Spring Break
Lee screens newest film, builds audience
Jessica Herbine
Issue date: 1/23/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
"There's over 450 films that came out in 2008," Malcolm Lee, cousin of Spike Lee and writer/director of films such as "The Best Man" and "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins," stated.
"In my opinion, I think that's way too many movies, because no movie gets an opportunity to really build an audience."
However, Jan. 22 Lee received a great turnout when he screened his newest film, "Soul Men," in the Bossone Center.
Afterwards, the director held an informal Q & A session for all students, faculty and members of the public.
"Soul Men" hit theaters early Nov. 2008 and will be released on DVD Feb. 2009.
The comedy stars the late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes alongside Samuel L. Jackson, following two retired soul singers (Mac and Jackson) who leave their empty, unfulfilling retirements for a chance at a legendary comeback with the help of VH1's upcoming performance at the Apollo Theatre.
The script was designed specifically for Mac and Jackson, who wished to work together even before Lee took on the demanding role of director.
"Soul Men" is one of the last projects Mac worked on before he passed.
Of the late comedian, Lee said: "[When working with a comedian], you really have to give them breathing room to improvise and come up with what's funny. Whatever is on the page, however funny it may be, a good comedic actor or comedian is going to come up with something funnier, … I encourage that, and particularly from Bernie. … Bernie was like 'I don't wanna rehearse it too much; I wanna be able to just say whatever comes out of my mouth.' You gotta have those moments, because you can't script that stuff. It's always better."
"In my opinion, I think that's way too many movies, because no movie gets an opportunity to really build an audience."
However, Jan. 22 Lee received a great turnout when he screened his newest film, "Soul Men," in the Bossone Center.
Afterwards, the director held an informal Q & A session for all students, faculty and members of the public.
"Soul Men" hit theaters early Nov. 2008 and will be released on DVD Feb. 2009.
The comedy stars the late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes alongside Samuel L. Jackson, following two retired soul singers (Mac and Jackson) who leave their empty, unfulfilling retirements for a chance at a legendary comeback with the help of VH1's upcoming performance at the Apollo Theatre.
The script was designed specifically for Mac and Jackson, who wished to work together even before Lee took on the demanding role of director.
"Soul Men" is one of the last projects Mac worked on before he passed.
Of the late comedian, Lee said: "[When working with a comedian], you really have to give them breathing room to improvise and come up with what's funny. Whatever is on the page, however funny it may be, a good comedic actor or comedian is going to come up with something funnier, … I encourage that, and particularly from Bernie. … Bernie was like 'I don't wanna rehearse it too much; I wanna be able to just say whatever comes out of my mouth.' You gotta have those moments, because you can't script that stuff. It's always better."
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