kind of emotional depth that would make their struggles feel significant. The film does a decent job portraying the realities of a complicated relationship, but it never quite reaches the level of compelling storytelling that makes you want to check in on these characters years later.

For those who have both read Terry McMillan’s novel and seen the film adaptation, how do you feel the depth of the book translates to the screen? Does the film capture the complexity of Zora and Franklin’s relationship, or does it fall flat in comparison? Let me know your thoughts!

Final Rating: 6/10

While Disappearing Acts has great performances and an authentic look at relationships, it doesn’t fully deliver on its emotional depth. It’s worth a watch, but not one that demands a revisit.

---

What’s Next? Week 10: The Brothers (2001)

Next week, we shift gears to The Brothers (2001), a film that explores Black male friendships, love, and personal growth. How does it compare to the romantic dramas we’ve covered so far? Stay tuned for our analysis!

Like0