‘Head of State,’ not what it seems

Evan Marmol

Chris Rock awes us with his scintillating witticisms and charm in his

latest film “Head of State.”

Wading through the argot, specifically the peculiar idioms that he

coins, is the only effort required to enjoy this uproariously

hilarious comedy. In our trying times this “Head of State” is a

refreshingly unique perspective into the perplexing and tiresome

world of politics. Chris Rock uses this government back drop to

expose the pandering and demagoguery that has left the common man

feeling alienated to the world of political discourse.

In a nutshell, Chris Rock is chosen to lose an election. The

purpose is to serve the machinations of a political group,

fortunately never named, to prove that they are the friend to the

minority. At first the plan appears to go off without a hitch, but

when Rock’s off the cuff remarks and dowdy, yet charismatic, persona

begin appeal to the common man, his character begins to steal the

stage.

The plot is as simple yet original. “Head of State” is based on

one notion: How would America respond to an African American

presidential candidate? The purpose is not to dispel stereotypes or

to serve as a proving ground for interracial relations. Instead, the

allure of this flick is its candid approach to commonly held beliefs

and how people can absurdly attach themselves to them. Superficially,

“Head of State” may appear to be another inane potboiler, but the

underlying message, and humor, makes it worth the visit to the

cinema.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior.