Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Something Is Killing Tate


Black men are complex. And there are so many reasons why. Some of the reasons are just below his surface, many are imbedded in him and others are external.

In the film Something Is Killing Tate, a powerful film from emerging director Leon Lozano, we find Tate struggling with his future mainly because of the ills afflicted upon him in his childhood. Thus on the eve of his birthday and just weeks away from his wedding day, Tate unsuccessfully tries to escape it all. Afterwards Tate is visited at his home, along with his goldfish, by a series of friends, relatives and his future wife. Each visit and person peels away a layer forcing Tate to confront the real demons and one true demon in his life.

Tate is played by Jocko Sims. Sims is a brilliant actor with old school Hollywood leading man good looks and presence. He is a mix of Denzel and Snipes with the depth of Day Lewis and charm of Portier. It is so frustrating to know Jeff Bridges won an Oscar for his portrayal of a damaged man when Sims is the real deal. Sims is fascinating. This character has never been so masterfully executed without stereotype and melodramatics. From start to finish you want to know what exactly is killing Tate and more importantly, how can I help Tate? Tate seems like a nice person and in the end you get to this truth.

Something Is Killing Tate is what filmmaking is all about, making the elements compliment each other and bring out the best even under the worst of circumstances.
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