Another movie that makes good use of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s facial expressiveness is Ridley Scott’s 2007 film American Gangster. At times he’s used as the audience surrogate, playing Huey Lucas, brother of Frank Lucas, the titular figure played by Denzel Washington. Then when it’s called for, he’s the guy who begins to enjoy the benefits of the gangster lifestyle a bit too publicly, with Frank calling him out for wearing expensive clothes.
It’s not a terribly substantial role but one that’s just memorable enough for you to stop for a second and think the next time you see Ejiofor in a movie. This is a common trajectory for so-called character actors: playing relatively minor, supporting roles, maybe stealing the spotlight for a couple of moments or entire scenes, popping up in enough places that you begin to remember the face even if you never know the name. Certain actors, though, tend to be so memorable in parts that their presence in non-leading roles becomes so distracting that they can’t help but become stars. One example of this is Idris Elba, who also has a small part in American Gangster, and we’re beginning to see this with Ejiofor now.
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Published: Oct 17, 2013 02:46 pm