Acting is an art form that allows an individual to pretend to be something they’re not and an actor is someone who withholds this awe-inspiring power. It’s as if they have the capability to step into another person’s shoes, live their life, and face little to no consequences when doing so. Twenty-eight years ago, Eddie Murphy released his ambitious and now beloved comedy, Coming to America. Coming to America follows Prince Akeem and Semmi’s journey to the unfamiliar place of Queens, New York from Zamunda, Africa in hopes to fulfill Prince Akeem’s desire to blissfully fall in love. Overall, Coming to America’s ensemble cast did an excellent job exemplifying America’s 1980’s exuberance, which boosted Murphy’s career and revolutionized a beginning
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However, the casting process isn’t always that simple. Reading the scripted lines accurately and convincingly is only half the part – the actor or actress has to look the part too. In addition to Murphy’s acting capabilities, his appearance definitely contributed to his believable interpretation of an African Prince. Prince Akeem was an African man and if Murphy happened to be an Asian-American man his appearance might confuse the audience since the two cultures have dissimilar physiques. Leslie Belzberg, the executive producer who worked with Murphy, stated Coming to America “met a lot of crossover [success] because it had a lot of African-American actors in it, which I think was unusual for the time…on so many levels, [it] was precedent establishing” (Garcia 1). Arguably, it was the idea of Murphy, an African-American man representing great wealth, dignity, and intelligence that demolished chauvinistic stereotypes presented within The United States …show more content…
From Akeem’s articulation of words, grand romantic gestures, confident stature, and infectiously bright smile, Murphy did an exceptional job. Throughout the duration of the film, his performance created a coherent and unified image of Prince Akeem’s amiable, enthusiastic, and poised persona. Often, Akeem’s physique would be open, thus, demonstrating power. For example, when Akeem first talks to Lisa his left arm is placed on his left hip while his right arm is placed high up grabbing the mop handle. This opens up his stature creating a warm, inviting, and confident essence to his persona in hopes of attracting his pursued mate. Furthermore, Akeem’s iconic smile is seen numerous times throughout the film symbolizing his enthusiasm in gaining independence and a Queen. During the beginning of the film, Akeem is shown in a more serious light, but after he and Semmi arrived in Queens, New York his bright and enticing smile illuminates. Murphy’s acting demonstrates flawlessly the internal battle his character was facing in finding a romance and becoming his own authentic self.
Overall, Eddie Murphy’s performance in Coming to America skyrocketed his popularity and for a good reason. Murphy’s comedic and acting skills were presented wonderfully in the different characters he portrayed. Prince Akeem, however, was the undeniable
However, the casting process isn’t always that simple. Reading the scripted lines accurately and convincingly is only half the part – the actor or actress has to look the part too. In addition to Murphy’s acting capabilities, his appearance definitely contributed to his believable interpretation of an African Prince. Prince Akeem was an African man and if Murphy happened to be an Asian-American man his appearance might confuse the audience since the two cultures have dissimilar physiques. Leslie Belzberg, the executive producer who worked with Murphy, stated Coming to America “met a lot of crossover [success] because it had a lot of African-American actors in it, which I think was unusual for the time…on so many levels, [it] was precedent establishing” (Garcia 1). Arguably, it was the idea of Murphy, an African-American man representing great wealth, dignity, and intelligence that demolished chauvinistic stereotypes presented within The United States …show more content…
From Akeem’s articulation of words, grand romantic gestures, confident stature, and infectiously bright smile, Murphy did an exceptional job. Throughout the duration of the film, his performance created a coherent and unified image of Prince Akeem’s amiable, enthusiastic, and poised persona. Often, Akeem’s physique would be open, thus, demonstrating power. For example, when Akeem first talks to Lisa his left arm is placed on his left hip while his right arm is placed high up grabbing the mop handle. This opens up his stature creating a warm, inviting, and confident essence to his persona in hopes of attracting his pursued mate. Furthermore, Akeem’s iconic smile is seen numerous times throughout the film symbolizing his enthusiasm in gaining independence and a Queen. During the beginning of the film, Akeem is shown in a more serious light, but after he and Semmi arrived in Queens, New York his bright and enticing smile illuminates. Murphy’s acting demonstrates flawlessly the internal battle his character was facing in finding a romance and becoming his own authentic self.
Overall, Eddie Murphy’s performance in Coming to America skyrocketed his popularity and for a good reason. Murphy’s comedic and acting skills were presented wonderfully in the different characters he portrayed. Prince Akeem, however, was the undeniable