Exclusive: Adrian Martinez talks FocusBy Wilson Morales
February 25, 2015
Coming out this week is Warner Bros.’ upcoming “comedy-caper-love story” ‘Focus,’ starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie.
Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love.), Will Smith stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie from Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame—now an accomplished femme fatale—shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop…and the consummate con man off his game.
Also featured in the film are Rodrigo Santoro, BD Wong, Adrian Martinez and Gerald McRaney.
For Martinez, who has appeared in countless films and TV series, this is actually the biggest exposure he’s had to date on the big screen. While he’s played Ben Stiller’s sidekick in Stiller’s Fox remake of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and Will Ferrell’s sidekick in Lionsgate’s “Casa de mi Padre,” to play opposite Will Smith, one of the biggest stars in the world, is no small feat and Martinez is eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Martinez exclusively on his role in “Focus,” working with Smith and what the exposure will hopefully do for his career.
How would you describe your character?
Adrian Martinez: I play Farar, who is sort of the best friend of Nicky, played by Will Smith, and I see him as his spiritual brother. He’s the guy who’s done these cons all over the world with. He’s the guy Nicky can count on, especially if has anything to do with computers. He’s a geek but he’s also the guy Nicky trusts. It’s a great privilege to be a part of this.
Having done a lot of work on film and TV, is this your biggest project to date?
AM: In terms of studio features, yes. It’s been a wonderful thrill ride. I’m really proud if it and it came at a good time in my life. I really needed a boost and Warners Bros. Has been great. I’m working with these fine people. I have no complaints.
How was working with Will Smith and establishing a relationship?
AM: With Will, you can’t help but respond to his energy. He’s a life force. He walks in and he’s sunlight. He’s just open, generous, cool people. I’m not just saying that. He really is. You just can’t help but feed off of that. When you’re playing someone that loves him and had his back, it’s easy. No matter what, you want to be there for this guy because he’s been so good to you. As for Margot, she’s easily one of the most beautiful women in the world. Just rare talent and a combination of intelligence, beauty and heart that you’ll never find. The sky is the limit for her and I just felt that no matter what I threw at her, she was there. She was receptive and willing to improvise anywhere I went.
Are you in the film for the comedy or is it a straight role?
AM: I just figured that all of it is straight. If the circumstances are funny then it’s one thing, but as an actor, I can’t play funny. If you play funny, you’re just dead in the water. I just try to approach as, “This is the moment we’re in, and who is this person walking in? I’ve never seen them before.” You just try to approach it from the real circumstances of the scene and take it from there.
How would you describe the film? Is it a romantic drama or a heist film?
AM: I think it’s a love story with a lot of fun stuff going on. Emotionally, this is a love story. On top of that, there’s this gamesmanship going on. There’s the con and other things that leaves the audience asking the question, “What is going on? I thought I figured it out, but no I didn’t.” That’s what makes the movie special. It’s grounded with this love story and then you add on some incredible fireworks that have to deal with talent who are really at the top of their game.
Did you learn anything from this film that you can take to your next project?
AM: It’s the simplest thing, gratitude. Will Smith is the guy who has been doing this for a while and I remember him from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and he’s still doing selfies with the audiences after screenings. He still stops and does the autograph signings. He’s still humble with the public. He told me that he loves it and appreciates the opportunities he’s been given. It’s so easy to go down the dark road and complain about what you don’t have, but working with Will reminded me about gratitude and being thankful that we are a part of this business.
What do you think the exposure will do for your career?
AM: We’ll see. I’m excited. No matter what I’m going to keep self-generating work. I’m going to keep auditioning for projects that speak to me. I’m in this for the long haul. This is who I am as a person. I’m an artist. Thus is what I want to do with my life as long as I am here.
What’s next?
AM: I’m in “Sisters” with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. That’s the big one coming out. We’re going up against Star Wars and I think we’re going to kick their ass.
