Chiwetel Ejiofor

I didn’t know this English-born, Nigerian actor until I saw Dirty Pretty Things (2002). He turned my head with his credible portrayal of illegal Nigerian immigrant, Okwe, a fugitive doctor in his Native Nigeria. While Okwe is struggling to remain an undetected illegal, he uncovers disturbing, criminal aspects of London’s underworld. I loved Ejiofor in this movie.  He says so much with his expressive eyes. In the role, he was terrified, nervous, angered, surprised, determined, and collected – all with his eyes. His is a performance worth seeing. Guarantee it.   
    
Before Dirty Pretty Things, Chiwetel was cast in Amistad (1997) as James Covey, the interpreter for the seditious slaves of the Amistad. In 2004, he also had a small role as Security guard Frank Willis in She Hate Me. That same year, he played Ellis Moonsong in Melinda and Melinda. Though I didn’t much care for the film, I liked him in the small role. His credits also include an appearance alongside Denzel Washington in the film, Inside Man (2006). In that pic, Ejiofor played Detective Bill Mitchell. Ejiofor also played Luke, in the film Children of Men (2006).
    
He played drag queen Lola in Kinky Boots (2005). He was brilliant in this film. Interestingly, in real life, there is not one ounce of femininity to his aura. It was quite fascinating to see what he turned into when the makeup was applied. He looked like a woman; even without his wig.  He acted like one. I can’t explain it but I didn’t really see him as a man in drag. I saw him as a woman. Of course, in costume he looks like an old tired queen, not a cute one or one who could even remotely pass for a woman. His shoulders are too broad, muscle definition too obvious and he’s just too big to pull it off. Despite this, he still conveyed femininity when he was in drag. 
    
It was not only that he was good in the physical portrayal of Lola, but he was accomplished in all aspects of his performance. He was able to convey elements central to Lola’s inner turmoil and deep-seated emotional pain. In capturing Lola’s essence, Ejiofor was charged with presenting a person who longs for acceptance and love and who cherishes the limelight. He does this so quietly; so skillfully. I loooooooooved him in this role. It’s the subtleties he conveys so well that make Ejiofor’s performance gripping. Funny thing. In Dirty Pretty Things, I couldn’t help but notice his hands. They seemed to have the delicate quality of a woman’s hands.
    
I want to see more of him… because I like watching him. I hope Hollywood recognizes his talent and rewards him with strong leading roles. Ejiofor is a very talented actor; one who I will happily pay to see.

Comments

[Kimi]

I don't know if this next statement will say more about me or the industry, but altho I recognized Chiwetel Ejiofor's face, I didn't know his name until reading this blog.

I remember him from Amistad & Inside Man. Thanks for posting this, I will check out these other flicks, Dirty Pretty Things in particular!

Some wonder why we need our own awards shows geared towards our accomplishments? We have so much unrecognized talent out there & even we aren't giving all of them the props they deserve.

[Daryl Stovall]

Hey! You forgot to mention his great performance in Serenity as The Operative.

[theblackactor.com]

And Kimi, that's why this blog exists. There are a few black actors that get the praise, but not enough do.

And Daryl, thank you. I'll be sure to watch that film.

[Abideen]

Ejiofor is mosdef a massive talent.

I can't believe that Don Cheadle has not been featured on your web site.

I am sure you will get to him.

[theblackactor.com]

Gimme a minute :). Don Cheadle is one of our leading actors. You are right. I will definitely be talking about him in future posts. :)

[Sidney L. Garth]

Being a product of the 50s, I've had the opportunity to experience some of the best and brightest talents to come from the balck ranks. Then things seemed to turn formulaic. Singers, rappers and every and anyone else started 'acting'. Then along came Chiwetel Ejiofor. I felt like a teenager again. Experiencing that talent who really 'brings it', who takes you 'there', who is as fine, sexy, intelligent and possessed of a dignity that says I am worthy of the time and money you'll invest in watching me. This man is Denzel, Sidney, Samuel L., Wesley, Don C., Paul Winfield, and on and on, all rolled into one incredibly gifted package. His season will come. Sid in Chicago

[theblackactor.com]

@ Sidney

I agree, Sidney!