25 Years Later, Queen Latifah Talks Spike Lee’s Jungle Feverby Wilson Morales
June 7, 2016
The year was June 7, 1991 and on that day, director Spike Lee had released his latest film, ‘Jungle Fever,’ which was his fifth film coming after 1990’s ‘Mo’ Better Blues.’
It was also the year where many Black Films had been released in theaters, such New Jack City, The Five Heartbeats, A Rage in Harlem, Daughters in the Dust, and plenty of more.
Exploring interracial relationships between an African American and an Italian American, Jungle Fever had a cast of veterans and several actors who had either made their film debut or were shown in a bigger spotlight.
Talk about an all-star cast!!
Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra, Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Lonette McKee, John Turturro, Frank Vincent, Anthony Quinn, Tyra Farrell, Michael Imperioli, Nicolas Turturro, Michael Badalucco, Debi Mazar, Tim Robbins, Brad Dourif, Theresa Randle, Charlie Murphy, Grand Bush, and Doug E. Doug.
Making their film debut were model Veronica Webb, TV’s Living Dolls actress Halle Berry, and rapper Queen Latifah.
The film centers on successful New York African American architect Flipper (played by Snipes), who begins an affair with his temp secretary, the Italian American Angie (played by Sciorra). Chaos escalates when his best friend Cyrus (played by Lee) tells him it’s the wrong move, and his wife Drew (played by Mckee).
While the families and friends of Flipper and Angie deal with this sudden relationship, Flipper also has to deal with his crack addict brother Gator (played by Jackson), who continues to borrow and steal money from his family to continue his habit with his girlfriend (played by Berry).
The soundtrack was composed and scored by the legendary Stevie Wonder.
At the time of its release, the film was met with positive reviews and continues to hold an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 26 “Fresh” reviews and 5 “Rotten” ones. It was distributed by Universal Pictures with Lee’s 40 Acres & A Mule serving as the co-producers.
On an estimated budget of $14 million dollars, the film grossed $32.4 million domestically. By the end of the year, it garnered the 10th best film of the year by the National Board of Review.
Prior to its release, the film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where Samuel L. Jackson won the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal. It’s the ONLY time the award has been given for this category, while the film was awarded the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury – Special Mention.
While speaking with ABC NEWS’ Karu F. Daniels recently, Queen Latifah reflected on her experience working on the film.
“I just remember it was hot, it was really hot,” Latifah shared with ABC Radio. “It was the summertime in Harlem and it was hot. I had this tiny little room. dressing room that was on a trailer. It was probably four or five in that same trailer. I just remember being nervous and I didn’t really know what I was doing. You know, I memorized it but I don’t really know what I was doing but I’m going to do the best I can. And I had a little bit of a cold so I kind of did what I could and got my feet wet.”
During her scene, which was shot at Harlem’s world-famous soul food spot Sylvia’s, she portrayed a sassy, turban-clad waitress who unscrupulously takes the interracial couple to task for publicly flaunting their relationship.
“It was like a really memorable scene in that film at the time so it was kind of fun to do that,” the Emmy and Grammy Award winner said.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com when the film approached its 20th anniversary, casting director Robi Reed talked about the casting of Halle Berry and Queen Latifah.
Can you talk about the casting of Halle Berry and Queen Latifah?
Robi Reed: With Halle, she had initially came in for the role of Spike’s wife, and we decided to try something different, and go against the obvious casting. When she came back, she auditioned for the role of Vivian and her interpretation is what set the tone for her career. She could have always been targeted as the pretty girl, but coming out for a role that’s against type showed what she could do. It opened the door for her for so many opportunities afterwards.
In casting Queen Latifah in the role of Lashawn, we sort of started the rapper-actor casting. She was so popular with her music at that point and no actor had read for that role, but she brought so much to it. She represented being a proud black woman with her music and had an opinion about the Wesley and Annabella interracial relationship, so for us, it made sense. It was like a conscious casting with her in that role. It was never about trying to sell tickets.
This film goes to show that no matter how big or small the role is, if you want to stay in this business, each role will have its rewards.
Robi Reed: Yes, eventually it does pay off. I tell people who want to be in this business that if you work long and hard, your card will come up.
