DEATH AT A FUNERAL
An Interview with Regina Hall

By Wilson Morales

April 14, 2010

Coming out this week is ‘Death at a Funeral,’ a remake of the 2007 British film of the same name. The cast includes Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Martin Lawrence, Loretta Devine, Ron Glass, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, James Marsden, Zoe Saldana, Columbus Short, and Kevin Hart.

The comedy is about a funeral ceremony that leads to the digging up of shocking family secrets, as well as misplaced cadavers and indecent exposure.

Having starred in many comedies such as ‘Scary Movie’ films and ‘First Sunday,’ Regina Hall plays the wife to Chris Rock’s character and has to help him deal with the funeral plans when family members come around and start acting strange.

In speaking to Blackfilm.com, Hall talks about working with so many comedians and bringing her talents to the mix.

What do you think works with this film?

RH: The thing that works about this movie is that every family regardless of race or culture knows some sort of dysfunction. When you don’t see family members very often and they come together for a funeral, you get all these personalities merging. Everyone has an Uncle Russell. Everyone has sibling relationships, mother-in-laws and if you don’t have it yourself, then you know someone who does. I think there are so many characters and scenarios that are familiar to people and they can find humor in that familiarity.

How were you able to keep a straight face when working opposite so many comedians in this film? Regina Hall: I just used to not think about them so much because then you get intimidated or overwhelmed because they are funny and you don’t want them saying things about you as well. I was the more grounded of the characters, and more sensible of the rest of them.

Did you adlib any of your scenes?

RH: The great thing about Neil (Labute) is that he gives you the opportunity to adlib a line, but the script was written well. Michelle is who she is. She is literally trying to be the loving wife to Chris while she’s trying to get what she needs to get done. She’s also trying to be calm amidst the storm that’s going on in the funeral, so that it’s not complete chaos.

You’ve done your own share of comedic films. Do you have the same funny bones as Chris, Martin, and Tracy?

RH: People say that, but when you have the gift and the art like Martin and Tracy and go on stage and make thousands of people laugh; and your brain processes so quickly when you walk around and see scenarios and find humor in it, I don’t claim to be that. People think I’m funny but that muscle that they exercise from traveling and doing stand-up, and doing that for years from they were teenagers is what I respect.

There’s a moment in the film when Cameo’s song, ‘It’s like Candy,’ is heard in the background and for most folks who know your film background, your first film was ‘The Best Man,’ where your character was named Candy and this song played in the film. How nostalgic was the music for you? RH: I know. I saw that. I felt like an old maid. I used to be Candy. I wondered if they knew that. It made me realized that I had been working for ten years and I feel really blessed to still be working. I always thought that I would be happy with a Saturday morning show, but I didn’t get it. For people who remember my work, it will be cute for them. What sort of films appeal to you? RH: I haven’t got the magical role that I would like yet, but so far, I just look for a good cast and a good script and sometimes I find them and sometimes I’ve done stuff hoping it will be different and it hasn’t. Every time you do a movie, you take a risk. I’ve made great friends with every movie. I think sometimes I’m a unique fit, even though it wouldn’t seem like it. I’ve been told that I’m a character actress in an ingénue body. Until that dream role comes, you just try to work with good people.

Having worked with Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Tracy Morgan among many comedians you’ve worked in films, who’s the funniest?

RH: There’s also Mike Epps, Cedric the Entertainer, and others, but they are all funny. With Tracy, this is my third film working with him and he’s really funny. They’re all funny. Jamie Foxx is funny. He has an Oscar and does a lot of dramatic films, but he’s funny. Chris is shy funny, until you are talking to him one on one and he says some crazy s**t.

How was working with Loretta Devine? RH: Loretta is extremely talented. To work with someone who has worked so long in this business. There is so much respect. She’s carved out a place for herself among black women. She’s been in so many films and I saw her when she was on Broadway and she’s so good at what she does. When I get the opportunity to work with her and Danny Glover, I just watch and marvel. What’s next for you? Rh: I have another film with Screen Gems called ‘Mardi Gras.’ It’s about three guys who go to Mardi Gras and of course, they meet some girls. This film is more of a college age flick.

DEATH AT A FUNERAL OPENS ON APRIL 16, 2010