Release Date – 19th April 2024 , Cert – 15, Run-time – 2 hours 16 minutes, Director – Jeymes Samuel
As debts begin piling up Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) poses himself as the messiah in order to make money, however this comes with its own consequences.
When being interviewed about the controversy surrounding the then newly-released Life Of Brian on Friday Night, Saturday Morning John Cleese responded to Tim Rice’s question about ‘why Brian?’ simply stating “It’s one of the funny names, isn’t it? It’s like Trevor and Kevin, they’re just funny”. Now, joining the ranks of amusingly named not-messiahs is Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) – the low-achieving twin brother of disciple Thomas (also Stanfield). Before premiering at this year’s London Film Festival multiple comparisons were between The Book Of Clarence and Life Of Brian, yet in this case you can actually see those similarities coming through, with plenty of extra spark and originality. While Brian was desperate not to be the messiah, Clarence is trying his best to come across as just that, and in the process is a very naughty boy.
Owing a growing amount of money Clarence devises a scheme to pose himself as the messiah, with the help of friend Elijah (RJ Cyler), in order to rake in the cash. As things start to look up for the pair, and those they rope into their con, it could be so easy for Clarence to come across as a much louder comedic character, yet he’s consistently reined in by Stanfield and writer-director Jeymes Samuel – previously working together on Samuel’s debut The Harder They Fall, where Stanfield stood out amongst a great ensemble cast.
Once again Samuel brings together an almighty ensemble cast (including David Oyelowo – very funny as John The Baptist – Alfre Woodard, Omar Sy, James McAvoy, Micheal Ward and Benedict Cumberbatch), each putting in great performances and matching his directorial flair and energy. Continuing from his debut feature there’s a clear punchy style from the director, and his scores too which also help to bring more traditional genres – in this case the biblical epic – up to date. Mix in the laughs, and there are a great many to be found here, and there’s a consistently entertaining piece of work. Even when nearing and past the two-hour mark the laughs still manage to flow in. It’s humour which feels so much a part of the characters and world that it naturally springs up yet still comes with an unexpected hit each time.
It helps to keep things going within a narrative which, while enjoyable, occasionally feels like it goes from A to C to get X for Y to get to B, before somewhat skimming around in the third act as it knows it needs to wrap things up. Yet, there’s still plenty to like about the energy and humour that the occasional narrative bumps don’t come through too often. Allowing for the dramatic tones in the later stages to be well-handled and led into for even more effect. It’s here where even more of the originality comes through with the themes and ideas that Samuel has been playing with coming more to the fore. Even the comedy beforehand plays into the impact.
It’s rare that a comedy exceeds two-hours and largely works, but by focusing on the characters – even if the story occasionally seems somewhat winding – and the way they develop and interact over the course of the narrative The Book Of Clarence successfully hits. Infused with Jeymes Samuel’s energetic and modern-feeling style the humour helps influence the later drama with both comedic and eventually narrative effect. The starry cast put in good performances with an excellent lead from Stanfield who powers through with a subtle depiction of growing confidence, and regret and fear. It brings an extra layer to this interesting and up-to-date, not to mention hilarious, biblical take filled with drive and energy. It feels destined to be looked back on very fondly in years to come.
Flashy and original there’s a lot to like about The Book Of Clarence’s punchy style and energy, all while still feeling effectively held in thanks to Stanfield’s excellent performance, backed by a great supporting cast. Helping both the comedy and eventual dramatic beats.
Just A Little Bit Random 