The latest film by musician-turned-filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, “The Book of Clarence,” is breaking boundaries and challenging Hollywood norms. In this biblical epic, Samuel dares to reimagine the iconic figure of Jesus Christ as a Black man, played by Nicholas Pinnock. Through this bold portrayal, Samuel aims to shed light on the underrepresentation of Black individuals in historical entertainment.
“The Book of Clarence” centers around the character of Clarence, brilliantly portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield, who finds himself entangled with a local gangster and decides to seize the rising popularity of Jesus Christ by claiming to be a new Messiah. Samuel wrote, directed, produced, and scored this satirical drama, drawing inspiration from biblical epics and blending them with the essence of classic “hood tales” and hang-out movies like “Do the Right Thing.”
While the film explores an audacious premise, Samuel stays true to the essence of storytelling and imagination. He explains, “It’s just truth,” envisioning a scenario in which he and I are siblings living in biblical times, riding chariots and exploring the streets of their neighborhood. With “The Book of Clarence,” Samuel aims to bring a fresh perspective to tales that have long excluded Black voices.
One of the highlights of the film is a nearly 10-minute track featuring D’Angelo and Jay-Z, set against a psychedelic scene in a hookah lounge. Samuel describes the collaboration as a divine coincidence, where he and D’Angelo connected on an organic level, sharing their interests and aspirations. The song, titled “I Want You Forever,” perfectly complements the film’s soulful and biblical themes, written and produced by Samuel himself.
“The Book of Clarence” also features an ensemble cast, including Omar Sy as Barrabas, David Oyelowo as John the Baptist, Micheal Ward as Judas, James McAvoy as Pontius Pilate, and Alfre Woodard as Mother Mary. Samuel navigates the fine line between comedy and respect for the historical characters, offering new insights into their stories. He showcases lesser-known aspects of biblical figures, like the twin brother of “Doubting Thomas,” which the Bible overlooks.
The film incorporates elements of classic hood tales, intertwining them with the story of Jesus. Through this approach, Samuel portrays Jesus Christ as an ordinary man from the hood, preaching his message while facing opposition from the Romans, who play the role of the police. By localizing the story in his own neighborhood, Samuel creates a relatable and authentic narrative, allowing viewers to comprehend the emotions of being colonized by Rome.
In true epic fashion, “The Book of Clarence” features grand spectacles, including an illegal chariot race. Samuel assembled a talented cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Teyana Taylor, and RJ Cyler, who performed their own stunts during the intense race scenes. The film was shot in Matera, where “The Passion of the Christ” was also filmed, adding to the authenticity and grandeur.
The support and solidarity of fellow directors, such as Deon Taylor, who plans to buy out theaters for “The Book of Clarence” alongside Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” and Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction,” hold great significance for Samuel. It reflects the strong bond between directors who have come up together, supporting each other’s artistic visions.
As for the future, Samuel drops hints about his next film, suggesting that the title may be hidden within “The Book of Clarence.” He mentions an Easter egg in his previous film, “The Harder They Fall,” where the phrase “Like they say in ‘The Book of Clarence,’ can’t no man out-speed me” foreshadows a significant aspect of the upcoming film.
With “The Book of Clarence,” Jeymes Samuel has crafted a distinctive biblical epic that challenges the norms of Hollywood while staying true to the essence of storytelling. Through his audacious vision, he brings to life a vibrant and diverse representation of historical figures, ensuring that their stories resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
