The following review was made possible by attending a Press and Industry screening of The Book of Clarence at London Film Festival 2023.
For his latest picture, Jeymes Samuel introduces audiences to Clarence (LaKeith Steinfeld), a down-on-his-luck denizen of Jerusalem in the year 29 A.D., who embarks on a misguided quest to capitalise on the rise, celebrity and influence of a Messiah named Jesus. For Clarence, God doesn’t exist, but Jesus and, most notably, his 12 apostles do. With the help of his friends Elijah (RJ Cyler) and Dirty Zeke (Caleb McLaughlin), as well as the formerly enslaved gladiator Barabbas (Omar Sy), Clarence takes to the streets to swindle his way to fortune as a New Messiah.
Dear Lord… This is Great!
Samuel wastes no time in getting the film kicked off by beginning with an insane chariot race featuring our titular character through the streets of Jerusalem. No better way to start a film, made even better with Samuel’s score, which stands grand and triumphant throughout the film’s three-act structure. I think it is one of my most favourite scores of the year, and I will be devastated if it doesn’t get any nominations come awards season.
It is crazy to think that Samuel has only directed two features, especially when you take into consideration how much thought and execution has gone into producing The Book of Clarence. Whilst unfamiliar with his directorial debut, The Harder They Fall, I am now eager to embark on a journey with that film, given how great this was.
The film features a mesmerising aesthetic to it, both down to Samuel’s vision for the film, but also thanks to cinematographer Rob Hardy (Ex Machina, Annihilation). From resembling biblical imagery to giving volume to some of the film’s settings, Hardy does some terrific work behind the camera, and having the background of Matera, Italy makes for some stunning shots. Interestingly, the setting of Matera is even older than Jerusalem, adding to the overall experience even more with its dated, old roads and architecture.
An Entertaining Biblical Epic
With a runtime of 136 minutes, never once do you feel like any of the film is dragging – with some perfect pacing throughout. As well as a good mix of comedy, Samuel takes time to ensure the film is faithful to the original stories, but this time around tells the story with an acknowledgement of the reality of the story of Jesus. In the production notes for the film, writer/director Samuel mentioned, “It’s a film that doesn’t denigrate faith. It’s a film that pays both homage and respect to the truth of Jesus.”
Whether or not audiences are familiar with the story of Jesus or not, they shouldn’t be put away by the film for its religous nature or background. Samuel’s storytelling brings distinct events from the tale of the Messiah and gives them a cinematic edge, and will either directly reference events as they played out or completely recreate them with Clarence injected into those stories – something I really appreciated. It works really well, and puts a nice spin on the tales.
Whilst the protagonist, Clarence, is sometimes portrayed as a sinner, both in the eyes of God but also through the eyes of people he wrongs for the first act of the film. Despite the obvious negatives to his character, the journey which he embarks on restores not only his own faith in himself, but the world around him – making for a really interesting arc. He wrongfully parodies the miracles worked by Jesus, but does so in a way that still helps him build character, which was incredibly satisfying to see unfold on screen. This is a wrong-acting person but with smart morals – the perfect protagonist at times.
I do feel for the lady sitting next to me in the screening, especially during a scene which depicted the concept of crucifixion – having to cover her eyes because of how unbearable it was.
Holy Ensemble!
There is not one boring performance in this film whatsoever, every member of this cast was given a task and delivered an exceptional result. Personal favourites include Stanfield, of course, and additionally, Omar Sy’s gladiator Barabbas is hilarious, yet terrifying throughout the film. I last saw Sy in Netflix’s The Takeover, a sequel to the French film On The Other Side of the Tracks, in which Sy plays a tough, bad-boy police offer. Some of the characteristics of Ousmane (Sy’s character in the French film series) are carried over to his characterisation for Barabbas, however, this time around he is much more overtly comedic.
Alfre Woodard appears as Mother Mary, also known as the Virgin Mary, who was famously visited by the angel Gabriel giving the news she would bear the son of God. Her involvement in the film perfectly demonstrates the film’s balance of it’s clashing drama and comedy themes, and it works so well as Clarence fails to understand how she is a virgin.
As Clarence, LaKeith Stanfield is an absolute powerhouse in front of the camera – but it’s incredibly silly to say that, given the actor’s track record to date. From Sorry To Bother You, to Judas and the Black Messiah, even to his recent role in the under-appreciated Haunted Mansion. Stanfield isn’t afraid to take over a scene with his screen presence and has some excellent performances in this film alone, especially towards the end of the film, and whilst Clarence confronts his beliefs and the idea of God and a Messiah. Just terrific work from him as always.
Benedict Cumberbatch, who isn’t present until the final act is absolutely scene-stealing from the get-go. I won’t say much about the details of his role, but this performance is up there alongside Brendan Fraser in Killers of the Flower Moon for the “Shortest Yet Funniest” appearance in a film this year…
‘The Book of Clarence’ – Final Thoughts
The Book of Clarence is an incredibly entertaining biblical epic held together by it’s superb combo of story, ensemble and score. This faith-filled film will keep your eyes glued to the screen for its full duration. Whilst Benedict Cumberbatch is scene-stealing, LaKeith Stanfield and Omar Sy provide enthralling performances. Jeymes Samuel is a true visionary, and what a treat for him to write, direct and compose this fantastic film.
The Book of Clarence is set to release in UK cinemas on January 14, 2024. Check out a trailer below:
