It was in April 2019. Millions of us experienced the single greatest cinema moment of the year while watching THAT pivotal scene in Avengers: Endgame. There were many moments we can all cling to there, but there was ONE that set us all off into jubilant euphoria. One word: "YIBAMBE!" The first figures we saw emerge from the shadows of that battle scene were led by none other than Black Panther, embodied beautifully by the late, great Chadwick Boseman. He had us all yelling that battle cry, which catapulted us into a cheer fest that is second to none in the cinematic experience of 2019. By gracing the silver screen, gliding in a pristine black and purple-ish suit as King T'Challa/Black Panther, Boseman was catapulted into superstardom and also turned him into one of the most influential figures in the world, given what he represented for Black people all around the world. And he held that mantle with such admirable grace and, quite frankly, aspirational coolness.
But before he donned the crown of glorious Wakanda, Boseman also distinguished himself in roles that were impactful in the sports world; a world that this writer is known to make a living in. In back to back years (specifically 2013 and 2014), Boseman played a sports figure in 42 and Draft Day, respectively. Such was his talents, that he delivered opposite performances; these characters simply could NOT be any more different.
We all know Jackie Robinson. Broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 and had to take the horrible abuse from people; not just fans, but opponents and even teammates. The movie itself showed plenty, but not near enough. Boseman played Robinson perfectly. We all know of Jackie as this mythical figure who did something amazing. Part of what the movie showed us was how Robinson had a temper, wanted to fight back and had a strong-willed character. Ultimately, he held on. I'm not sure many would. Boseman did not really look like him, but that doesn't matter. The essence of his performance was enough.
Now, in Draft Day, Boseman's Vontae Mack could not be any more different. Cocky, full of himself, slightly arrogant, and kind of reckless. He really pulled off a young NFL prospect. Of course, that character also had a lot of heart, was savvy, and knew what he was doing. Not to mention that Boseman built a physique good enough to pass as an actual NFL linebacker. He was a chameleon; a character actor. That's why, if you don't know who he is, you couldn't tell it was him playing those roles.
It's unfortunate that it's in his passing when we express Boseman's talent and impact, even though we all appreciated it in life. As we bid adieu to Mr. Boseman, we shall all miss his talent and charisma, as well as his king-like influence on the Black community. His illuminating grin will shine on all of us in his past cinematic works. This was how beloved he was as an actor and performer: everyone, from fellow actors, film crews, critics, and movie lovers (like us at For Films' Sake) took the task to put together words about him. That, along with his body of work is quite a lot to achieve. However, it is sad to know how much more he could have done as a performer and for the world.
Rest easy, Mr. Boseman.
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