True Identity

True Identity, a comedic film directed by Charles Lane, released in the year 1991, serves as a comedic tour de force for British comedian Lenny Henry as he dives into the outrageous world of mistaken identity, cross-cultural interaction, and unexpected disguises.

The film revolves around the life of an aspiring British actor named Miles Pope, brilliantly played by Lenny Henry, who is struggling to make a breakthrough in his acting career in New York. Desperate to land a decisive role that will pave a path to stardom, he is left disgruntled and disheartened by the sheer disregard for his talent by the show business industry. Henry delivers an engaging performance in his U.S movie debut, showing an enthralling energy which he beautifully infuses into the character of Miles Pope.

Miles' life turns into extraordinaire chaos when his plane back to New York from a failed Hollywood audition plummets into an emergency crash landing. Here, Miles meets a seemingly affable old-fashioned gentleman, Leland Carver, played by Frank Langella. However, Leland Carver isn't just another plane passenger crossing paths with our protagonist. Instead, he is revealed to be a feared, long-absent Mafia boss. This chance encounter puts Miles's life in peril as he becomes an unwitting hapless entanglement in the dangerous mobster world.

Miles, petrified by the threat to his life, seeks assistance from a makeup artist friend Duane, who uses his makeup tools like magic wand and transforms Miles into a Caucasian. The absurdly hilarious proposition of a black man impersonating a white man brings hilarity and absurdity that resonates through the rest of the film.

Through his newfound "white" identity, Miles's harrowing escape journey from the breathtaking East Coast to the glitzy Hollywood unfolds with fascinating twists and turns. His adventures involving close calls with the mob, eccentric encounter with a celebrity impersonator, and crossing paths with law enforcement, all while maintaining his white alter ego, are showcased with an intriguing blend of comedy and suspense.

Frank Langella delivers a fascinating performance as the ruthless Mafia Boss, bringing depth to his character through his crafted mannerism. Simultaneously subtle and dangerous, Langella adds a fresh dimension to the traditional mafia boss trope. His quest to eliminate Miles before he could reveal his True Identity furthers the filmy chaos.

The director, Charles Lane, shows his talent in successfully recreating scenarios that amplify the hilarity involved in cross-ethnic impersonation without diluting the underlying threat and suspense from the mafia's pursuit. His signature style is reflected vividly as he juggles blatantly comic moments with intense scenes, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film.

The film further explores themes of racial stereotyping and identity. Henry's character's transformation into a white man's persona satirically exposes the painful truth of racial discrimination in the industry and society at large. The film executes this critique in an engaging and humorous way without being preachy.

Moreover, True Identity's makeup and costume departments deserve a special mention for flawlessly creating the transformation of Miles into a Caucasian, helping to capture the essence of the movie in the most vivid and believable way possible. The film's cinematography uses effective framing techniques that enhance the overall storytelling.

In terms of soundtrack, True Identity gives us some peppy tracks that enliven the spirit of the movie. The score's lively, riveting, and energetic tunes, coupled with the film's amusing narrative and scenes, further enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, True Identity is a comprehensive mix of comedy, suspense, clever writing, and a nuanced performance from Lenny Henry and Frank Langella. The audience is guaranteed a hearty laugh while getting an impactful take on racial prejudice. All these factors make True Identity an engaging watch with a heart.