Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category

One of the biggest sales at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was “Black Dynamite,” an homage to the black exploitation movies of the ‘70’s. The movie was loud, hysterical and got the attention of Sony Pictures, which not only bought the film through their main distribution arm but also planned to turn “Black Dynamite” into a franchise for the company.

One of the first things director Jason Reitman does after introducing himself is take pictures of all the journalists sitting at our table waiting to interview him. It’s a strange but fun surprise as he later goes on to explain that he’s forming a collage back home and the pictures help keep track of who he’s met in the various cities he’s traveled to promote his new film “Up in the Air.”

Michael Stuhlbarg might not be a household name yet but that has no impact on the humble and friendly character actor. He’s fully aware and fine with the limited access he’s had so far with mainstream audiences in his film and television work. His biggest goal is to put great work before overexposure but his current project may thrust him into the mainstream arena whether he likes it or not. (more…)

The buzz around the new film “Precious” has been building since its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. Screened under its original title “Push” (but later changed to “Precious” to avoid confusion with the sci-fi clunker of the same name), the film went on to capture the hearts of festival goers and critics alike, amassing two of the festival’s top jury prizes.

To hear comedian Chris Rock explain it, the delicate nature of African-American women and their hair is something that isn’t shared lightly. There are trade secrets, strategies and chemical products that go into creating what can either be seen on the street as a work of art or a follicle disaster. His new documentary “Good Hair” aims to bust open the mystery behind weaves, perms and everything in between. (more…)

James Toback has had a reputation as a difficult interview subject long before I met him for the first time at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. At the time he was there to promote his latest theatrical release “Tyson” and the man was as gracious as can be, the complete opposite of the stories journalists had warned me about. After witnessing Toback’s honest and unflinching nature firsthand, I embraced it but understood why others might not. He is a straightforward individual who is not afraid to speak his mind and burn bridges if necessary. A man like James Toback is a rarity in Hollywood these days and sometimes that can scare people off. (more…)