The Cringe Episodes in Black Panther: A Critical Analysis

While the overwhelming reception of Black Panther was largely positive, some viewers, including myself, felt a significant portion of the film was cringe-worthy. This article delves into specific scenes that left an unfavorable impression, primarily focusing on the character development of Killmonger and the overall narrative consistency.

Michael B. Jordan’s Horrible Acting

For me, the most cringe-worthy moment in the film was undoubtedly Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Killmonger. His acting felt out of place and artificial, which notably detracted from the overall viewing experience. The scene in which Killmonger’s character dies was particularly cringe-worthy, as it felt forced and inauthentic.

Flawed Antagonist Development

Initially, Killmonger was established as a smart, capable, and idealistic antagonist. However, the shift in his character development was jarring and thoroughly unconvincing. The transition from a motivated and driven villain to a cookie-cutter bad guy was poorly executed. This shift undermined the emotional impact of the narrative, particularly when compared to other iconic villains like the Joker from The Dark Knight.

For example, the scene where T’Challa is established as the king through a challenge with the gorilla clan leader was framed as a definitive validation of his rightful rule. Later, the appearance of Killmonger seemed to negate these earlier established norms, leaving a sense of inconsistency and ambiguity. This abrupt and illogical change in narrative undermines the trust the viewer places in the storyline and characters.

Missed Opportunities and Forced Humor

Perhaps the most cringe-worthy episode in Black Panther is a scene that undermines the dramatic intensity and cuts away to a comedic moment, specifically during the coronation. When Shuri raises her hand to seemingly challenge T’Challa for the throne, the scene abruptly shifts to a typical Marvel comedy. The line, “This corset is really uncomfortable,” feels out of place and diminishes the emotional weight of the moment. It also highlights a thematic critique about the perceived convenient racism and the flip-flopping of established narratives.

This moment is particularly cringeworthy because it undercuts the dramatic intensity of the previous sequence. It seems as though the filmmakers were striving for a meaningful moment but instead delivered something that sounded hollow and out of place. The forced comedic moment in this scene is a stark reminder of the inconsistent narrative and undermines the sincere intentions of the preceding dramatic build-up.

Additional Critiques

Other cringe-worthy elements in Black Panther include:

The Delivery of the Line: The line “This corset is really uncomfortable” is a prime example of the awkward and disjointed dialogue. The delivery sounds forced and out of context, which is jarring and detracts from the overall immersion in the film. Racism and Conveniences: The incident where they humorously acknowledge a character's discomfort in a historical slavery-related moment is in poor taste. It trivializes the painful history of slavery and detracts from the film’s potential to address serious issues. Overly Forced Romantic Scene: The kiss between characters is unnecessary and feels forced, adding an odd and uncomfortable element to the narrative. The awkwardness is palpable and continues to resonate long after the scene is over.

These cringe-worthy moments in Black Panther highlight areas where the film could have improved its storytelling and character development. While the movie excels in its cultural representation and innovative cinematography, these specific instances mar the overall experience.