As a devoted admirer and connoisseur of cinematic artistry, I must say that LaKeith Stanfield is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and versatile actors of our generation. His performances in “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Atlanta” are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing his remarkable ability to embody complex characters with such authenticity that it leaves audiences in awe.
Lakeith Stanfield first appeared on the big screen in “Short Term 12” in 2013, swiftly capturing Hollywood’s attention as a captivating new talent. In no time at all, he established himself as an unavoidable presence in films. Over the past decade, Stanfield has demonstrated his exceptional acting skills across numerous prestigious projects. Today, he boasts an Oscar nomination, and given his relentless work ethic and extraordinary talent, it wouldn’t be surprising if he adds an Oscar win to his resume by the end of this decade.
From gritty, auteur-driven indie dramas to big-budget ensembles, Stanfield has consistently made it clear that he can do it all. His versatility has made him a favorite for both critics and studio creatives. While speaking with GQ in 2013, he said that he’s been part of so many projects due to his interest in creating a legacy for himself. “Every single movie you’ve ever seen me in is one for them, one for me,” he said. “Let me put myself in a position to build up my own empire. So that one day maybe I might be like the next Disney.’
Beyond the silver screen, Stanfield is more than just a visible figure. He has made a powerful impact on television, showcasing his exceptional skills in select but impactful roles. As we continue to witness his career unfold, it’s worth revisiting some of his most remarkable projects so far.
Cherokee Bill in The Harder They Fall
One of the most underrated yet impressive films from this decade, “The Harder They Fall,” is a mesmerizing Western that offers top-notch action and exceptional acting performances. This movie boasts big names such as Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, and LaKeith Stanfield, among others, and marks the directorial debut of filmmaker Jeymes Samuel. The plot revolves around a gang of outlaws who join forces to take down Elba’s character, Rufus Buck, a newly freed criminal.
In the movie “The Harder They Fall,” Idris Elba plays Cherokee Bill, who is part of Rufus Black’s gang. Though Elba doesn’t have a lot of screen presence, this film shines as a distinctive addition to his acting resume. As an elevated genre piece, Elba devours the scenery and delights in the conventions of the Western genre, making it one of his strongest performances yet. Whenever he appears on screen, you can’t help but despise him. Given that Elba typically portrays positive characters, it’s captivating to see him switch roles and embody a cunning outlaw with an insatiable lust for vengeance. Notably, even with the film boasting numerous talented actors, it says a lot that Elba stands out despite having limited screen time.
Apollo in The Changeling
2023 found LaKeith Stanfield stepping into the realm of horror and fantasy with the television series “The Changeling.” This Apple TV+ production features Stanfield portraying Apollo, a man on a desperate quest to find his missing wife (Adina Porter), who vanished under baffling and sinister conditions. With its blend of suspense and terror, “The Changeling” stands out as one of the lesser-known yet compelling programs available on Apple TV+. Moreover, it presents one of Stanfield’s most captivating roles, providing him with a substantial, emotional part that places his character in a vulnerable and traumatized state. This is quite a departure from his usual portrayals, as he is often recognized for playing calm and composed characters.
Since the series is heavily centered around mystery, the narrative predominantly relies on Stanfield’s compelling, multifaceted portrayal. Throughout the show, we primarily follow Stanfield’s character’s viewpoint, making him the core essence of the project. In an interview with Collider, the creator of “Changeling,” Kelly Marcel, discussed how Stanfield’s emotionally charged performance was shaped by his personal life experiences. According to Marcel, “He infuses Apollo with a depth that originates from his own childhood, past traumas, and also his role as a father.” This underscores the fact that Stanfield is deeply connected to his character, allowing him to gradually reveal the complex layers of Apollo.
Demany in Uncut Gems
As the saying goes, there are no small roles, only small actors. This sentiment proves accurate when you consider LaKeith Stanfield’s turn as Demany in “Uncut Gems.” Arguably the greatest crime drama to manifest from the last decade, it took 10 years for the Adam Sandler pic to manifest. While critics and general audiences were amazed by the Sandman’s devious turn as a gambler, it’s Stanfield’s Demany who steals the show every time he’s on screen. A small-time sleazeball who peddles fake and/or stolen Rolexes, Darius is the connection who brings minor and A-list celebrities to Howard’s (Sandler) Diamond District showroom.
In the movie, Demany only appears for a brief period, but it’s evident that he’s having a blast portraying an irritating character who continually makes Howard’s life difficult. Stanfield masterfully adapts his character based on the celebrity he’s interacting with. He delivers an engaging performance, switching between being a useful ally to becoming Howard’s worst enemy throughout the film. Just like skilled actors, Stanfield doesn’t exaggerate his limited screen time and instead does just enough to make you both detest and occasionally appreciate him.
Andre Hayworth in Get Out
Even though LaKeith Stanfield is still relatively new to the acting world, he’s already made a significant impact by appearing in several groundbreaking and influential films from diverse genres across different generations. One such film is “Get Out,” often referred to as the iconic horror movie of the 2010s. Although his role in this film is relatively minor, like in “Uncut Gems,” Stanfield delivers a captivating performance that leaves audiences questioning why he wasn’t even nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor.
In a film directed by Jordan Peele, Daniel Kaluuya portrays Andre Hayworth, a Black man who is unexpectedly taken over by a white man named Logan King. The movie commences with an unsettling abduction scene featuring Kaluuya’s character. Despite its brevity, the tension and anxiety of Andre’s predicament are palpable. Later in the story, Chris Washington (Kaluuya) starts to suspect something is amiss when he observes Andre acting strangely. This crucial moment showcases Kaluuya skillfully playing both the possessed character and the possessor on screen. Eventually, Andre screams “Get Out!” with a chilling blend of suspense and fear. Although his screentime was limited, it’s hard to imagine the Academy Award-winning movie without Kaluuya’s powerful performance.
Cassius Cash Green in Sorry To Bother You
Following appearances in notable projects such as “Get Out” and “Atlanta,” LaKeith Stanfield landed the lead role in Boots Riley’s directed comedy “Sorry to Bother You.” This critically acclaimed indie film from the 2010s is a must-see. With its unconventional humor and captivating plotline, “Sorry to Bother You” ranks among Stanfield’s finest performances. In this movie, Stanfield portrays Cassius “Cash” Green, a man struggling financially who takes up work as a telemarketer after a spell of unemployment. To excel in his job, Cash adopts a “white voice,” which makes customers more receptive. However, things take an unexpected turn for Cash, leading him into increasingly awkward situations.
At its core, “Sorry to Bother You” is a darkly humorous movie packed with social insight, and it’s a testament to Lakeith Stanfield’s exceptional acting that the film feels authentic, despite its outlandish premise. Working in harmony with the unique material, Stanfield delivers a captivating performance that lends credibility to the story. Directed by Riley and featuring an inventive script, the role demands Stanfield to traverse various emotional landscapes, with Cash becoming a comical yet deeply troubled, conflicted, and complex character. Remarkably, Stanfield manages to convey all these nuances in a convincing and lifelike manner, making it one of his most impressive cinematic portrayals.
William O’Neal in Judas and the Black Messiah
After years of being stuck in various phases of development, a biopic on Black revolutionary Fred Hampton hit cinemas in 2021. Titled “Judas and the Black Messiah,” the film follows FBI informant William O’Neal’s (LaKeith Stanfield) betrayal of Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), one of the leading activists in the ’60s. A powerful, informative, and tightly-paced film, “Judas and the Black Messiah” became a darling at the Oscars, receiving six nominations. For his performance as the complicated O’Neal, Stanfield received his first Oscar nomination, losing out on the best supporting actor award to fellow co-star Kaluuya.
In a chat with W Magazine, Stanfield shared his initial surprise when he was given the role of a villain instead of Hampton in the movie, despite initially expecting to play the latter. He confessed his apprehension about portraying a character who betrayed others, expressing doubts about his ability to empathize with the character and present him authentically on screen. Throughout the filming process, this struggle continued for him.
Even though Stanfield initially found it difficult to connect with his character, he ultimately delivered a spectacular performance, making O’Neal shine despite his numerous imperfections. Immersed deeply in his role for the movie, Stanfield had to seek therapy because he felt the acting experience became overly realistic.
Darius in Atlanta
As a dedicated fan, I’ve found that LaKeith Stanfield truly shines in his portrayal of Darius on “Atlanta,” a groundbreaking series created by the talented Donald Glover. Debuting in 2016, this innovative show has stood out as one of the most intriguing and unconventional on TV, with its sharp wit, poignant social commentary, and thought-provoking themes. For me, “Atlanta” is a testament to the power of television when it’s allowed to breathe freely. One of the show’s most significant impacts has been introducing Stanfield to a broader audience. In my opinion, his role in “Atlanta” was pivotal in cementing him as a true breakout star.
In this series, Stanfield portrays Darius, a thoughtful and contemplative character who embarks on an adventure with Earn (Glover) and Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry). Similar to a character you might find in “Twin Peaks,” Darius is a pacifist who embraces his unique identity. He’s comfortable standing out, even if it means feeling odd or misunderstood. As complex as he is diverse, Darius offers Stanfield ample room to showcase his acting abilities.
Over four seasons, the character Darius undergoes numerous changes, requiring Stanfield to adopt various personas for each appearance. It appears that Glover managed to deceive only Stanfield with his Teddy Perkins makeup among the Atlanta cast, as Darius’ innocence seems to have rubbed off on him. Darius could have easily become a cliché, but thanks to Stanfield’s versatility and curiosity, he transforms into a complex gem instead of just a quirky sidekick. In the future, viewers may remember Darius as one of the most original characters on TV, all due to Stanfield’s performance.
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2024-10-09 21:00