The Book of Clarence

"Clarence" (LaKeith Stanfield) and brother "Elijah" (RJ Cyler) come off worst in a chariot race with Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor) and that lets us know that he is now in hock to the nasty "Jedediah the Terrible" (Eric Kofi Abrefa) for a great deal of money. It quite literally is his money or his life. He has a relationship, of sorts, with "Varinia" who might be able to intercede with her menacing brother on his behalf, but meantime "Clarence" hits on an idea of his own. He is aware of the buzz in the community around the impending arrival of the Messiah, indeed his twin brother "Thomas" is an apostle (with a silent t). How hard can it be to fake some tricks to convince the gullible population that he can cure the sick or raise the dead? Up until now, this all has a rather "Monty Python" meets "Ben Hur" feel to it. It's amiable and well enough paced. Sadly, though, slightly more sincere and half-baked religious elements begin to kick in to the characters a little too earnestly, and the comedic elements are increasingly supplanted by a rather bitty narrative that sees the hitherto quite entertaining "Clarence" begin to take himself just a little too seriously and the entire enterprise stalls. Omar Sy delivers well as Barabbas - though I think maybe he ought to have been called Achilles; Benedict Cumberbatch looks more like Robert Powell than he does and the best scene by far comes from Alfre Woodard's lively interpretation of the Virgin Mary. It has it's moments, but is a bit of a mess of a film that starts off engagingly but is far too long and just sort of peters out.

If you watched and know the style of Jeymes Samuel as writer and director you know what to expect (The Harder they Fall, They Die by Down). It tells the story of a man that is a con artist that aims to be a new Messiah, in the age of Jesus (and alongside him - 3 days behind), but not a classical Jesus or a new correct etiology one, but one in a black Jerusalem. It have some interesting messages more to end, shows Romans as the whites, and do not mention proper Jews - it also doesn't choose to what it aims as a movie, comedy or drama putting some comic sequences and references of Marijuana (that was used already in that time, a certain thing, accidental or not). LaKeith Stanfield is the star of the movie and does well his role and multiplicity of his character. But this isn't enough to make this a good movie. To me a score of 6.0 out of 10.0 / B-, almost C+.

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/the-book-of-clarence-bfi-london-film-festival-review-hilarious-thought-provoking-biblical-satire/ "The Book of Clarence certifies Jeymes Samuel as a do-it-all in filmmaking. Whether through his stylized direction, thought-provoking satirical screenplay, or bold soundtrack, the filmmaker once again delivers a highly original, genuinely hilarious blend of genres and tones, and a captivating spiritual exploration of the protagonist. Fortunate as well to have an absolutely superb cast with LaKeith Stanfield commanding the troops, delivering an impressively all-round performance. It lacks better tonal balance and more unpredictability, the latter being destroyed by an unnecessary opening sequence. Glad to know it will be released on the big screen, which is where I definitely recommend everyone to go and experience this piece of guaranteed entertainment." Rating: B+