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August 31, 2016 The Skanner Page 7 Emayatzy Corinealdi: The “Roots” Interview By Kam Williams For The Skanner News B orn at Fort Knox, Kentucky on Jan. 14, 1980, Emayatzy Corinealdi was an army brat whose fam- ily moved around a lot during her childhood as dictated by her dad’s military career. Ater stints around the coun- try and overseas, she put down roots in New Jer- sey, which enabled her to study at the Actor’s Training Studio as well as William Esper Studio. She parlayed a recur- ring role on the TV soap opera “The Young and the Restless” into a criti- cally-acclaimed starring one in Ava DuVernay’s “Middle of Nowhere “(2012). She’s since ap- peared in the screen adaptation of Zane’s erotic thriller “Addict- ed” (2014), and as Miles Davies’ wife Frances in “Miles Ahead” (2016). Here, Emayatzy talks about her latest out as Belle, Kunta Kinte’s (Mal- achi Kirby) wife, in the remake of Roots. ing the story of the his- tory of this country to a new generation was an important conversation that I believe is neces- sary, given the current climate of race relations in the United Slates. KW: “ his sizable subsequent achievements. Written and directed by Jonathan Jakubo- wicz (Secuestro Ex- press), “Hands of Stone” is a reverential biopic which humanizes Ro- berto while putting a positive spin on his indelible stain. This version of his story blames Duran’s failing on his parasitic manag- er, Carlos Eleta (Ruben Blades), as well as on pressure from the big ight’s promoter, Don King (Reg E. Cathey). KW: How did you pre- pare to play Belle Reyn- olds? Did you watch the original miniseries? EC: What was hap- pening everyday in this country: police brutality, injustice, people feeling angry and ignored, all of these issues were things that helped to prepare me. That coupled with the knowledge that I have since gained about enslavement and its his- tory. KW: Did you have any emotional moments on the set during the shoot- ing? EC: Every day was an emotional moment on set. The inal scene, hav- ing her daughter Kizzy taken away, might’ve been one of the toughest by far. What message ‘In Search of the American Dream’ is the story of six sibling’s attempt to elude the authorities in a race across Texas after their undocumented parents are arrested and taken away. young people especial- ly will begin to have a better understanding of slavery and its efects, which are still evident to- What was happening everyday in this coun- try: police brutality, injustice, people feeling angry and ignored, all of these issues were things that helped to prepare me Kam Williams: Hi Emayatzy, thanks for the time. Emayatzy Corinealdi: Thanks, Kam. KW: What interested you in Roots? EC: The idea of bring- do you hope people will take away from the mini- series? EC: Know your histo- ry. It can teach you who you are, where you have come from, and how to be a better person as a result. Also, I hope that day, To understand those parallels and, from there, begin ta be a part of the wave of hope to change things for the better KW: You recently por- trayed Frances Taylor, Miles Davis’ irst wife, in the biopic Miles Ahead. Did you feel any extra pressure to get the role right, given that you were playing a real per- son? EC: Deinitely! I indeed wanted Ms. Frances to be pleased while at the same time honoring my direc- tor’s vision, along with rny own creativity. It is a balancing act which, I am glad to say, did pay of with her approval! KW: Did you consult Frances in preparation for the role? See ROOTS on page 11 Make The Skanner part of your daily routine for a better day today and tomorrow. Get a quick update or enjoy an in-depth read on your desktop. Arts & Entertainment Film cont’d from pg 6 Grab the headlines from your mobile device. Tap to view events and announcements. Don’t miss anything! Page through the latest print edition online. “ pecting cinema verite on the order of “Rocky” or “Raging Bull,” for which Robert De Niro won an Academy Award in 1981, is destined to be disappointed. Speaking of De Niro, he plays the legendary Ray Arcel who came out of retirement over death threats from the Maia to train a teen- aged Duran. Before you can say “Burgess Meredith,” he whips the promising prote- ge into ighting shape, and it’s just a matter Anyone expecting cine- ma verite on the order of ‘Rocky’ or ‘Raging Bull,’ for which Robert De Niro won an Academy Award in 1981, is destined to be dis- appointed Here, we’re treated to the backstage specter of a burnt-out Roberto bemoaning his being exploited. “I worked all my life. I didn’t have any fun, when I was a kid.” Truth be told, not only did he begin boxing young, but he married at an early age, too, 17. And his wife Felicidad (Ana de Armas) was only 14 when they tied the knot. FYI, the couple went on to have 8 children and are still together 47 years later. If the movie has a law, it’s in the ight scenes which leave a lot to be desired. Anyone ex- of time before his di- amond in the rough’s rags-to-riches dream becomes a reality. A touching, revisionist tale of redemption pre- senting the sensitive side of a pulverizing pugilist. Very Good HHH Rated R for sexuality, nudity and pervasive profanity In English and Spanish with subtitles Running time: 105 min. Distributor: The Wein- stein Co. To watch the trailer for Hands of Stone, visit TheSkanner.com.