Unraveling the Mysteries Within: Arjun N. dives into Book of Clarence
5The Book of Clarence is the January epic that delivers on all fronts -- a Biblical comedy and drama, which is unfortunately a bit weighed down by its tonal inconsistency and problematic messages. Adults will admire this morally complex and comedic tale, at the cost of its jarring seriousness and glamorized drug use.
This film starts off energetically with a portentous prediction of the main character Clarence’s (Lakeith Stanfield) fate. Thus, a three-part epic commences following the streetwise Clarence’s journey to his whereabouts as a fraudulent messiah trying to pay off some debts and discover retribution.
An ensemble cast carries the film through its ups and downs. Lakeith Stanfield, as Clarence, steals the show with his signature stoic charm, embodying someone totally down on his luck. His unexpected religious journey and skepticism are at the heart of his psyche. On one hand, his dual role as Clarence’s twin brother, Thomas, adds layers to Clarence’s past with their budding reconciliation being one a poignant subplot that provides context for how Clarence’s shunning is unfair. On the other hand, RJ Cyler, as Elijah, remains the voice of reason for Clarence with their brotherly connection, despite his pervasive drug use. At Clarence’s heart remains Anna Diop, Jedediah’s sister – one could be convinced they are watching two people in love. However, newcomer Eric Kofi-Abrefa, as Jedediah, steps in to remind Clarence of his mortality with his charming, yet menacing nature. Omar Sy, as Barrabas the Immortal plays a terrifying muscular bastion of defense with a heart of gold. Other scene stealers include a despicable performance by James McAvoy, as Pontious Pilate, a sparingly-used perfect foil for Clarence’s antiheroism and Benedict Cumberbatch’s hilarious cameo. Director Jeymes Samuel ambitiously dips his toes in new territory, with his singer-songwriter background complementing the film’s musical sections. However, the musical, comedic, and dramatic elements are often at odds with each other. It’s quite something to go from a horrifying crucifixion scene to a wisecrack made by someone. Despite this, a good amount of the film’s comedic chops are genuinely thought provoking and satirical even if far-fetched at times. My favorite scene involves Clarence reaching a metaphysical understanding of becoming a messiah, due to the immaculate staging of this sequence as Clarence floats in a supernatural manner.
One of the genuinely humanistic messages of this film is that good deeds reward not just yourself, but, most importantly, others. Clarence lacks faith in God, but his altruistic nature rewards him in the end with a newfound faith and a genuine effect on others. However, the excessively hedonistic tendencies of the characters and comedy contradict the good intentions that this message holds. As a warning, it’s understandable that marijuana use on sticks was a hedonistic act during those times, but younger viewers might be enticed by this stylized drug use. Plus, there is occasional gory violence and profanity.
I give The Book of Clarence 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film is in theaters now, so be sure to check it out.
https://youtu.be/qAShKpnKZU0
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