'Carmen Jones' (1954)
Sidney Poitier was the main person responsible for the figure of the leading black actor being truly accepted in North American culture, but Belafonte was also important in that work of representation with his own leading works. Curiously, both co-starred later in 'Buck and the Phony', directed by the former, both of whom were already consolidated.
Harry fully showed his skills in a project that suited him musically. 'Carmen Jones' is based on the successful Broadway play, a story of jealousy and obsession that Otto Preminger knows how to translate into film acting. Their acclaimed protagonists contribute to them, both the aforementioned Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge who was later nominated for an Oscar.
'Bitelchus' ('Beettlejuice', 1992)
This is the first and only recommendation where Bellafonte does not physically appear, but his presence is notorious and important to finish off Tim Burton's crazy and comic dark fantasy. Here he does it through music, the other fundamental facet of his that earned him the nickname of the "King of Calypso" and that is honored in one of the film's key sequences.
The song that brought him fame was 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)', a traditional-influenced Caribbean music anthem that plantation workers sang while on the job. This song is used by Burton in the famous dinner scene where the characters are tormented and possessed by a strange force that makes them dance uncontrollably. A fun sequence that is rounded off by the rhythms and the voice of Bellefonte.
'Infiltrator in the KKKlan' ('BlacKkKlansman', 2018)
His appearances in cinema were reduced over time, at the same time that his political role was increasing. He was cleverly rescued by Spike Lee, a student of the history of black culture in the United States as well as committed to the racial cause, which allows him to shine in one of the most poignant moments of his funny thriller 'Infiltrator in the KKKlansman'.
His most accessible film takes a few moments of pause and reflection, Belafonte's appearance being one of those to remind us of the importance of claiming and fighting for rights. A memorable moment in a film that he knows how to combine Lee's usual concerns with an entertaining and enjoyable cinema that acts as the perfect Trojan horse.
