If I Had Known I Was a Genius

"If I Had Known I Was a Genius" is a profound dramedy that explores the life and times of a uniquely gifted African American individual in our society, which often appears unprepared to accommodate exceptional talent. Directed by Dominique Wirtschafter and written by Markus Redmond, the 2007 movie invites viewers into the world of hidden genius and the struggle of brilliant minds to fit into ordinary circumstances.

The central character of the movie is Michael Reed, portrayed by Markus Redmond. On the surface, Reed might seem like just an average African American kid living in southern California with his family. But he is anything but that - Reed is a prodigy with an IQ which categorizes him as a genius. Unfortunately, Reed’s extraordinary intelligence goes unrecognized due to his socioeconomic circumstances and the disillusioned education system that is ill-equipped to nurture such profound talent.

In the role of Reed's mother, we see the stellar veteran Whoopi Goldberg, who brilliantly portrays conflicting emotions of a mother’s pride in her son and feelings of inadequacy driven by her inability to understand him fully. Mother to not just Reed but also Janet, played by the talented Debra Wilson, she desperately tries to keep her family grounded, all while managing her own insecurities and past regrets. Keith David plays the father figure, and violence-prone old-school, contributing another poignant element to this family drama.

Reed's life takes a turn when he is accidentally enrolled in a school program for gifted children. Suddenly, his world becomes a whirlwind of challenges and revelations as he grapples with his newfound identity, the burden of extraordinary intelligence, and the relentless pressure from society. His home, which once was his sanctuary, now feels disconnected from his rapidly changing universe.

While the film delves into the world of a young genius, it also casts a critical light on the society and system that hesitates to recognize such divergence from the norm. In school, the young Reed is subject to skepticism from his teachers, who find it hard to believe that a kid from Reed's background could possibly test into the genius range. The movie does a commendable job of laying bare the biases, socio-economic disparities, and systemic failures that prevent gifted individuals from reaching their full potential.

As the story unfolds, the movie sheds light on the journey of personal discovery for Reed. It chronicles his struggle to fit into a world not ready for him and his eventual journey to self-discovery and acceptance. The film explores the heartache behind the scenes of genius, the expectations such gifts bring upon an individual, and the freedom that comes with embracing one’s own uniqueness.

The movie is a bittersweet cocktail of drama and comedy, sprinkled with moments of insight, frustration, triumph, and humor. Its comedy comes in pockets, providing comic relief in an otherwise serious narrative, helping to intensify the film's emotional impact.

Performance-wise, Markus Redmond holds his own against stalwart performers such as Whoopi Goldberg and Keith David. He captures the vulnerability, angst, confusion, and strength of his character with depth and authenticity. Whoopi Goldberg, as always, brings a powerful presence to the screen as the mother, with moments of anger, joy and pride convincingly portrayed. Keith David's portrayal of the disconnected and violent father amplifies the drama in an already charged up family dynamic.

The storyline of "If I Had Known I Was a Genius" can feel heavyweight at times, given its exploration of serious societal and personal themes. However, the dialogue is crafted in a way that maintains a touch of lightness, and the plot moves at a pace that keeps the audience engaged.

In conclusion, "If I Had Known I Was a Genius" is more than just a story of a young genius. It’s a commentary on society, a mirror to our education system, and a look into the familial dynamics amid extraordinary circumstances. Combining comedy, drama, and societal criticism, the movie offers a powerful exploration of what it means to be a genius caught in the web of commonality.