Jacob Latimore Talks Black Nativity Extended Musical Edition Blu-rayPosted by Wilson Morales
November 30, 2014
Currently out on home video is ‘Black Nativity Special Edition,’ directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Luke James, and Grace Gibson.
In this contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ acclaimed play, single mom Naima (Jennifer Hudson), who is struggling to pay the bills, sends her teenage son Langston (Jacob Latimore) to live with his estranged grandparents, Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett) in New York City. At first Langston resents their strict household, but with the help of new friends – and a little divine intervention – he embarks on an inspirational journey of self-discovery in this inspiring story of faith, family and forgiveness.
Included in this release are Deleted Scenes, Inside Production in Harlem, Photoshoot B-roll, and a featurette on Introducing Jacob Latimore.
For Latimore, the Milwaukee, WI native not only had a lead role opposite some great actors and singers like Bassett, Whitaker, Hudson, Blige, but he was also featured in the box-office hit, The Maze Runner.
Blackfilm.com recently caught up with Latimore as he spoke about the special edition and what’s he learned from both films.
How excited are you about the Black Nativity Extended Musical Edition?
Jacob Latimore: I’m excited for people to see different parts of the film and it’s incredible. Musicals are so big and large that sometimes it can’t fit in a movie form. It’s pretty cool when we can release it this way.
It’s a been over a year since the film was released in theaters and some time since the first DVD was out on home video, so going back, how exciting was it that for you to have a lead role?
JL: It was incredible to work with a great cast and have a lead role and being the anchor of the film. It’s a big responsibility, so I took it very seriously. I’m just happy it came out the way it did.
What has the experience of working with Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker taught you as a singer and as an actor?
JL: It was seeing everyone being focused on set. When it was time to work, it was time to work. As a young actor, I was just watching them and being inspired to go back to the hotel and read the script for the next day and make sure I’m on point.
What’s on the Special Edition that wasn’t included in the first DVD?
JL: I think there’s a lot more of the musical side. I think there was more drama in the first DVD and with this one, you see more of the music, more songs, and the dance routines that we had. You get to see Forest Whitaker dancing and that’s super cool. That’s awesome. You will see more of the Langston Hughes vision that folks saw as a musical.
With the songs that you sang, are they more closer to your style of singing?
JL: It’s pretty close. As far as the Gospel inspirational music, I grew up around that, so it wasn’t too far fetched for me. We worked with a choir and being a young man and growing through some voice changes, it definitely helped me sing through whatever I was going through. The choir opens you up. You just sing loud and with a bunch of emotions so it was super fun. I probably went up an octave.
It’s also great that folks can watch it during the holidays?
JL: Yes. It’s definitely a holiday film. It has that spirit in the film and it’s the best time to watch it with the family in the living room with hot chocolate and snow outside.
Have you been able to parlay the role into something else?
JL: Yes. Once people saw what I can do and hold a film, a lot more opportunities have started coming and people have been keeping me in mind for other projects.
Also coming to home video shortly is your other film, The Maze Runner. How much fun did you have on that film?
JL: It was different from any other project I had done. It was dealing with nature. I’m a city boy so I had to adjust quickly. We were dealing with snakes outside and hornet flies and cows, but it was a fun set, and a great group of guys. It was a fun cast.
What’s the difference between being part of yourself on Black Nativity to following the script for The Maze Runner?
JL: Actually my character had a much smaller role in the book so that allowed me to put more of myself into the character for The Maze Runner. In the book, there’s no description as to what he’s like as a person. He’s described physically, but emotionally what he goes through, they don’t go into. Once I had extra lines, I definitely added more of myself.
What have you learned as an actor, having played the lead and a supporting role in both of these films?
JL: I just see bigger stuff coming. I’m auditioning like crazy. I just looking forward to learning different types of acting. I haven’t had any intense acting training but I would love to try different types of films and that comes with training and getting acting coaches and reading different scripts.
Most actors would say that this business is a grind. Do you believe that?
JL: Of course. With film, you have to be able to act and play certain roles and sometimes you don’t get those roles; but at the same time, you have to read the script, understand it, and making it your life. That’s really important in a lot of films.
What do you do when you’re not acting or singing?
JL: I just myself around family and people who have been there from the beginning. I go back home a lot. I’m from Milwaukee, WI. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was younger. Part of who I am is what I learned from them.
What’s next from you musically?
JL: Right now, I’m putting out content to my music fans. My new single, “Heartbreak Heard Around The World” with T-Pain, is out. There’s no actual release date for an album. I’m just constantly recording and living in the studio right now trying to find out who I am as an artist.
Which is more difficult to be establish in, the music world or the film world?
JL: The music world of course. My film career has taken off in a way that my music hasn’t yet, but music takes its time. It’s a rough industry. Film is just great for me right now and I’m grateful.
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