Delroy Lindo said that Sinners is much more than another horror film.
Appearing on The Awardist podcast, the Oscar-nominated actor shared his perspective on what the film is all about
”I do not [see it as a horror movie]. And I always quote unquote push back. I try to bring — if they don’t know, and most people do know — to their attention, think about the various narrative strains that are present in this film,” Lindo explained.
“The vampire aspect is only one of them, albeit a very fundamental and necessary component. But I felt that the vampires represented outside forces infiltrating a community, and we see what happens as a result of that infiltration.”
Lindo said that when he first read Coogler’s script more than two years ago, it left him “exploring what it means when a community is violated.” The theme left a major impression on Lindo.
“I feel very strongly that we are going through that now. Right now, as we speak. And the tragedy of that — God, obviously, none of us could have anticipated where we are right now in this country, as an example,” Lindo said. “But I recognized, or I thought I recognized, a very contemporary component in this story from the very first time that I read it.”
To prepare for his iconic performance, Lindo said that he listened to musicians from the Delta, such as Son House, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Ike Turner.
“It’s this mix of data, of stimuli that I’m exposing myself to. And then filtering it through whatever my own process is to come closer to who my Delta Slim will be,” he says.
Sinners made history with the most nominations by a movie. With 16 nods, the film surpassed the previous record holders La La Land, Titanic, and All About Eve. Nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, and Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, Original Song, Cinematography, and Score.