Among the most underrated filmmakers of her generation isKasi Lemmons. She debuted in the 1990s with a critical darling calledEve’s Bayou(1997), butbefore her first directorial stint, she put in great work as an actress. Her first film role was inSchool Daze(1988), written and directed by Spike Lee. Fans may also recognize her as Ardelia Mapp inThe Silence of the Lambs(1991), or as Bernadette “Bernie” Walsh inCandyman(1992).
And while those are three famous films in which Lemmons proves her acting prowess, there’s no denying that her true home on a film set can be found behind the camera. As a filmmaker, Lemmons has written the scripts for three films under her belt, and she’s built relationships with several talented actors: Tamara Tunie, Clarke Peters, and Samuel L. Jackson, for example. There’s also Vondie Curtis-Hall, her husband, who’s appeared in four of her films in total.
Although some audiences aren’t likely to recognize her name, there’s a great chance they’ve seen a movie by Kasi Lemmons. Either way — and although she’s only made six films thus far — she deserves far more credit for the high-quality stints she’s provided throughout her time in Hollywood. These are all the movies she’s directed, ranked.
6Black Nativity (2013)
Black Nativity
Takinginspiration from the Langston Hughes playof the same name,Black Nativity(2013) follows Jacob Latimore’s protagonist, a teenager in Baltimore. When his single mother is kicked out of their apartment, Langston is sent to live with his grandparents in New York City. But upon learning that his grandfather administers strict rules around the household, Langston sets off to return home to his mother.
Vintage Kasi Lemmons
Though not the most acclaimed film you’ll read about today, fans of earlier Kasi Lemmons works will likely find resonance inBlack Nativity’s amiable tone. It’s an intriguing premise, retelling the story of Christ’s birth in modern-day Harlem. And even if pundits had a point in criticizing its predictable plot, there’s a palpable passion within Lemmons' script that shines in its character dynamics.
Her films often tackle tough subjects, from family woes to racism, and thus Lemmons creates a consistent voice that speaks to audiences around the world. But she’s also known for her characters, having both created and adapted some all-time great personalities for the silver screen. The family dynamic inBlack Nativityprovides audiences with vintage Lemmons themes, and it renders these characters all the more memorable.
5The Caveman’s Valentine (2001)
Based on George Dawes Green’s 1994 novel of the same name,The Caveman’s Valentine(2001) received a bit too much hate upon release. It stars Samuel L. Jackson asa once brilliant pianistand promising composer named Romulus. Now homeless, he resides in a New York cave. When the body of a young man materializes outside his so-called abode, he sets out to solve the crime. A compelling plot then plays out, with intriguing mysteries and well-timed twists.
An Unforgettable Character
A tangible atmosphere is created in the opening scene by dint of engrossing visuals —The Caveman’s Valentinemarked Kasi’s second-straight collaboration not just with Sam Jackson, but also with cinematographer Amy Vincent. But without a doubt, the lead actor steals the show: Jackson’s frantic performance of a crazy character drew praise from industry pundits. As a whole, famous critic Roger Ebert awarded the film three stars out of four. And justifiably so.
Though not the highest-quality film she’s ever made,The Caveman’s Valentinecan easily be deemed underrated considering the consensus of Ebert’s contemporaries. Despite what Rotten Tomatoes (it holds a 45% approval rating) or box office receipts (it bombed, to put it lightly) may imply, this Lemmons film will keep audiences invested via its unique protagonist alone. And from the wackiness of Jackson’s performance to the beauty of Vincent’s camerawork, everyone involved helped Lemmons create an overall memorable movie.
4Whitney Huston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Another underrated stint by Lemmons — and the first of a few biopics —Whitney Huston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody(2022) perfectly captures the essence of an iconic American figure. One ofthe best-selling musiciansto ever live, Whitney Huston honed her vocal cords from childhood, and signed a deal with Arista Records at the young age of nineteen. She then made historical waves in the industry under the guidance of Clive Davis, the president of her new label.
An Inspirational Performance
Naomi Ackie plays Huston, while Stanley Tucci appears as Davis. The two were born for their parts, sharing a brilliant chemistry while delivering their dialogue to perfection. Critics widely agreed, with Ackie even receiving a Rising Star nomination at the BAFTAs. She and Kasi admirably celebrate the voice and life of Houston, with the help of Anthony McCarten’s script.
A few years prior, McCarten penned the screenplay forBohemian Rhapsody(2018). It was immensely more successful at the worldwide box office, and holds far greater name value even today. And while that musical biopic about Queen of course deserved the praise it received, this Whitney Huston chronicle is just as good.I Wanna Dance With Somebodyshares insight into inspirational talent, and lead actress Naomi Ackie proves an inspiration herself.
3Harriet (2019)
The perfect pacing ofHarriet(2019) is the result of a strict adherence to story structure.Lemmons co-wrote the scriptalongside Gregory Allen Howard, and she recruited two talented thespians to portray the famous figures at the plot’s center. Cynthia Erivo plays the titular character, while Leslie Odom Jr. appears as William Still. They both perform brilliantly under Lemmons' direction.
Harriet Tubman’s Famous Fight for Freedom
It’s a well-known tale: before the Civil War, abolitionist Harriet Tubman secured her own freedom, liberated scores of slaves via the Underground Railroad, and thus solidified a spot in history books. She’s portrayed perfectly by Erivo, who was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars. And with good reason. This is also among the more impressive efforts of Odom Jr.’s career, who shines as the Underground Railroad conductor William Still.
And while their performances may have defined the film’s quality, Lemmons deserves just as much credit for bringingHarrietto the silver screen. It’s a relevant, inspirational tale. Along withI Wanna Dance With Somebodyand a film that will follow soon on the list, Lemmons should be considered among the finest directors of biographical pictures to ever live. And although a bit formulaic at times,Harrietmoves to Terence Blanchard’s sprawling score at a steady and reliable pace. Without a doubt, this is one of Kasi’s best.
2Talk to Me (2007)
Talk to Me
Among the mostunderrated biographical filmsever made isTalk to Me(2007), written by Michael Genet and Rick Famuyiwa. It stars Don Cheadle as Petey Greene, a radio talk show host who was known around America for his electric personality and idiosyncratic intonations.
And frankly, Cheadle portrays him to a tee. In the 1960s, ex-convict Petey Greene became a sensational activist for his Washington, D.C. community. His forthright demeanor is portrayed perfectly by Cheadle, who received widespread praise for his passionate performance.
Related:10 Underrated Don Cheadle Movies
A Critical Success, but a Box Office Bomb
This is among the finest efforts of Cheadle’s career, let alone the most overlooked — the same can be said for Chiwetel Ejiofor as Petey’s manager, and Taraji P. Henson as Petey’s love interest. Everyone exchanges electric dialogue under Kasi’s direction, with Genet and Famuyiwa putting great care into the script re: subtext and character dynamics.
But despite the acclaim each name accrued,Talk to Mecame up unfortunatelyshort at the worldwide box office. It made just $5 million against a $15 million budget — a true injustice in hindsight. Though not the most popular of films, it’s an important tale about a prominent American figure, and critics had it right in the end. Lemmons gave Greene’s story a long-lasting life.
1Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Receiving widespread praise from both audiences and critics,Eve’s Bayouis one of a few Lemmons films that could have justified a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards. Even Best Original Script, in this case.
Alas, she’s one of the best filmmakers who’s always come up short, withEve’s Bayoubeing hard-hitting proof. It’s a fascinating addition to 1990s cinema as a talented cast brings Kasi’s intelligent script to life. What’s more, this marksthe director’s feature film debut.
Related:Samuel L. Jackson’s 10 Most Iconic Characters From the 1990s
The Genius of Kasi Lemmons
Sure,Eve’s Bayouis commonly cited by critics as a masterclass in acting — Samuel L. Jackson provides an all-time great performance, along with Jurnee Smollett and Meagan Good. But really, the star of the film is Kasi Lemmons, who crafted a compelling plot with intriguing character dynamics and palpable development.
The film focuses on a family called the Batistes, who experience a fallout when Eve (played by Smollett) catches her father (Jackson’s character) having an affair. What plays out next is done with pure poignancy until the film’s final frame. Showing a keen sense of direction in her very first film, Kasi Lemmons made history withEve’s Bayou— since release, it’s been preserved by the Library of Congress with a spot in the National Film Registry. It’s easy to see why.
