LaKeith Stanfield has been captivating audiences with his versatile acting skills and powerful performances in various films. From his breakout roles in “Straight Outta Compton” and FX’s “Atlanta” to his impressive portrayals in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Get Out,” and “Sorry to Bother You,” Stanfield has proven himself as a rising star in Hollywood. One notable aspect of his acting is his ability to imbue his characters with a sense of meekness and vulnerability, allowing the audience to delve into their inner turmoil without even uttering a word. His mastery of subtle acting techniques draws viewers into the emotional journey of his characters, questioning their intentions, and contemplating their morality. Stanfield’s full range of talents is on full display in the Wild West banger, “The Harder They Fall,” where he takes on the role of the legendary outlaw, Cherokee Bill.
In “The Harder They Fall,” a Netflix cowboy western released in 2021, Stanfield joins an all-black cast of actors portraying legends of the Wild West. His character, Cherokee Bill, is renowned as the fastest and most accurate shot in the west, and he teams up with Trudy Smith (Regina King) and the infamous Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) to hold the town of Redwood hostage in exchange for a hefty ransom of $50,000. What sets Stanfield’s portrayal of Cherokee Bill apart is the fascinating duality of his character—he is both menacing and entirely reluctant at the same time.
Reluctance is a recurring quality in Stanfield’s roles, which he masterfully employs to create inner conflict and add layers of complexity to his characters. However, Cherokee Bill’s reluctance is distinct, born out of arrogance and apathy rather than the usual meekness and unease. Cherokee Bill exudes confidence in his unmatched abilities, fully aware of his prowess to outgun any opponent. Yet, he appears almost irritated by the violence, remarking, “Let it be known that I don’t particularly enjoy violence.” While he may not seek confrontation, he doesn’t shy away from it when necessary.
Stanfield’s portrayal of Cherokee Bill is captivating due to the underlying menace beneath his calm demeanor. His character’s internal dialogue contradicts his outward actions, making him unpredictably threatening. In a scene where Cherokee Bill and Trudy Smith storm a train to rescue Rufus, he confronts a rebellious passenger with a subtle smirk despite proclaiming to despise violence. These nuanced decisions bring a compelling complexity to his portrayal, making it both inconsistent and perfectly in line with the character’s nature.
Furthermore, Stanfield’s depiction of Cherokee Bill as a cool and collected outlaw who disregards rules enhances the character’s villainous charm. In one scene, during a duel, Cherokee Bill fires a shot into his opponent’s cheek before the countdown concludes, muttering sarcastically about the slow counting. This unique yet powerful demeanor adds depth to his portrayal, demonstrating Stanfield’s ability to make intelligent and specific acting choices.
As Stanfield prepares to lead the big-budget Disney blockbuster “Haunted Mansion,” his exceptional talent and brilliant creative choices have rightfully earned him rising star status in Hollywood. Audiences can anticipate nothing less than exceptional work from him, building on his outstanding performances like Cherokee Bill in “The Harder They Fall.” Stanfield’s intuitive approach to acting, particularly in this Western gem, showcases his uniqueness and unquestionable talent, garnering praise from both critics and viewers alike. With “Haunted Mansion” poised to introduce him to an even broader audience, we can only hope to see more of LaKeith Stanfield’s remarkable performances in the future.
