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Jeffrey Wright + Mos Def = Most Lopsided On Screen Talent of All Time

posted 15 years ago by lips_are_important
15 replies | jump to latest

The sight of Mos Def, one of the most unskilled "actors" working today (and certainly the most miscast in this film) next to the insurmountable Jeffrey Wright nearly ruined this otherwise decent film. At first glance, I was bemused by Mos Def; he did impersonate the comically mischievous side of Chuck Berry in a fairly light and humorous and semi-accurate way, but as soon as he opened his mouth to sing Maybellene and started duck walking, the illusion died an agonizing death. Jeffrey Wright, on the other hand, completely nailed Muddy - even the voice - and was a fearsome sight behind the mic and was completely believable as he aged. Eamonn Walker was perfectly cast as Howlin' Wolf, and Columbus Short knocked Little Walter out of the part. I thought every actor did a great job - except Mos Def.

[–] NOSaints26 15 years ago

I thought Mos Def did a decent job. I came on here to see who that was playing Chuck Berry.

[–] Jpeffer 15 years ago

Mos Def did a great job. And for you to call him an "unskilled" actor is ridiculous. He's not just a rapper turned actor if thats what you think. He was an actor first before he started rapping and he went to school for acting. He's also just plain talented in basically every role he does.

You'll have to speak up I'm wearing a towel.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cheryllchance 8 years ago

I thought he did a great job to.

[–] glenhull 15 years ago

While I will acknowledge that Jeffrey Wright is a fine actor, Mos Def is
definitely not without talent. He has an Emmy award nomination to prove
it. I could agree with an argument that he was micast as Chuck Berry. Mos
Def's approach to acting is understated, whereas, Berry is larger than life.

[–] TexasMovieBuff 15 years ago

Mos Def is one of the best rapper-turned-actors ever.

Blee dat.

Hook 'em Horns

[–] smrhyne-1 15 years ago

Even though he wasn't able to do Berry's duck walk, I thought he did a decent job. He pretty much captured the essence of Chuck's personality. I agree that Jeffrey Wright was brilliant. I've seen the movie several times and my appreciation of his performance grows with each viewing.

[–] amountpastdue 15 years ago

While I don't know the real essence of Chuck Berry, I do think Mos Def is a wonderful presence onscreen. I thought he, along with all the other actors, was great. Michael Wright is in a class by himself but I don't think they need to be compared, each brings his own talents.

[–] amountpastdue 15 years ago

[–] timarasa 14 years ago

I thought every actor did a great job - except Mos Def

yee-aahh right. i think you MEANT to say "I thought every actor did a great job - except BEYONCE"

what was the most enjoyable parts of mos def doing berry was when he had to deal with young upstarts like the beach the boys literally "whitewashing" his musical legacy. if you know mos' music (i.e. "Rock n Roll") and his stance on musicians like elvis presley and the rolling stones, those scenes have a whole other layer complexity that he brings in his subtle characterization and facial expressions. abosuletly priceless! b/c for those hip to his philosophy, it was like an inside joke in the best way possible between you and him, loved it!

[–] hodie 14 years ago

Apparently they used a stunt duck-walker for the closeups.

But I came here to see who played Berry. I thought Mos Def was great. So was Wright.
Ditto everyone else in the cast.

Honour thy parents. They were hip to the groove too once you know.

[–] BEoutbox 14 years ago

Completely off target, IMHO.
You want to see a production where Mos Def was laughable next to Jeffery Wright?
You should've seen "TopDog / UnderDog" when it was on Broadway. Mos Def's way more improved since then!

[–] Raven34 13 years ago

I don't share your sentiment. I love Mos Def and had no issue with him being in the movie at all. Everyone was damn good. Special praise definitely goes to Jeffrey Wright, one of the most consummate actors of ANY generation.

Raven
Heard Church Bells Ring