Wow! Didn't realize it had been a month since my last post. Apologies, but I've been finalizing a couple projects I'll reveal more about later. Stay tuned.
Okay, someone sent me a link to a fascinating and I must say, riveting excerpt from an interview with the amazing Viola Davis and Denzel Washington about their roles in the revival of August Wilson's play, "Fences". The clip makes you want to see more of the interview and I went to the source -- The New York Times. Here's the clip -- http://nyti.ms/aIikO4
Now, if you want to see a portion of the interview that didn't make the official NYT video archive, check this YouTube clip --
We all know how talented Washington is -- his two Oscars and tenure in the business prove how universally regarded he has become. Davis, on the other hand, is just now creeping into the creative collective in Hollywood. The woman's been around for awhile, and it was only during the last couple years -- with her lauded role in "Doubt" that she began to receive the critical and Hollywood attention her talent demands.
Can I just say how refreshing it is to see two people of this caliber talk about their work? How they began, the challenges they've faced -- the crap they've had to endure just like the rest of us whom are building (hopefully) careers that endure and actually mean something...?
Denzel will work. He's in the pantheon of revered, and in-demand actors in the entertainment business. He's held this position for 25 years, and he just keeps getting better, stronger. Viola... she will work, but the opportunities for film work won't be as bountiful nor as delineated or well-defined. Why? Because she's female, and because she's African American. Simple fact is, Hollywood isn't writing for black women. This woman is the chocolate version of Meryl Streep in terms of talent, and Streep is enjoying one of the most profitable and prolific runs of her career. And good for her!
To be honest, Hollywood doesn't do well when it comes to embracing stories written for women, by women or directed by women. It's astounding, considering women purchase 85% of household goods, are 50% of the population, 51% of the workforce... need I say more?
There's money to be made and the Hollywood establishment is squandering its best resources. Take note, take heed and enjoy the clips.
