TIFF 2014 Exclusive: Nate Parker Talks Beyond The LightsPosted by Wilson Morales
September 8, 2014
Making its World Premiere at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival was Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s upcoming film, ‘Beyond The Lights,’ starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Danny Glover, Tyler Christopher, Aisha Hinds, Aml Ameen, and rapper Machine Gun Kelly
Beyond The Lights is the story of Noni Jean, a hot new artist who has just won a Grammy and is primed for stardom. But the pressures of success compel her to nearly end her life until she is saved by a young police officer. They fall hard for each other, despite the protests of their parents who want each to focus on their own career ambitions. But he might be the missing piece to unlock her artistic potential.
For Parker, who was seen earlier this year in the action thriller ‘Non-Stop’ with Liam Neeson, as well as the indie film, ‘About Alex,’ he gets to reunite with director Gina Prince-Bythewood again after working on ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ back in 2008.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Parker discussed his experience in working on the film, Prince-Bythewood, and Mbatha-Raw.
How’s it working with Gina Prince-Bythewood again?
Nate Parker: It’s everything I hoped it would be. Gina is the only one that has a green light into my career. I’m very selective. I always tell her, “If you have something and you need me, I’m there.” I respect her vision. I respect her talent and I respect her sensibility. The way she views the world. The way she wants the world to be and everything she does will be thought-provoking. It’s going to be something that pushes us forward in society. Here we are again. ‘The Secret Life Bees’ was a great experience and people seemed to enjoyed ‘Beyond The Lights.’
And working with Gugu Mbatha-Raw?
NP: She’s beautiful. She’s insanely intelligent. She’s trained. She’s works very, very hard. It’s a love story. We don’t have enough of them.
Did you have to prepare yourself physically for a love story?
NP: Yes, because it has to be real. We flirt with that line as artist, creating real relationships and real love. Gina set it up and we had so much rehearsal time. By the time we got on the set, the chemistry was already there.
How about playing the role of a cop? Was that something you did some research into, especially some scenes where your character is called into action?
NP: I always do some research. The reality is this. For every moment that you have, there’s someone that has lived that moment and they want you to tell the truth. I want cops to this and say ” I get that” because they have lived that scene and been there before.
There’s a moment when you have to display some singing skills? How’s it in real life?
NP: I definitely was playing it down for what we needed it to be. The reversal. I sound terrible and she sounds angelic. I got offered a couple of record deals after we did that scene…just joking, but it was fun. I had a good time.
What’s next?
NP: In December, I’m directing the Nat Turner biopic. It’s called ‘The Birth of a Nation’ as in D. W. Griffith. I start filming that on December 1st. I’m Nat and Armie Hammer plays Samuel Turner, Nat’s owner and friend. It’s a very dysfunctional relationship but it’s history. It’s a story I’ve been wanting to tell for seven years.
Beyond The Lights will hit theaters on November 14, 2014.
