Credible and successful actors are usually determined by the number of blockbuster movies they’ve appeared in or the smash hits that indelibly burn their images into our individual and collective memories. But there are scores of credible actors who turn in performances that transport us to new emotional highs and lows where we are overcome by our sense of humanity and compelled to examine ourselves, our interactions and our own lives in ways we too often avoid doing. Those poignant portrayals often lead to the viewer conjuring up new images and creating new imagined or real-life scenarios to incorporate in enlightened self-perception and a renewed urgency for self-improvement.
Forest Whitaker comes across as such a man — both in person and on the screen. Wise and intuitively sensitive to the nuances of life, I was drawn into his vibe while sitting with him, chopping it up as brothers do with one major difference — it was all taking place in Hollywood. This über-talented actor who portrayed the brutal dictator Idi Amin — the role that won him an Oscar — accomplished what no one else could have — finding some
measure of integrity and sensitivity in the recesses of his character who was both villain, but in some ways a victim of his own hubris and maniacal ambition. Although ironic, meeting with him after receiving accolades for that disturbing portrayal and discussing his current project, the romantic comedy Our Family Wedding, was a welcomed relief and an excursion into the lighter side of Whitaker. In his latest role, Whitaker depicts the dilemma of African American men working to pick themselves up by their bootstraps. Whitaker’s performance is again brilliant and sprinkled with extended moments of jocularity and situational high jinks.
During the course of our interview, Whitaker candidly described his approach to the role and spoke matter-of-factly about the relationships depicted in the fi lm. He was warm and welcoming and spoke sincerely about his personal commitment to family and the African American culture. He talked about bringing to his work the many fascinating facets of what it means to be an African American man. He is after all, the epitome of a black man. He is at once complex, deep, sincere, loyal and intelligent. My sense is that the romantic comedy route was an outlet to let go a little and play — just play. What reminds us still that he is a consummate acting talent, is that he accomplished that lighthearted unfettered playfulness without ever crossing over into buffoonery, or worse yet coonery, both acting achievements are much to his credit.
He remains cognizant about the journey that all brothers must make and doesn’t indulge in behavior that may hinder the progress.
We engaged in a lengthy discourse about African American images and his special project with, and affection for Louis Armstrong. We explored why people admired him and why this is indeed “A Wonderful World.” Whitaker probably isn’t the first choice for many Hollywood types when looking for a leading man to cast in a role and carry a movie. Their first thoughts may lean in the direction of the Denzel Washington or even Jamie Foxx types, the latter of whom would have been an easy fit for a role in Our Family Wedding. But what resonates so well with this actor’s actor is that we identify with him. He can show us that person who shies from commitment because of a lost love or past relationship that has shaken his belief in love. He makes us look hard at that person who fi nds that perhaps he is suffering the aftermath of those experiences and resentment is the unhealthy by-product that results. That type of defective thinking lends itself to manufacturing permanent excuses that preclude us from participating in more permanent relationships in a meaningful way and presents an obstacle to become the quintessential family man.
So, if you’re wondering why an actor of Forest Whitaker’s caliber would take on such a light role, it’s because of the much heavier implications fl oating beneath the surface. But if you get the opportunity, explore his larger body of work from films like The Crying Game to Panic Room to the soon to be released Repo Men, and you’ll understand why Whitaker is a giant in the fi lm industry. There are very few within our community that can express themselves so honestly and fearlessly.
While watching the comedian George Lopez, I was reminded of the pitfalls of buffoonery and the revival of the Flavor Flav type of sidekick. Conversely, Whitaker’s characters remind us of our responsibility to commit, to love and preserve moral values and our social consciousness. As an actor, Whitaker has made all of those commitments to a supreme degree. We should understand that we too are actors and the world is our stage. We must write our lines and scenes in a manner that distinguishes us from others. Remember, even if you are getting a check, check yourself before you accept and cash it.
Peace.
Munson Steed, Publisher
