Characters of Color: Samuel L. Jackson

I was a square for so long and it totally amazes me that people think I am cool.

 

 

‘Samuel L. Jackson usually played bad guys and drug addicts before becoming an action hero’ is what a small part in the IMDb Mini Biography by Wladimir van Heemst says about him. That’s both pretty accurate and testament to actor’s range and skill. Samuel L can pretty much do anything; he has no type, no standard, no median. Sure characters like ‘Jules Winnfield’ and ‘The Octopus’ would fit his no nonsense, authoritative style; however taking that same style and applying to a CG stunt-loving snail and you think that wouldn’t mesh – but it totally does! Same applies to ‘Mace Windu’; Jedi are suppose to be peaceful, uniform, and unforgiving, but when Sam L plays one he’s the most militant Jedi ever – he even got a purple lightsaber (at his request) which at the time Blue, Red, and Green was the standard. Samuel L. Jackson varied roles combined with his direct attitude always make for an enjoyable experience – and the more unconventional the better. Even stinkers like Snakes on a Plane, when added with a little S.L.J., can create memes of epic proportions. He’s the king of cool people; just don’t confuse him with Laurence Fishburne, that never ends well.