Portrayal of specific theme or message
The juxtaposition of N’Jadaka’s modernised life and traditional African heritage
Still 1
Context
Erik Stevens, known as N’Jadaka or Killmonger, has spent his life dedicated to exacting revenge for
his father’s murder and claiming justice for the exploited and disadvantaged black community
globally by using Wakanda’s resources. Through this process we see the revival of his African
heritage in himself. The scene is set in the Museum of Great Britain, where Killmonger is seen
perusing a display of traditional African artifacts, where he states to the museum curator he is
speaking to, “How do you think your ancestors got these? You think they paid a fair price? Or did
they take it, like they took everything else?”
This immediately shows us the resentment and anger he has towards the injustices he has faced his
whole life, the system that enabled it, and his motivation to use Wakanda’s resources to right these
wrongs within the world.
The scene continues with himself and Ulysses Klaue exacting a heist on the museum of a weapon
which originated from Wakanda. Killmonger is distracted by The Dogon Mask in the scene above,
and after taking a liking to it, proceeds to steal it as well.
Analysis
This shot portrays a close up between Killmonger and the Dogon Mask, with them being in sharp
focus and the background in soft focus. This draws the viewers’ attention to the way Killmonger is
directly staring into the eyes of the African mask, as if it were a person he was seeking answers from.