By: Kam Williams
In 2006, Terrence Howard received an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in John Singleton’s “Hustle & Flow,” and the song which he performed in the film became the first rap song ever to receive an Academy Award. That same year, he was also a member of the all-star cast (along with Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton and Matt Dillon) of Crash, the Oscar-winning Best Picture. Terrence began his showbiz career on “The Cosby Show” after being discovered on a New York City street by a casting director. That chance encounter helped him break into feature films, and soon he was cast in “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Here, he talks about his latest film, Dead Man Down, where he plays crime boss Alphonse Hoyt opposite Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and F. Murray Abraham.
KW: What interested you in Dead Man Down?
TH: Being able to work with Niels [director Niels Arden Oplev], given the work he’s done. Some of those Swedish films [such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo] were breathtaking. And he has an interesting style that mixes traditions of old with the allure of mystery. And I’m impressed with his Shakespearean approach to storytelling. It’s always about these relationships which become unwound. I was also interested in working with Colin [Farrell] again. We made Hart’s War together back in 2002, and I’ve always appreciated his artistry. So, I jumped at the chance to continue our friendship.
KW: Marcia Evans says: I’ve loved your work in The Best Man, Pride, Red Tails and Crash, but your performance in Lackawanna Blues blew me away. It’s my favorite film. Have you considered spearheading a project similar to Lackawanna Blues?
TH: I’ve never heard that before. I’m really appreciative that Marcia said that, because I feel that the work I did in that movie was purely a product of the efforts of [director] George Wolfe. I fought him tooth-and-nail every step of the way on the set. Everything I wanted to do, he said, “No, you can’t! This is not going to be Terrence Howard Impersonation Day. You’re going to have to act today.” [Laughs] So, no I haven’t considered doing a similar project, because I prefer impersonating myself. But I would be willing to go down that path again under George Wolfe’s tutelage. He created that charter just like Niels created this one, Alphonse. You’ve got to give credit to the artist. I’m just a color in these directors’ films, and I really appreciate having had the opportunity.
KW: Professor/director/author Hisani Dubose asks: What type of character do you enjoy playing the most?
TH: I like the conflicted soul, the complicated human being. I’ve never been a perfect man. There’s always been a choice between right and wrong, and no one does a single thing for a single motive. There are many motives behind what we do, and when you dig deeper and try to find the base tone in the harmonic and in-harmonic, you create a palpable, three-dimensional individual. I like to search for balance in an unbalanced system.
KW: The Harriet Pakula-Teweles question: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in with an eye toward a particular role.
TH: Carmen Jones. I would love to play Harry Belafonte’s role in that.
KW: Harriet also observes that you work in film, TV and theater. She’s wondering how different is your preparation for each and which is your favorite performance medium?
TH: My favorite medium is the theater, but the theater has its limitations. The stage is really for well-established actors who have their money together or who don’t have a family to support. It’s more of an artist’s retreat. But I love the control you have as an actor in the theater as compared to the screen. Once you’re on film, the director and the editor, have the final say about your character, and often at the discretion of the producer and the studio. Television is a little more improvisational, but the stage is the only place where you can tell your story without worrying about editing.
KW: Film Student Jamaal Green says: I am a huge fan of your work. He asks: What is your favorite film and was there an actor you admired growing up who inspired you to pursue acting?
TH: That’s a great question, Jamaal. My favorite film would probably be Cool Hand Luke. Paul Newman’s performance was a revelation. It gave me an understanding because I had seen him in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Elizabeth Taylor. His portrayal of Luke seemed like what he had intended Brick to be in Cat had finally come to fruition. So, I loved the simple majesty with which he told his story in Luke. Another performance that impressed me was the work that Val Kilmer did in Tombstone. That was one of the most brilliant, modern-day performances I’ve ever seen. I am yet to see anybody trump that. I also love Sam Rockwell’s work. It’s explosive! It’s a gas!
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
TH: [Chuckles] It’s a little different. I have a pretty remarkable memory. My earliest memory is from about three months prior to being born. I was searching for my own arm in the womb. I thought it was a friend, and didn’t yet realize that it belonged to me. [LOL]
KW: Thanks for another intriguing interview, Terrence, and best of luck with Dead Man Down. I loved the film!
TH: Thanks a lot, Kam.