Review of Emperor Jones (1933) by Ben W — 09 Jun 2010

Eugene oniells play takes a while to get going. there is a lot of set up involved, but its the payoff that you dont really see coming. to clarify, on a plot level, we know that jones must fall, but its the way in which does so that is so spectacular.

a great deal of that has to do with the writing. but its robesons work that provides for the iconic status of this film. the final 20 minutes of this film will shake your world to its foundation. there are very few screen performances of this caliber.

it does not become apparent until the emperor jones is isolated in the forest, alone with himself and his failings. that type of narrative knowhow is what made oniell a great playwright.