King Richard (2021)
Nominated producer(s): Tim White, Trevor White, Will Smith
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Starring: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal
Studio: Warner Bros.
Other Oscar noms/wins:
best actor (Will Smith, winner), supporting actress (Aunjanue Ellis), original screenplay (Zach Baylin), film editing (Pamela Martin) original song (“Be Alive” by Beyoncé and Dixson)
Will Smith’s transformation into Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, is certainly worthy of the Gold statuette he won for his portrayal.
What adds to the film’s delight, in its look at the early days of training the eventual athletes, is how director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s courage in showing Richard as a flawed man.
Human behavior is not always a simple matter of black-and-white, and questionable actions may have been based on the best intentions.
With a fierce acting ensemble including supporting actress nominee Aunjanue Ellis, newcomer Saniyya Sidney, and Jon Bernthal, “King Richard” makes you feel alive, as Beyoncé says.
