Exclusive: Jill Scott talks ‘Get On Up‘Posted by Wilson Morales
July 23, 2014
Coming out on August 1 is the James Brown biopic, Get On Up, starring Chadwick Boseman as the Godfather of Soul. Also cast in the film are Nelsan Ellis, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jill Scott, Tika Sumpter, Dan Aykroyd, Keith Robinson, Lennie James, Craig Robinson, and Aunjanue Ellis.
Directed by Tate Taylor, the film will give a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of Brown, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
For Scott, plays his second wife, Deidre “Deedee” Jenkins, the role gave her the opportunity to know who James Brown was from the inside. Having never met the legend, playing Deedee gave her insight as the passion that Brown had for his music and for his family. She was last seen in David E. Talbert‘s romantic comedy, ‘Baggage Claim.’
In speaking exclusively with Blackfilm.com, Scott talked her character, her love for Mr. Brown, and working with the cast.
How would you best describe your character?
Jill Scott: I would describe DeeDee Brown as wholeheartedly and authentically in love with a man, a great powerful man.
Taking on this role, what was the attraction?
JS: When I got the script I was interested in playing anything, anyone, anywhere because I love James Brown and because I thought it was written well. I knew Tate Taylor was directing and Viola was a part of it, Octavia… let me in! Let me in somehow, I don’t care. I really would have done catering. Honestly, to be around that environment. I think sometimes it’s more important to be in the room than to be the attraction. You learn so much that way, so I was in. I auditioned for a smaller role, a good role! I thought every role in the film was a good one. The director, Tate, and the producers decided there was more for me to do, so they cast me as DeeDee Brown, James’ second wife of eleven years, and rewrote the script.
Everyone knows a little bit about James Brown in their own way, from the music, what they saw on TV growing up. He’s such an iconic figure. When you read the script what was surprising to you that you didn’t know before?
JS: I didn’t know about his history, his childhood. It saddened me, it shocked me, it made me listen to the music differently. Where’s all the soul power coming from? Where does this defiance and strength come from? It gave me an opportunity to see where it came from. This is a man who was truly hurt but defiantly moves through that and gained grace and power within himself. Was he always right? Was he always kind? Was he always good? No, but it lets you see that even icons are people too. It’s a man, living and dealing with very harsh realities.
Researching the character you play what did you discover?
JS: One thing -I think it was Tate that said it to me- he said in talking to DeeDee he discovered that she was still very much in love with James. They divorced, he remarried a few other times, lived a life and died, but she was still in love with James. At the time that was all I wanted to know. Who can take being berated like Bobby Byrd was? It’s another kind of love. It’s another kind of respect, of vision, because you can see the greatness. It was the same for DeeDee. She was just as devoted and in love with the man as Bobby Byrd.
She took on more than being berated.
JS: I think it hurt the same. She got the physical aspect of it but he got the emotion and the spiritual part of it from someone you respect, love, admire and help so much, to have them dismiss you or put you down or dismiss you in front of your future wife or your friends and colleagues. That’s a lot to take and still be able to stay there. I don’t think it’s a lack of esteem, I just think it’s an uber-love. They had it. I don’t think I could.
Working with Chad, obviously this guy is electrifying. Four years ago nobody knew who he was. Look at him now, the guy’s on fire. Talk about seeing him play this guy, James Brown.
JS: Chad and James are very different people. Chad, to me, is very introspective and a nice guy. James is… I’ll tell you this: The man put on the wig, he put on the clothes and all the accouterment that can make a James Brown and I forgot that he was Chad, nor did I want to see Chad anymore. I wanted him to be James Brown all the time and he was, from morning to night until that makeup was off he was James Brown. Everyone on set called him Mr. Brown, everybody treated him like he was James Brown. I myself served his lunch several times, I would go get him something to drink, “Can I get you something to drink, baby?” We all went in. We were that guy. Chad was generous and made it so easy to believe that we were talking to and in my case kissing and loving and looking after James Brown. He really is an extraordinary young man.
Did you ever have the opportunity to see James Brown?
JS: Never.
What were some of your favorite music he sang?
JS: I absolutely love his jazz album. I love “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” That’s just brave. I love him singing “Misty”. I love him singing “Please”. Oh my goodness. In a day when most men that sing songs have waxed chests and waxed eyebrows, it’s such a pleasure to have been in some way, shape or form around a grown-ass man making grown-ass rules singing grown-ass songs with a grown-ass passion. I’m not meaning that to disrespect anyone, I’m saying that’s a different kind of man in a different kind of time. It was great to see and it was great to hear and be around.
Were you ever at a concert where you were just part of that crowd?
JS: Yes! I went to go see Gerald Levert one time and I never looked at him like a sex symbol, I just liked the sound of his voice. Next thing you know I had to stop myself from throwing my underwear on that stage. There’s just something about that voice and the charisma and that walk and how he was handling us that made me feel like a groupie. That was very exciting to me, you don’t see that very often. New Edition used to make me lose my mind when I was a girl, just the screaming and crying and all that stuff. I never had a chance to see Michael Jackson perform live, I just couldn’t afford it. I just recently saw Prince and that was incredible, but these are descendants of James Brown. Michael would have easily told you that. James Brown is the father of Fela and Michael Jackson and Prince, there’s no way around that, and anyone who has a modicum of funk in their soul, a modicum of dance in their bodies, James Brown is there and he would have told you that.
This movie has such a big cast and crew. While you were shooting did you get a chance to talk to Mick Jagger and Viola and Octavia or anyone besides the people you were in the scenes with?
JS: I have not met Mick Jagger yet. I would like to shake his hand for many reasons, one because I respect him so much and all that passion in that voice. Hell yeah. That’s a child of James Brown too, whether he knows it or not. Viola and I, these are the things most people don’t get to do, so sitting in make-up and having a conversation about life, the state of the world, the state of black women. Having those kind of conversations. You can’t pay for that. Wow. Hanging out with Octavia for lunch, just cracking up and being silly. Just talking. Having girl talk. It’s such a privilege.
I’ve seen you in a number of films over the years and I believe you’re ready to get that leading role. Do you believe in yourself to get it? Do you want to go after it?
JS: Absolutely. I think that what I like about myself thus far is that everything I’ve done I’ve earned. I like that about myself. From plays to television to independent films to actual films, I like the way my life is going, the way my work ethic is going, the way my education is going. So yes, absolutely, but the more I can learn the better off I’ll be.
What’s been more of a highlight so far, the film career or the music?
JS: They’re two separate entities, both equally as important to me. What I’ve learned is that I really am just one person and to balance the two has been challenging. I don’t think I could ever give up either, I don’t see any reason to, as long as the audience can be patient with me. If they’re so inclined. It takes time, energy, effort, prayer, stillness to do the things I like to do. There’s books to write, there’s plays to write, there’s movies to write, there’s movies to be in, TV shows to executive produce, TV shows to be a part of. I just don’t see any reason to sit in one place. My goal is to be a renaissance woman and at the same time have a sense of balance and peace. How does one do that in this business? I don’t know but I’m gonna find out.
One of the reasons the movie works is we can hear the music. People want to experience the music. Who do you think is next to be put on the platform? Whose stories do you think can be told without having to go through any controversy?
JS: Without having to go through controversy? (laughs) I really would like to see the life of Phillis Hyman, I really would. She’s a singer that maybe not a lot of people know about but those who do do. One of the greatest voices of our time. SMOOTH SMOOTH. Gorgeous, and her life was filled with a lot of drama. She was a bipolar woman as well, eventually committed suicide. There’s a lot to tell in that story, I would like to see that.
What’s next?
JS: I’m shooting a movie for Lifetime. They changed the name on me so I don’t know what it’s called at the moment. It used to be called “The Vow,” now it’s called “With This Ring.” I am working with the Akils on something I think is very special, and I’m in the studio most nights.
What’s the role you play in “With This Ring”?
JS: I’m not sure yet. It’s all going to happen pretty fast and I think we start shooting August 1st. I need to find out. (laughs) I read the script and there’s three different women but I’m not certain which I will be playing as yet. I just read the script and liked the script. I’m down for that.
James and Deedee argue in the bedroom
