If there’s one thing you can say about The Book of Clarence, it’s that it is unquestionably unique. The idea to create what is essentially your typical stoner comedy and set it in biblical Jerusalem is something I can definitively say I haven’t seen before. Yet, I can’t help but feel simultaneously entertained and disappointed by the final cut of the film.
The Book of Clarence follows the story of Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield). Clarence is what can only be described as a biblical weed dealer who doesn’t believe in God at all. He and his friend Elijah (RJ Cyler) are headed to nowhere in life. When they lose a racing bet, they’re told that they have 30 days to pay back their loan shark or else they’ll be crucified.
At the same time, Jesus Christ and his apostles are in Jerusalem. Clarence’s brother Thomas (also Lakeith Stanfield in a dual role), attempts to get Clarence to get a job and get his life together. But Clarence decides, instead, to fake being a messiah of God in order to recoup the money he and Elijah owe and save their skins.
Initially, I was much lower on The Book of Clarence than I thought I would be. The first 30 minutes are admittedly unbearable. I even had to turn off the film and take a break. It’s not particularly funny at all. Yes, hits all the stereotypical stoner comedy beats, but really didn’t do anything to grab my attention. But, once Clarence set out on his journey to become a messiah, the movie does something rather interesting.
Instead of just sticking on the comedy train, the film moves further and further into a drama. While some comedic beats are still present, the focus seems to shift. Clarence, as he slowly realizes that doing good deeds and helping the public is what he needs to truly save him, becomes much more interesting as a character. It culminates in what I can only describe as one of the most grueling, heart-wrenching moments I’ve seen in a movie this year in which Stanfield really proves his acting prowess in a way I had not seen before.
More time was surely needed to develop Clarence’s character turn. Aside from some pretty standard shots of him staring in the distance in contemplation, there’s not too much to show his dramatic shift in character. There was certainly plenty of time to make it, but these moments were instead opted for run-of-the-mill comedy bits. It’s as if writer/director/producer Jeymes Samuel wanted to play it safe and not dive wholly into the drama of the time period he set the film in.
But then, why even set the film in biblical Jerusalem in the first place?
If The Book of Clarence had just stuck to the dramatic, it would have been much better off. In fact, the unfocused tone really is the downfall here. From sweeping visuals to better-than-expected acting performances, there’s a lot to like about The Book of Clarence. It’s biggest knock, though, is that it really wasn’t funny, even when it tried to be. Even as the film moves it’s focus to the dramatic, there are still comedic bits that made me say “why?”.
Final Thoughts
The Book of Clarence is not a bad film by any means. Good acting and impressive visuals save it from that fate. But, at the same time, there’s a much better movie that lurks in the depths of this shallower comedy. If only they had the narrative gusto to dive into it.
