Exclusive: Mo’Nique Talks Patrik-Ian Polk’s BlackbirdPosted by Wilson Morales
April 23, 2015
Coming out this week is Patrik-Ian Polk’s urban coming-of-age film Blackbird, which stars Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington, Terrell Tilford, D. Woods , Gary L. Gray, Torrey Laamar, Kevin Allesee, Nikki Jane and introduces breakthrough talent Julian Walker.
Based on the novel by the same name by Larry Duplechan, BLACKBIRD tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy (Julian Walker), a devout Christian who tries very hard to be a good person. Since his father (Isaiah Washington) left, Randy takes care of his emotionally disturbed mother (Mo’Nique), sings lead in the church choir and is the kind of friend all of his classmates can depend on. As strong as he seems on the outside, Randy is hiding a secret inner struggle – a denial of his true self. It is not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are.
For Mo’Nique, it’s her first role since winning the Oscar. She previously hosted The Mo’Nique Show, a late-night talk show that played on BET from 2009-2011. She will next be seen opposite Queen Latifah in the HBO film Bessie, where she plays Ma Rainey.
Blackfilm.com caught up with Mo’Nique as she talked about ‘Blackbird.’
What attracted you to the project?
Mo’Nique: Isaiah Washington contacted our attorney Ricky Anderson because we share the same attorney and he wanted this script to my husband and I. When he got the script to us, he and Sidney talked and by the time we finished reading the first page, we knew the story had to be told. It’s time for it.
It’s such an amazing love story a d to be a part of something like that made us feel good; and to have real ownership in this movie. It was one of those things you couldn’t say no to. It was absolutely an honor for Patrik-Ian Polk and Isaiah Washington to want us to be a part of it.
What made this film stand out compared to the others you were pitched?
Mo’Nique: It’s a story that needed to be told and it made sense. For me personally, and I have said this before, it’s truly my love letter to the guy community. I’ve hung out with those boys. I’ve hung out with the Randy Russos. I understood their pain and how difficult it was to be young, black and gay. At the time, I didn’t know about the whole gay community, I was only intertwined with the black gay community. But this is a whole lot of people’s story.
From being an actor and producer on the film, how did it feel to wear different hats?
Mo’Nique: It’s absolutely wonderful because my husband and I are executive producers of the movie. So when I’m front of the screen, he’s behind. I have to focus on what I’m focusing on and he’s focusing on what he’s focusing on. It’s a beautiful thing.
Were there any changes made from the novel to the screen?
Mo’Nique: There are some things that had to be adjusted as in any novel that’s turned into a movie.
Can you talk about working with Patrik-Ian Polk?
Mo’Nique: Once I did the movie ‘Precious,’ I never thought I would have another opportunity to work with a director who was as fearless as Mr. Daniels and then came along Patrik-Ian Polk. To work with someone who is unafraid to tell the story is an honor. To work with Patrik behind the screen, he’s a gentle giant. He’s a tall black skinny giant and just as gentle as he can be. It was a great time.
Can you talk about working with Julian, who is the heart and soul of the film?
Mo’Nique: Julian was a breathe of fresh air and I used the same words when I spoke about Gabourey Sidibe. When you are taking a chance to play with someone who doesn’t know to be afraid. He didn’t know how to judge it and write about what it looked like. It was just honest and raw. It was motivating to watch this young man who’s never had a camera in front of his face and that character as if it was really his story. You don’t think for a second that he’s telling someone else’s story. To watch that unfold and me being part of that beauty is an honor. He’s such a sweet young brother and was so open to learn, share, and to give. I’m excited for the world to meet Julian Walker.
How would you best describe the character that you play?
Mo’Nique: She had unwavering faith. She truly believes in what she’s been taught but was also open to seeing something different. I think that you also see the strength in this woman. You see her fight. Some people would say that she could be a bit off but this woman is fighting for what she truly believes in. She’s a fighter in her own way.
We are starting to see more portrayals of black gay men on the big and small screen. Do you believe this to be true?
Mo’Nique: Definitely. We’ve been talking about acceptance for as long as we can remember. There was a time when if you were black and I was white, we couldn’t get married. It took some time before people realized that it didn’t make any sense. They are human beings. Now it’s the gays’ turn. There will come a time when my children have their children and they will shock to learn how gays were treated before they were born. They won’t be able to understand what that is. When we started showing this film at festivals, white men were coming up to me and saying, “Mo’Nique, that’s my story.” Latin brothers were saying thing as well as Asian brothers and then you find out that it just needs to be accepted period. In the black community often times, people tend to say nothing. I’m glad we’re now having the conversation.
Can you talk about your next project, playing Ma Rainey in HBO’s Bessie?
Mo’Nique: With Bessie, Queen Latifah is absolutely amazing! She is Bessie Smith and amazing and to be able to play alongside her was a blessing. I remember when she was rapping when I was in high school and she’s on TV in videos and I was like, “Wow!” To play opposite her in that film was wonderful. Ma Rainey was this woman who didn’t waver from what she knew was right. She allowed no one to mistreat her. She really mastered her craft and loved to entertain folks. She was this real down, lovable sista not ashamed of who she was and she wasn’t apologizing. It was such an honor to play her because I never heard of her until I received the script.
What sorts of roles are you looking to do that will inspire others?
Mo’Nique: My dream job and I enjoyed doing it is being a talk show host.
Would you consider doing it again?
Mo’Nique: Oh yes! That’s why I went to Hollywood. I didn’t go to Hollywood to become an actress. That’s something that really fell unto my lap. I went to Hollywood to be a talk show host. What I would say to any of the younger sisters is that, “If you want it, go get it. But you have to be willing to put the work in. Don’t ever waver from what you know to be right. At the end of the day, you have to deal with you. If you have a family, make sure you love them. When that journey ends with you being a great actress, I guarantee you that not one of producers, directors, or so-called friends will be at your bedside.” It will be your family.
