BlacKkKlansman’s Oscar-Winner Kevin Wilmott Talks Two Selves at the University of Denver

Oscar-holding BlacKkKlansman screenwriter, Kevin Wilmott, visited the University of Denver for a showing of the film produced by Jordan Peele, followed by a Q&A session to share his knowledge regarding race-based writing. Delving into double consciousness and issues still felt today, the writer discussed the significance of perspective in the film industry and what it was like to work on the project.

The story follows Colorado Springs detectives Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) and Phillip ‘Flip’ Zimmerman (Adam Driver) as they come together under one name to act as an enthusiastic recruit of the Ku Klux Klan. With a series of phone calls between Stallworth and Grand Wizard David Duke while Flip attended in-person meetings, the pair gained trust and membership to the “organization.”

Integral to the film’s 1970’s setting and true story base was Civil Rights leader and short-term Black Panther activist, Kwame Ture, and his speech on unity within the black community. “If I’m not for myself who will be, if not now when, and if not me who” are a few of the words he spoke, referencing Jewish Hillel’s ‘Me, Myself and I: Ethics of the Fathers.’

Opening the film with this victimization at the Colorado College Black Student Alliance meeting, Willmott and cowriter and director Spike Lee set the tone for the film, forcing the audience to peer into another’s perspective. The meeting, which rallied solidarity in the time of great segregation and division, emphasized Stallworth’s uncomfortable presence amongst the other passionate attendees.

Wilmott and Lee intentionally introduced W.E.B Du Bois’ idea of twoness through Stallworth representing his “black and blue” while Flip reconnected with his Jewish heritage after looking anti-Semitism in the face. Wilmott quoted Du Bois’ definition, “two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body…” giving reason to their writing choices when creating the characters.

As Wilmott said, “it is a fundamental part of being American,” and “it’s when you don’t quite know who you are that you are taken advantage of.”

Wilmott reflected on the dismal American truths of racism still running through the veins of fellow citizens. “We don’t make it palatable… we don’t do anything to make it easier to watch” he said, describing the film’s ruthlessness in exhibiting Ku Klux Klan members.

Almost humorous at times because of the absurdity based on today’s standards, the film shows true American history – something that is often overlooked. BlacKkKlansman did not hold back hate, horrible or disgusting actions taken by KKK members in the 1970’s.

To find the black point of view is rare in Hollywood, and “when you don’t achieve that point of view, you water down the history,” said Wilmott.

Intertwining history and the art of film, Wilmott is carefully informing the public through stories that are seldom shared. Alongside Lee and producer Jordan Peele, he is hopeful for the film industry and has made it a mission to tell the uncomfortable truths – what people often shy away from.