Displaying items by tag: Alfre Woodard

THE BOOK OF CLARENCE

US/Italy, 2023, 129 minutes, Colour.

LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, R.J.Cyler, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Micheal Ward, Caleb MacLachlan, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Eric Kofi Abrefa, James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chase Dillon, Nicholas Pinnock.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel.

The Book of Clarence can be recommended for all kinds of reasons, first of all, that it is nothing like what we might expect! It has been written and directed and musical score, by British musician, Jeymes Samuel, stage name The Bullits. His previous film was The Harder They Fall, a strong Western, a focus on black Americans in the 19^th century, victims, dominating, urging the audience to look again at their familiar image of the American West.

The Book of Clarence is billed as a comedy biblical adventure! And it is. And, even though the focus is on Clarence, this can be seen also as a very strong Jesus film, though in plot terms, he is a supporting character.

Once again, the cast is either African-American or of West Indian descent. A glance at the cast indicates popular names like Omar see, David or no, Alfre Woodard, Marianne Jean Baptiste. The exception being Benedict Cumberbatch, playing Benjamin the beggar in the early part of the film and then being transformed, actually by Jesus himself, and making points about false Messiahs at the end of the film. James McAvoy leads the white cast of obnoxiously Roman soldiers.

But, back to Clarence, played engagingly by the very talented LaKeith Stanfield. In fact, the film opens with a kind of Ben Hur chariot race variation, introducing Clarence,  avery 21^st-century, in fact, in the Jerusalem neighbourhood, the Jerusalem “hood”. He is something of a con man, is in debt to a local loan shark, though in love with his sister, into drugs, but also more often into bad luck.

But, impressed by Jesus and his followers, especially since it turns out that Clarence is, in fact, the apostle Thomas’s twin brother (who is mentioned but not named in the Gospels). Clarence actually applies to the apostles to be the 13^th but is turned down, Thomas himself very disdainful of his brother, and Judas urging Clarence to prove his worth by going to a gladiator school and freeing the gladiators – which means that we have besides Ben Hur, homage to Spartacus and gladiator.

But, what makes the Jesus connection even more interesting, and Jesus does appear very sympathetically at various times throughout the film, Clarence is impressed by acclaim for Messiahs and so sets himself up with his friends, refused baptism by John the Baptist, but nevertheless going around preaching, organising fake miracles, profiting highly.

But, can it last? There has been a spoiler right at the beginning of the film with Clarence being crucified. And in suffering, he parallels Jesus, and antagonistic young fellow actually help him carry the cross to Calvary. Clarence does have a conversion experience, compassion, charity beyond himself, some redemption.

It is then that Benjamin emerges, Jesus having giving him money, and a gift for multiplying money which Benjamin spreads around, Benedict Cumberbatch looking like a traditional image of Jesus, but self-seeking and a false Messiah.

The film ends very respectfully of Jesus, a visit to Clarences tomb, and hope of resurrection.

Not what we might have been expecting, but always interesting, entertaining, and, certainly, thought-challenging.

1. Title, striking, biblical overtones? The work of the director, writing, directing, music, race issues?
2. The locations for Jerusalem, the Italian town of Metairie and its presence in other biblical films? The vistas, buildings, the roads, the sea?
3. The first century A.D. variation on Boys in the Hood, the Jerusalem Hood, drugs, gangsters, gambling, debts? Vengeance?
4. The musical score, the range of songs, the final credits?
5. The three chapters for the Book of Clarence? The introduction, Clarence and his mission, the crucifixion? The beginnings of the parallels with the Gospel story of Jesus?
6. The acknowledgement of Roman Empire films, Ben Hur, gladiator…? The influence of biblical films, Jesus films? In the central character and Brian in the Life of Brian?
7. The opening race, introducing Clarence, Mary Magdalene and her defiance, Elijah as Clarence’s friend? The chariot race in Ben Hur, the excitement, the Gypsy area, the intervention of Cabbage and his domination, the crashes, taking Clarence’s coat? The bond between a lighter and Clarence, as brothers, his reaction to the loss? The visit to Jedediah, the confrontation, Clarence and his attraction to Marigny, Jedediah’s sister? Her reticence, shyness? The banter between Clarence and Jedediah? The time limit?
8. Thomas the apostle, called Didymus, the twin, in the Gospels? The imaginative interpretation of Thomas and his twin? Thomas, leaving their mother, following Jesus, stern, loyal to Jesus, 10 minutes older, but deriding his brother, a nobody, doomed to failure? Their various encounters? Clarence and his challenge, Thomas’s reaction to Clarence’s behaviour? Clarence and his visit to the apostles? His suffering and Thomas coming to apologise, reconciliation? Clarence and the scenes with his mother, his debts, after the race, her encouragement, smelly? Her reflections on his life, on Thomas? Encouragement on the way of the cross, at the crucifixion?
9. Clarence and his fascination with Jesus, the significance of the visit to Mary and Joseph, Mary and her explanations, Clarence and the mistaking of the Immaculate Conception for the virgin birth, Mary and her convictions about God’s presence? Joseph, his presence, supporting Mary, calling Clarence a dumb ass?
10. Clarence and his need to raise money, his observing of Jesus, the failed Jesus walking through the on guard, the claim of Messiah? Clarence, not believing in God, defying belief? His theory that knowledge was more important? But his idea of impersonating a Messiah, with the help of Elijah? His paralleling of Jesus miracles, raising the dead, curing the sick…, Elijah performing? The taking up of the collection from the crowd gathering? Believing him as a Messiah? His preaching, the effect on him, those collection of money?
11. His visit to the apostles, the encounter with Judas, Judas and his taunts, urging him to go to the gladiator slaves, confront the torturer, get the release of the prisoners? Clarence going, the reaction of the torturer, singling out Barabbas, the challenge to the fight, Clarence and his moves, Barabbas and his reactions, the torturer allowing Barabbas to go? Barabbas joining the troop of the wood-be Messiah?
12. The encounters with the Romans, white, their arrogance, the reaction to Barabbas, the officer and his javelin is, throwing them out Barabbas, Barabbas and his defiance, escaping, and his nickname of Immortal?
13. Clarence, the effect on his charade, the slaves, getting a conscience, taking the money and buying back the slaves, freeing them? Judas and his response?
14. The encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the adultery, the parallel of John chapter 8, Jesus and the stones, is suspending them in the air, their falling, defying the authorities, letting Mary go free, the friendship with her?
15. Jedediah, the party, with Varinia, declarations to her, the upset, his feeling betrayed by her?
16. The presentation of the Last Supper, acknowledgement of da Vinci’s painting? The two issue with Judas, betrayal, the scenes with the Jewish authority in the 30 pieces of silver, Judas and the promise of betrayal, at the supper, the issue of Mary’s gravy, the taste, his going out?
17. Jesus, knowing he was betrayed, waiting for the moment, accompanied by Mary?
18. His arrest, the Romans, the encounter with Pontius Pilate, Pontius Pilate and his manner, racial superiority, arrogance, interrogation, the sympathy with Clarence, Clarence and his commitment, defiance, the parallels with Jesus before Pontius Pilate? Condemned to be crucified?
19. The visuals of the way of the cross, the Jesus parallel, the defiant crowds, his mother in the crowd, encouraging him, Elijah and the encouragement? On Calvary, the vivid nailing to the Cross, raised, Henning, hanging, the presence of Benjamin, the past encounters with Benjamin and his spurning him, not recognising him, Benjamin and his worldly defiance? The Romans, the decision to pierce Clarence’s side? Again the Jesus parallel?
20. Benjamin, the begger, spurned by Clarence, the later scenes of his banking, the encounter with Jesus, the money, his clean himself up, becoming like the traditional portrait of Jesus, his gift of being able to multiply the money? His arrest, a false Messiah accusation, being crucified?
21. Clarence, the burial, the stone, the breaking up of the stone, Jesus entering, tender with Clarence, raising him to new life? Immortality?
22. The overall effect of the film, the serious, the comic touches, the criticisms of blasphemy, the Christian defences against accusations of blasphemy? The enjoyment of a biblical epic? Jesus figure treated seriously and with respect? And Clarence paralleling Jesus and becoming a Christ figure?

SUMMER CAMP

US, 2024, 95 minutes, Colour.

Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Eugene Levy, Dennis Hayesbert, Beverly D'Angelo, Josh Peck, Betsy Sodaro, Tom Wright.

Directed by Castille Landon.

Usually this kind of title indicates an American summer, teenagers gathering and spending weeks away. And, this is how it begins.

So, alert to teenage audiences and their expectations, identifying with the first 10 minutes, especially teenage girls and the characters, issues, conflicts, friendships. But, the action then moves 50 years forward, offering them, perhaps, some images for their future. The vision of senior ladies.

And, so, an alert to the target audience, older women, perhaps memories of their past, watching this for 10 minutes and moving into a more familiar present. We have been introduced to the three central characters, Ginny with her voice-over and commentary, Mary, Nora.

And, 50 years later, Mary is accomplished in her work in the hospital. She is played by Alfre Woodard. Nora is a scientist with technology, addicted to her work. She is played by Diane Keaton repeating her performances in so many films recently, all the mannerisms and tics (and sometimes she wears Annie Hall type clothes!). Jenny is played by Kathy Bates with an extraordinary red Wing! He is the leader of the group, organise this reunion at the summer camp, but hard to persuade Nora to leave her work – and meeting up with the three rivals from 50 years earlier.

This is definitely a film for the target audience, older women. Younger audiences will not be particularly interested. And there are the token men, this time played by Eugene Levy (seriously rather than comic) and Dennis Hayesbert.

The women bond, Nora has to give up her work despite strong efforts to the contrary, Mary is visited by her dominating husband and they have a very serious confrontation (an effective scene), and Ginny is challenged in her controlling of people, which is her profession in helping people to well-being. So, on the rapids, Nora having to be rescued from the water, cheery sessions, touches of romance, a final confrontation and truth telling.

So, best reviewed by its target audience to see whether they identify, enjoy the comedy, the touches of romance, the confrontation.

[There are some good lines throughout, Ginny accused of being a psychopath but s noting that he was on a path! Some action with bows and arrows and a reference to the older men and the patriarchery. An introvert preferring to explore “the great doors”.]

1. The title, the youth camp, the senior women’s camp?
2. The atmosphere of the camp, dining, meeting rooms…? The countryside, the river rapids…? The musical score?
3. The opening, familiar from youth camp films, the bonding of the three, the other three in-girls? Events, period, the three in the future?
4. 50 years later, Mary and her work in the hospital and her expertise, 45 years married, the demanding husband, her children and pride? Friendship with the other two? Ginny Moon, single, effusive, voice-over, her work with people, her reputation? Cheery personality? Nora, academic, marriage and her husband dying, addicted to her work, science and technology? Not wanting to go on the reunion? The other two persuading her?
5. The camp, the manager and her pleasant attitude, Vick in control, like a Sergeant Major, comic episodes, comic turns? Jimmy, awkward, the disasters in the dining room, redeeming himself on the rapids, his jobs, befriending the three women?
6. The gang of the past, their confidence, meeting again, interactions, on the river, Jane and her leadership, the session with Ginny, her admitting of the truth, feeling liberated?
7. Stevie and Tommy, the male presence, knowing the women in the past, their stories, Tommy and overseas work, Stevie and a heart attack and retirement? Mary attracted to Tommy, the pottery, being together? Nora attracted to Stevie, to retrieve the phone, being caught, the conversations, the time together?
8. The conversations, the meals, on the rapids, Nora being rescued? Ultimately the courage for the jumping? The friendship, Nora and her continued work, their wanting her presence? Mary, the phone call to her husband, his arrival, the serious discussion with him about their 45 years? Ginny, the criticisms of the group, her being hurt, rehearsing her speech, the presentation, the absence, but late arrival, her breaking down, talking frantically?
9. Serious talk, the discussions with Jimmy, Ginny hurting his feelings, employing him?

• A film for the target audience, some precarious experience for them, listening to senior ladies talking…?

SALEM'S LOT

US, 2024, 170 minutes, Colour.

Lewis Pullman, Mackenzie Leigh, Jordan Preston Carter, Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, John Benjamin Hickey, Spencer Treat Clark, Plou Asbaek, Alexander Ward, William Sadler.

Directed by Gary Dauberman.

Salem’s Lot is one of Stephen King’s earliest works. It has been filmed several times, most successfully for television.

Here is a 21^st-century version – which has not received the hoped-for acclaim.

It is a story of a town in Maine, Stephen King territory. There has been atmosphere, disturbing, in the town, and a writer returns to investigate his past. His played by Lewis Pullman. At the same time, a wealthy man buys a property and imports a large box – revealed to be the container for a vampire.

So, this is a vampire film, strikingly visual as regards the vampires but their behaviour resembling that of many zombie films.

The writer is attracted to a young woman in the estate agency, dominated by her mother who eventually turns out to be the servant of the vampire owner. There are sympathetic characters in the town, especially the school principal. The most sympathetic character is a young boy, Jordan Preston Carter being a strong screen presence. He is bullied, discovers, to his horror, that some of his young close friends who supported him have become vampires.

There are not so many surprises in the vampires taking over except the death of the young woman, so no ultimate romance. But the school principal is taken over – played by Bill Camp. On hand is the local doctor, very tough, played by Alfre Woodard.

One of the most interesting features is that the town streets are deserted, no cars, discovering them all at the drive-in, the zombies in the boot of the car, ready to emerge as soon as darkness falls. One of the best features is the young boy driving a car, knocking down the drive-in screen so that the sun burns up the emerging vampires.

However, there are some ultimate confrontation is very little of a happy ending.

1. A Stephen King novel? Previous film and television versions? 21^st-century interpretation?
2. Atmospheric horror, the mysterious removal at the opening, ominous sense, the box, is one, the dirt…? Setting the tone?
3. Salem’s Lot as a Maine town, atmosphere, small, homes, diner, schools…? The musical score?
4. The arrival of the visitor, renting the old house, the storing of the coffin? Mysterious?
5. The school, the boys, the bully, Mark, Danny and his friends, the second attack, Mark tripping him, the fight, the principal, breaking the fight, supportive of Mark? Mark and his family?
6. Ben, driving into town, his past story, growing up, parents killed in the crash? His career as a novelist? Looking for accommodation, Susan and the book, realisation of who he was? Later visiting him, the attraction, discussions, the scene at the drive-in? The sexual relationship? Her back story, her possessive mother?
7. Barlow and his background and dominance? Straker and his role in the town? The young boys, families? the range of town characters – and the preparation for them to be vampirised?
8. Ben, his presence in the town, interactions with people, memories of the past, Susan’s mother warning him off? His research?
9. The time, the dark, the manifestations of the vampires, their appearance, zombielike behaviour?
10. The taking of the town, the various confrontations, including Susan? The school principal, the caretaker, his intervention, his becoming a victim?
11. The doctor, her role in the town, tough, sceptical, becoming involved? Susan’s mother and antagonism?
12. The buildup to the climax, Mark and his interventions, his family? The other boys – and the scenes of their being pursued in the forest, taken over by the vampires? Vampires themselves, their appearances, confrontations?
13. The means of warding off the vampires, the crosses and the light, on the vampires’ faces, and the personal interventions, especially Mark and his young friend? The attempts to resuscitate Susan, her turning on them?
14. Mark, using his wits, into the house, locked in, escaping, the drive-in? The absence of cars on the streets, all at the drive-in? The huge screen? Looking in the boot of the car, the vampires all hidden? The setting sun, the coming of the darkness, trying to open Barlow’s coffin? The dark and the vampires emerging at the drive-in, Mark and his driving, knocking down the screen, prolonging the light, and the light consuming the vampires? The buildup to the final confrontations, Susan’s mother shooting the doctor? Mark arriving and knocking her down?
15. Surviving, Mark and Ben, and driving out of Salem’s lot?