Drama
United States of America
Mister Johnson, directed by Bruce Beresford, is a poignant drama set in the final years of British colonial rule in Nigeria. The film explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and the consequences of colonialism.
The main character, Mister Johnson (played by Maynard Eziashi), is a charismatic and ambitious young man who dreams of being wealthy and respected. He works as a clerk for a British magistrate, Harry Rudbeck (Pierce Brosnan), and sees this job as his ticket to a better life. However, his constant scheming and tendency to bend the rules lead him into trouble.
The film depicts Mister Johnson's complex relationship with both the British and his fellow Nigerians. On one hand, he is eager to please his white bosses and emulate their culture. He speaks English fluently, wears a suit and tie, and listens to classical music. On the other hand, he is deeply proud of his Yoruba heritage and feels that he is not fully accepted by the colonial elite. He is constantly trying to find a balance between his two identities, but ultimately he falls victim to his own ambition.
Mister Johnson's downfall comes when he tries to defraud his employer by stealing money from the treasury. His plan backfires, and he is arrested and tried for his crimes. In the final moments of the film, he reflects on his life and realizes that his desire for wealth and status had blinded him to the true value of his culture and community.
The film is beautifully shot and features a strong supporting cast of Nigerian actors. It is based on a novel by Joyce Cary, who was criticized for his portrayal of colonial subjects as naive and childlike. However, Beresford's film presents a more nuanced and empathetic view of the characters and their struggles. Mister Johnson is a tragic figure, but his story illuminates the complex dynamics of colonialism and the legacy it left behind.
