I can't seem to let go of Chris Rock. His presence has been a constant in my life ever since "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka." Back then, I was too young to fully grasp the concept of Blaxploitation and why its tropes had me in stitches. Rock served as my representative from "high school SNL," a misfit who brought an unapologetically Black flavor to the show with characters like Nat X. During the epic 90s, he became my ultimate standup comedian, with works like "Bigger & Blacker" and "Bring the Pain" that I can still recite from memory.

Rock's Acting Limitations and a Notable Exception

Despite my admiration for Rock, I'm not blind to his limitations as an actor. Apart from his work in "2 Days in New York" where he relaxed with director-costar Julie Delpy, his on-screen performances often seem stilted and uncomfortable. He is, essentially, his genuine self. However, there is one film where this painful awkwardness actually works in his favor.That film is "Head of State," a Tyler Perry joint where Rock takes on multiple credits including writer, producer, director, and star. In this movie, he plays Mays Gilliam, a small-time DC city politician who defies political norms and becomes America's first Black president. The film was released in 2003, long before Barack Obama was known outside of Illinois. It didn't perform well at the box office, but it has since gained respect for its prescient insights.Mays is a compassionate person who puts his constituents first, even at the expense of his own financial troubles and his obsessive fiancee, played brilliantly by Robin Givens. After a heroic act similar to Cory Booker's, Mays catches the attention of party operatives. They plan to use him to set up their 2008 campaign after their initial picks fail.

The Campaign Journey of Mays Gilliam

Initially, Mays is a willing pawn, taking on all the campaign advice blindly. But with the help of a love interest, Lisa (played by Tamala Jones), he starts to break free and run his own race. As he says, "If you work two jobs just to be broke... lemme hear you say, 'That ain't right.'" His words echo his standup persona.For a certain generation, this film is a time capsule filled with familiar elements. Nate Dogg performs the title song, and the hook along with Jay-Z and Beyoncé's "Bonnie & Clyde" plays repeatedly, making one wonder if Rock spent his entire music budget on just those two tracks. But at a Democratic fundraiser, Rock showcases a diverse setlist including Snoop Dogg's "Smoke Weed Everyday," NORE's "Nothin'," and Nelly's "Hot in Herre" - a sweet reminder of college years.

The Cast and Their Memorable Performances

The cast of "Head of State" is a who's who of Rock's fans and pals. Lynn Whitfield, who had just starred in "Eve's Bayou," plays Mays's campaign adviser and gives a strong performance. Keith David, with his rich baritone, appears in one scene as Mays's city politics mentor. The late Patrice O'Neal makes a memorable appearance at the gas pump, taking the mickey out of Mays. And the performance that truly stands out is that of the late Bernie Mac as Mays's older brother Mitch, a bail bondsman who becomes his vice-president. His entrance is more impactful than one can imagine.

The Allegorical Connection to Kamala Harris

After the election, I've returned to this film many times for a good laugh. But I now see it as a clearer allegory for Kamala Harris's defeat rather than Obama's victory. Like Harris, Mays was a sacrificial lamb, offered up to make a loss seem less severe. He was thrown into the campaign at the last minute and was touted as a history maker. It makes one think about how closely comedy and horror are intertwined.When you realize that "Head of State" was inspired by the 1984 Democratic presidential nominee, Walter Mondale, selecting Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, the connection to Harris becomes more evident. Mays wins in the end because he remains true to himself, and Rock deserves credit for getting this essential truth right. It's comforting to imagine a different outcome in the 2024 election with slightly better acting."Head of State" is available to stream in the US on Freevee, Tubi, Paramount+, and MGM+ and in the UK on Paramount+.