Unlike Wilder’s comments on gender issues and identity, Brooks addresses the distinction between good and evil in his film. He presents the protagonist Bart, played by Cleavon Little, as a relatable person despite being an African American; he smokes, has sex, and sings. However, the white characters of the film are presented as comedic fools who have outrageous characteristics or behaviors: Mongo is a dull giant, Taggart and Lyle are the villainous buffoons, and Jim is famous for having the fastest hands in the world. Therefore, the audience does not have a connection to these characters as they do with Bart. The black characters suffer through the fools’ racism throughout the film, but Bart uses his position as town sheriff in order to
