Ready For Leading Roles: Cory Hardrict Talks Brotherly LoveBy Wilson Morales
May 2, 2015
Currently playing in limited theaters in Brotherly Love, which was written and directed by Jamal Hill and starring Keke Palmer , Cory Hardrict and newcomer Eric D. Hill Jr.
The film also features Julito McCullum, Romeo Miller, Logan Browning, Quincy Brown, Faizon Love, Macy Gray, Justin Martin, Marc John Jefferies, Little JJ, Teyana Taylor and Malik Yoba.
In West Philadelphia, born-and-raised basketball star Sergio Taylor (Eric D. Hill Jr.) deals with the early pressures of fame. Alongside older brother June (Cory Hardrict), who lost his own hoop dreams to the streets to provide for the family after their father’s death, and sister Jackie (Keke Palmer), whose own musical ambitions are sidetracked by love, Sergio faces life-altering decisions on the streets of Philly known as “The Top” and “The Bottom.”
For Hardrict, who plays June, the role is an opportunity for him to showcase his talent in a leading status. Recently seen Clint Eastwood‘s Oscar nominated film “American Sniper,” his film credits also include “Battle: Los Angeles,” “Warm Bodies” and “Lovelace.” Upcoming films include Legendary’s sci-fi thriller “Spectral” and “Car Dogs” with Octavia Spencer. He’s currently shooting “November Criminals,” with Chloe Grace Moretz and Ansel Elgort.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Hardrict about doing Brotherly Love and what the role means to him.
What was the attraction to doing this movie?
Cory Hardrict: I would say the attraction was the material. It was all on the page and it was something that I could finally seek my teeth into to show range, to levity, and to show a human being in that setting of Philadelphia. It was something I was familiar with growing up on the South Side of Chicago. I had familiar members who lived like my character June. I knew the basketball Hoop Dream star and the aspiring singer. I knew people who had moms who were sick and they had to provide. I was like, “Wow! This is the perfect character for me. Let me try to dive into this and do my best.”
How would you best describe June?
CH: June is the patriarch of the family. He has a loving heart. He cares about the well-beings of his younger siblings. He cares about his mother. He cares about providing for his community and taking care of his family. It may seem different from the outside looking in is that he’s a bad guy or a street guy. In his mind, he felt that he had to do that and that he had no other option. Sometimes there are not a lot of options. In his mind, he’s a great guy.
How was working with Jamal Hill on his first feature?
CH: Working with Jamal was great because he has that demeanor about him where he knows what he wants and he lets you find it on your own. He doesn’t get in the way of your process. He just wants you to come prepare and be a professional on set. He definitely has that director’s mentality where he lets the actors trust their own and find it. He actually saw my audition and said that he saw something in my eyes. If it wasn’t for Jamal, I wouldn’t had been cast in the movie. He’s an up and coming director who has a bright future ahead. I’m very happy for him.
The film also shows a strong sense of family.
CH: We’re a close knit family but we have differences. Keke’s character wants to come in on her own and wants to get out there and explore, but as the older brother, June wants to protect her from the streets. With Sergio, it’s about seeing his dreams come true. That was very important to June. That family is relatable to any other family.
How was working with the cast?
CH: It was amazing. Everyone was great. Keke was awesome. Quincy did a great job. Eric is a great listener and very energetic but with everyone, when it was time for action, we all were on our A game. What more could you ask for?
Who’s the audience for the film?
CH: I feel that Brotherly Love is for everybody. It’s not just for the young teenage crowd. It’s for the adults. This is an R rated film and there is a lot that happens with the story and subplots. Hopefully, the film can resonate with everyone.
What do you take from this film as you go on to your next project?
CH: I take the relationships and the good experience. I’ve been doing this over 20 years so it’s all about doing great work. The only thing that changes is the level of the film and the budget. You still have to give the people what they want. I definitely know that I’m ready for leading man status. I’m ready to have my name amongst the greats. That’s just the confidence I have in myself. I’m willing to work for it. My work can show anyone what I’ve done. It’s for the taking and I’m ready.
What’s next?
CH: Right now, I’m finishing up this film called November Criminals with Chloe Grace Moretz and Ansel Elgort. I have a bunch of films, including Spectral, which is out August 2016. There are a mix of films coming out that hopefully people will love.
Exclusive Clip – June and Serg
