Bolivion

#3 The Emperor Jones

I've seen this movie twice, which I think is the least I have seen any movie on this list. The first time I saw it was the summer of 2001. I was becoming familiar with the wonders of (free) digital cable in my apartment in LA. Black Starz (or, BET movies) was the panacea! New Jack City! A Huey P. Newton Story! And this one, The Emperor Jones starring Paul Robeson.

A little background on Paul. This, was a bad man, ya'll.

The Emperor Jones starts out with Brutus Jones (Robeson) leaving to be a porter on the train. Jeff (Frank Wilson) helps out on the job, but Jones stabs him after Jeff finds out he cheated in a crap game. Jones goes to prison, where he kills a white guard and escapes. He winds up on a prison ship shoveling coal, and being the nigga he is, he says, f' dat, and swims to an island. He is brought before their leader as a slave, but Smithers, a trader, buys his freedom. With Smithers, he plots to take over the island through what is believed to be witchraft. After succeeding, Brutus declares himself The Emperor Jones. But his rule is flawed, and those he got rid of look to take it back.

One day, the palace is empty but for Jones, Smithers, and the beat of war drums in the distance. Knowing that they are coming for him, Jones flees into the forest where he meets his demise.

I did not want to in effect tell the story on this one, because I would hope ya'll would see it if you have not already. Roberson did play this role as if he had been doing it for years, but it was not a mail-in performance by any stretch. The picture centered around him in a way that was more than likely unprecedented at the time for a major motion picture. There were others out making movies at this time, but not quite on this scale. However, if you can find a tape or DVD of this, I would definetly recommend you watch, if only to catch a glimpse of this true Reniassance Man in action.

Next: Head of State

Posted by maximillian at February 3, 2005 04:33 PM