Chalky

Amidst all the triviality and madness, I just want to say that the death of Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, and what led up to it,  was the most beautiful piece of acting I’ve seen all year. Michael Kenneth Williams, who plays (played) Chalky, acted the man’s final hour with such restraint, depth of feeling, and intelligence that you felt lifted out of your seat. His facial expression as he closed his eyes and faced the firing squad, hearing the voice of his beloved singing in his head, was so subtle and yet so powerful, seeming to contain all the goodness and evil of the world. He made being shot in a back alley in Harlem into a moment of supreme human transcendence. Chalky, I will miss you.