We’ve all seen the patented, cliched “Magical Negro” in many films, like “The Green Mile”, “The family Man” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance” just the name a few. The selfless and understanding black character who helps out the white lead character to become a better person; if only all black people were like that, what a wonderful world this would be.
I’ve always wondered why any black actor or actress would take that role. I suspect it’s because they think it makes black people look humane, and sensitive to white audiences, instead of scary or thuggish. Personally I guess I prefer the thuggish, but then that’s me.
Then again, it could just be another paid gig. It’s work and a paycheck at the end of the day.
Now it’s Djimon Hounsou’s turn (again) to play the mystical Magical Negro in the upcoming Paramount film, “Same Kind of Different as Me”. But in a twist, he’s dangerous and psychotic as well, as you can tell in the trailer below. The best of both worlds I guess.
According to the official synopsis, an international art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) befriends a dangerous homeless man (Djimon Hounsou) in order to save his struggling marriage to his wife (Renée Zellweger), a woman whose dreams will lead all three of them on the most remarkable journey of their lives.
Bet you can’t wait to see this one.
Check out the trailer below: