After its popularity in April, Sinners had a special rerelease in theaters for Halloween. Here’s everything you missed on your first (or second) watch that will blow your mind. Do yourself a favor and give it another watch after reading this.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Michael B Jordan consulted real-life twins
Playing identical twins and acting against yourself is no easy task. Luckily, with help from director Ryan Coogler, he was able to consult real-life twins. With these consultants, Coogler adjusted the script and blocking to create a more natural twin relationship on screen. An example shared by the real-life twins is that they choose to sit next to each other because people feel uneasy when they see them separated.
Coogler incorporated this into the film! Look for it in the scene where they meet at the sawmill to purchase it.
This was Miles Caton’s first acting gig
Little Sammie, our main character, is a talented blues guitarist and the preacher’s son. He escapes this strict environment for just a night with his cousins, and this is what happens. Definitely some tough luck.
But for Miles Caton, he didn’t need luck; he had skill. Though he is only 20 years old, he has been making music all of his life. His mother is a gospel singer, and before graduating high school, he was touring with the musical artist H.E.R., playing the guitar.
Everyone who worked with him on set was blown away by his innate acting skills. We see a bright future for him!
That iconic music sequence wasn’t in the original script
Yes, really! But thankfully, it was added just a few days before the first table read. The power of the montage portrays musicians from all different times in history. It’s sensory overload, from the deafening music, to the different visual aspects.
Another crazy fact about this scene? It was filmed in one day in one single, uninterrupted shot. Good thing no one sneezed!
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Smoke and Stack’s suit colors have a hidden meaning
Identical twin brothers, both portrayed by Michael B Jordan, are only distinguished by one thing. Stack wears red, and Smoke wears blue.
We know that Smoke and Stack have been stealing to get the supplies for their new Mississippi juke joint. The red, common of Italian mobsters in the 30’s. The blue, like Irish gangs. These are subtle nods to the wine and beer that the twins stole from the respective cultures.
In addition, it indicates the way that Smoke acts as a protector throughout the film, and Stack, a more devilish figure.
Speaking of character transformations, check out Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein.
The vampires being Irish was deliberate
There is actually a striking amount of crossover between African American and Irish culture, especially involving music.
Did you know that tap dance was adapted from traditional Irish dancing? When the Irish immigrated to New York City, the two cultures lived in close proximity with one another. African Americans took the rhythm, syncopated the steps, and loosened up the arms to create what we know as modern tap dance.
It’s no mistake that Remmick is Irish. Though we do not know his age, we know he is old. Perhaps from this time of Irish immigration, maybe earlier. Coogler’s point is that he is not racist; he’s a vampire. He is odd and off-putting, but he is just as confused about the segregation in the juke joint.
Did you enjoy diving deep into this movie? Here is an article about Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein that you may like.
On the surface, Sinners is awesome, but look deeper, and it is even more meaningful. I hope that these fun facts will enhance your viewing experience. They sure enhanced mine! Sinners is now streaming on HBO Max.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
