Sprinter (2019) ***½ /5: It is quite predictable but this is a good film based on an authentic Jamaican story.

Sprinter is one of the better films   on a Jamaican subject to be released in the last couple of years. I had zero expectations for this film but it was a genuine crowd pleaser because it tapped into the authentic elements of contemporary Jamaican culture. It is also quite predictable, and this has been pointed out by other critics, but this is an assured production. Writer and director, Storm Saulter, has clearly improved his craft since Better Mus’ Come (2010) but also shows what can be achieved in Jamaican cinema with the proper financing. Unlike other Jamaican film productions it is clear that Sprinter has benefitted greatly from sponsorship and external support with Will and Jada Pinkett Smith serving as executive producers, David Alan Grier playing the head coach and Lorraine Toussaint as Akeem’s mother, Donna.  I am not so sure about whether or not the producers are Jamaicans or have Jamaican roots but all are welcome.  

This film is generic tale, hence the title, about rising sprinting star Akeem ‘Rasta Rocket’ Sharp (Dale Elliott) as he grapples with various emotional issues, particularly with his mother Donna (Lorraine Toussaint), while trying to fulfill his potential.

Positives

This is an assured production, well financed by Jamaican standards, and showcases the potential of Jamaican cinema or the possibilities that come with portraying authentic Jamaican stories. I was impressed in parts by the acting and the expansive  scope of the storytelling. This is not to say that Jamaican audiences are not exposed to foreign or don’t travel frequently but, in recent times, rarely do you see a film based in Jamaica introducing foreign locations this convincingly in a dramatic production. Many Jamaican films are isolated and rarely connect with the outside world in such an authentic way. The external connection is important to the Jamaican experience. The idea of the Jamaican diaspora in the US is convincingly portrayed-a struggling mother seeking better for her family in the US yet trying her best to remain emotionally involved with her children- is very much a relatable topic to contemporary Jamaican audiences.  The film does embrace this diasporic connection and gives us a good interpretation through Akeem and his various struggles. Akeem’s brother, Germaine (Kadeem Wilson), also engages in transnational activity, albeit illegally, through scamming which has gained Jamaica negative publicity in the US. He too had promise as a track athlete and is world wise or world weary as he tries his best to look out for his brother and tries to expose him to various possibilities on the business side.

There is also the tension between the amateur values and the professional mindset of running just to make money. Akeem’s amateur values are reinforced by his coach, his father and, probably, his future wife, Kerry (Shantol Jackson). The amateur values keep him grounded but the allure of easy money, flashy lifestyle and the hot girls/gyals is a serious temptation. This is normally a tension seen in the sporting world. Do you run merely for glory or do you run for yourself? Being a part of a groundswell can also be rewarding but it can also leave you destitute or bellied up. Running for glory can give you notoriety but you do have to balance it with some measure of self-preservation. As a sports enthusiast and researcher I can appreciate Akeem’s dilemma and Saulter has done well in exposing these issues.

The use of Jamaican acting talent was also a positive step. Jamaica clearly has some leading acting talents, more prominent on TV shows or stage productions, which are channeled effectively here. This is more evident in the supporting cast and the attempt to go for a more authentic Jamaican sound. Although some of the US actors are clearly off in their authenticity, the Jamaican cast and extras effectively captured the Jamaican experience which made the film very relatable.  Some parts are maybe too relatable (Ward theatre as a police station?)

Usain Bolt has a great cameo in this film. You become more appreciative of his legendary status.

Negatives

The primary negative of this film is its predictability. In most instances you know where this film is headed and this is informed by a very generic title. I thought something like ‘Rasta Rocket’ would have been more distinctive. The film does not take the hard road to be truly transcendent in the world of filmmaking. Those elements which would heighten the dramatic stakes are not necessarily present. There is just not much loss along the way. How could it end otherwise! Other examples of its predictability are the impact of Usain Bolt, elements taken from Boyz ‘N the Hood and elements taken from other sports films.  This is a conservative production and going forward Jamaican filmmakers will have to be more daring in order to tell transcendent stories which will impact globally. Have to be more unique in the telling of the story although having Jamaican audiences identify with the broader canvas can be counted as success. Sponsors need not necessarily be as upfront as FLOW was here. The sponsors do have some bearing on the conservative approach taken but if more sources of financing can be identified then we will get more to the root of the authentic Jamaican experience. The predictability of the film suggests that there is a lot of superficiality here and not enough of a grounded experience. Once we don’t have to portray Jamaica with such fanfare then we will get closer to the truth. For the time being you have to accept that to promote Jamaican films abroad you have to focus on what makes us marketable( Reggae, Bolt etc).

The authenticity was lacking in some scenes and some camera shots in the Jamaican setting were not as effective especially in the open spaces like crowded downtown Kingston or the airport. Jamaica outside of the school setting or the track was not effectively portrayed. Why was the camera hanging so low in some instances? The American based actors were not as effective in portraying authentic Jamaicans although they made a good attempt (Cool Runnings has returned). In some instances the acting, generally, was not as effective especially in some of the dramatic situations and it could be argued that the effect was lost because the scenarios were so predictable.  I would actually have preferred a story primarily about Akeem’s brother, Germaine, which would certainly have been less generic. Imagine a story of Germaine, the Rasta Rocket , who entered the scamming life once his athletic career went belly up. His story was such an effective contrast to Akeem’s story and this means that it would be the more effective dramatic tale.

In the end this film had a lot going for it but going forward more authentic stories about the Jamaican experience will truly make the Jamaican film industry sustainable (The festivals which showcase Jamaican shorts are a start). It is an assured production and does give a sense of the possibilities for the Jamaican film industry to thrive in the 21^st century and to appeal to a global audience.