On Friday, the highly anticipated Biblical epic from Jeymes Samuel, “The Book of Clarence” hits theaters.
In it, LaKeith Stanfield stars in the titular role as Clarence, a down-on-his-luck, streetwise “nobody” struggling to find a better life for his family all while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. After seeing how much influence and prestige Jesus of Nazareth is gaining, Clarence devises a plan to deceive the townsfolk and convince them that he is the new Black Jesus sent from the Lord—and also collect coins to pay off what he owes.
Having previously taken on the role as Judas in the “Judas and the Black Messiah” and now, coincidentally, an actual Black Messiah in Book of Clarence, we couldn’t help but notice the unique position that Stanfield was in creatively. When this fact was pointed out to the Oscar nominated actor, he reflected on the contrasting figures, sharing that, while starkly different, they both served a purpose for two different reasons.
“I think with both [I was] trying to excavate the things that I think would be valuable for audiences, trying to unpack the things in the more negative role that I think could shine a light on a positive aspect, like Chairmen Fred Hampton,” he explained to The Root. “And in this one, really unearthing the beauty of a journey that goes from one place to an arc to where he learns from himself and from his environment. I think that could be really beneficial to people.”
Speaking further about his role in a statement provided to The Root, he added:
“Clarence is like most of us. He has ambitions in his life. He wants bigger and better things and is willing to do what he feels is necessary to bring about that change, hoping this will bring happiness to his family and assurance within himself that he is more than what he appears to be on the surface.”
“The Book of Clarence,” starring Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Anna Diop, Omar Sy, Caleb McLaughlin, Alfre Woodard and more is in theaters everywhere now.