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The 90s marked a milestone in Samuel L. Jackson's career, however, there is one production that did not receive the best treatment
This is perhaps one of Samuel L. Jackson's best films, but no one knows it
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Film lovers recognize Samuel L. Jackson as one of the most prolific actors in the film industry, perhaps best known for his role in Pulp Fiction, from which he began to love working with Tarantino and for playing Nick Fury, where he also made the worst Marvel series. But without a doubt, it is not due to the actor, because, no matter how big or small the project, Jackson shines thanks to his convincing character and level of dedication.
Although his presence on screen never goes unnoticed, sometimes his achievements as a dramatic protagonist are not celebrated. This is the case of the production directed by Kasi Lemmons in 1997, although Eve's Bayou explores and exposes Jackson's most complex formLouis's role has not been properly appreciated.
The 1990s marked a turning point for independent cinema. Gone were the days of action spectacles without a personal identity, giving way to productions whose stories were not only focused on certain demographic groups, but also went beyond the conventions of the industry. Lovers of the seventh art witnessed a wave of productions, including Eve's Bayou He failed to stand out as he should have done.
Why is Eve's Bayou so special?
First of all, this project was Kasi Lemmons' directorial debutwho until then had been known for his acting roles in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Candyman (1992). The lack of experience was not felt at all, on the contrary, the themes and visual characteristics of the production projected him as a confident author.
We also have the argument. In Eve's Bayou, The story presents an unprecedented family dramaOn the one hand, it exposes the trauma of Eve, the youngest daughter of Jackson and Roz, when she discovers that her father is committing adultery with a family friend. In this way, she seeks refuge in the comfort offered by her aunt Mozelle, a fortune teller specialized in voodoo.
In addition to the theme of infidelity, the plot exposes the implications of moving from childhood to adolescenceshowing the challenges of the transition of Cisely, the eldest daughter of the Batistes
Faced with the scope of a plot line with so many branches, Lemmons managed to integrate them as part of a whole, building an authentic network in which trauma, spirituality and infidelity mergewith a subtle touch of Creole mysticism.
One of Samuel L. Jackson's most complete and complex characters
During the 1990s, Jackson was experiencing one of the best moments of his career. Not only did he have the opportunity to participate in the projects of great filmmakers, including Pt Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, but he did not hesitate to take the risk and accept the challenge of starring in Lemmons' work despite it being his debut.
Unlike what could have happened, given his career, Jackson does not appear as a dominant star, on the contrary, uses his star power to elevate the quality of the cast made up of lesser-known actors. While Louis Batiste is a respected and charismatic character, the women are the real focus, discarding the image of the dominant patriarch.
This approach supports the reasons why Jackson is considered an extraordinary actor. Without complications, stands out in a character that demands to show two facesthat of the unbreakable and charismatic doctor and head of the family, and that of the man who moves between the pain of having caused a trauma in his daughter and the paranoia of being discovered by his wife, after committing a long list of adulteries. Undeniably, a rather dangerous cocktail full of secrets.
Ultimately, like few Southern dramas, Eve's Bayou immerses the viewer in a web of lies and intrigue. In addition to the obvious quality of the plot, which exposes themes that break the mold of conventional family dynamics, The construction of the role played by Jackson admits no criticismLouis is a complex character full of secrets, within a completely captivating drama.
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