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In the matter of “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” let’s stipulate at the outset that Denzel Washington could read from law books and hold our attention. In fact he does just that from time to time in this crime drama by Dan Gilroy, who made his debut as a writer-director three years ago with the lean and gripping “Nightcrawler.” Mr. Gilroy’s new film doesn’t try for lean. When its lawyer hero isn’t citing legal precedent, he uses spectacularly florid language that reflects his unusual mental state. But there’s a disconnect between what we see and hear and what we’re meant to feel. For all of Roman’s poignancy and passion, he…