1
00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:08,540
>> it's interesting to get to do
what you love doing for...
Decades.

2
00:00:08,542 --> 00:00:10,075
What you love doing for...
Decades.
Like, who gets to do that?

3
00:00:10,077 --> 00:00:11,410
Decades.
Like, who gets to do that?
I mean, it's crazy.

4
00:00:11,412 --> 00:00:12,945
Like, who gets to do that?
I mean, it's crazy.
Like, how blessed is that?

5
00:00:12,947 --> 00:00:13,812
I mean, it's crazy.
Like, how blessed is that?
People come up, and tell me,

6
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like, how blessed is that?
People come up, and tell me,
"thank you."

7
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people come up, and tell me,
"thank you."
and I'm like, "thank<i> you."</i>

8
00:00:16,283 --> 00:00:17,383
"thank you."
and I'm like, "thank<i> you."</i>
I get to do what I love doing.

9
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And I'm like, "thank<i> you."</i>
I get to do what I love doing.
I play regularly with the other

10
00:00:18,686 --> 00:00:21,186
I get to do what I love doing.
I play regularly with the other
kids, do something positive,

11
00:00:21,188 --> 00:00:22,388
I play regularly with the other
kids, do something positive,
try to do something that makes

12
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kids, do something positive,
try to do something that makes
folks think a little bit.

13
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Try to do something that makes
folks think a little bit.
And, um...And keep in mind

14
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folks think a little bit.
And, um...And keep in mind
that it's not brain surgery,

15
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and, um...And keep in mind
that it's not brain surgery,
but it does affect

16
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that it's not brain surgery,
but it does affect
how we see ourselves,

17
00:00:31,665 --> 00:00:33,599
but it does affect
how we see ourselves,
'cause images do matter.

18
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How we see ourselves,
'cause images do matter.
I am surprised because my life

19
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'cause images do matter.
I am surprised because my life
has, in many ways, exceeded

20
00:00:38,572 --> 00:00:39,104
I am surprised because my life
has, in many ways, exceeded
my wildest expectations.

21
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♪

22
00:00:48,148 --> 00:00:55,120
♪

23
00:00:55,255 --> 00:00:55,387
♪

24
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so, I think about places
that influenced me
as a kid growing up.

25
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And...

26
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I was...

27
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I was lucky

28
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because I was born into a family

29
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that let me live

30
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a fairly unscripted life.

31
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I didn't have to buy into

32
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a lot of social constructs.

33
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My father was changing the game
in film, and my mother
was a photographer.

34
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In film, and my mother
was a photographer.
My dad's black, my mom's white.

35
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Was a photographer.
My dad's black, my mom's white.
So, I grew up kind of having

36
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my dad's black, my mom's white.
So, I grew up kind of having
a love of the world.

37
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So, I grew up kind of having
a love of the world.
Well, that was important

38
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a love of the world.
Well, that was important
because, as I traveled as a kid,

39
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well, that was important
because, as I traveled as a kid,
and I saw, you know,

40
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because, as I traveled as a kid,
and I saw, you know,
when we were --

41
00:01:53,447 --> 00:01:55,247
and I saw, you know,
when we were --
we were in a muslim country,

42
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when we were --
we were in a muslim country,
where people had many wives.

43
00:01:56,650 --> 00:01:57,716
We were in a muslim country,
where people had many wives.
We were in a different country

44
00:01:57,718 --> 00:02:00,252
where people had many wives.
We were in a different country
where people were open sexually.

45
00:02:00,254 --> 00:02:01,553
We were in a different country
where people were open sexually.
We learned that every country

46
00:02:01,555 --> 00:02:04,256
where people were open sexually.
We learned that every country
has their own version of truth.

47
00:02:04,258 --> 00:02:06,291
We learned that every country
has their own version of truth.
And so, when we got to america,

48
00:02:06,293 --> 00:02:09,294
has their own version of truth.
And so, when we got to america,
and, you know, you had black

49
00:02:09,296 --> 00:02:11,063
and so, when we got to america,
and, you know, you had black
kids here, and white kids here,

50
00:02:11,065 --> 00:02:12,898
and, you know, you had black
kids here, and white kids here,
and socioeconomics, you know,

51
00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:14,133
kids here, and white kids here,
and socioeconomics, you know,
saying separating the haves

52
00:02:14,135 --> 00:02:15,234
and socioeconomics, you know,
saying separating the haves
and have-nots,

53
00:02:15,236 --> 00:02:16,835
saying separating the haves
and have-nots,
I just said "that's kind of more

54
00:02:16,837 --> 00:02:18,237
and have-nots,
I just said "that's kind of more
american bull[bleep]"

55
00:02:18,239 --> 00:02:19,671
I just said "that's kind of more
american bull[bleep]"
that I just didn't buy into.

56
00:02:19,673 --> 00:02:21,273
American bull[bleep]"
that I just didn't buy into.
It was clearly, to me,

57
00:02:21,275 --> 00:02:23,342
that I just didn't buy into.
It was clearly, to me,
america was a race-ocracy,

58
00:02:23,344 --> 00:02:23,842
it was clearly, to me,
america was a race-ocracy,
and it made no sense.

59
00:02:24,878 --> 00:02:26,712
My mother demystified whiteness.

60
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I wasn't trying to be white.

61
00:02:28,448 --> 00:02:29,414
And my father showed me that

62
00:02:29,549 --> 00:02:31,683
black man could do anything.

63
00:02:31,818 --> 00:02:33,785
So I was not afraid to be black.

64
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So, I was just coming from

65
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a different place.

66
00:02:35,922 --> 00:02:41,393
And I think the arts
became my refuge.
There was a point...

67
00:02:41,395 --> 00:02:43,595
Became my refuge.
There was a point...
Where...

68
00:02:43,597 --> 00:02:46,131
There was a point...
Where...
I realized that I had definitely

69
00:02:46,133 --> 00:02:49,067
where...
I realized that I had definitely
grown up thinking that I could

70
00:02:49,069 --> 00:02:50,536
I realized that I had definitely
grown up thinking that I could
do anything I wanted to do.

71
00:02:50,538 --> 00:02:52,137
Grown up thinking that I could
do anything I wanted to do.
And that was partly, of course,

72
00:02:52,139 --> 00:02:53,238
do anything I wanted to do.
And that was partly, of course,
my mom, my dad.

73
00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:54,540
And that was partly, of course,
my mom, my dad.
You know, some people say, "if

74
00:02:54,542 --> 00:02:55,574
my mom, my dad.
You know, some people say, "if
the mother can show you the

75
00:02:55,576 --> 00:02:56,475
you know, some people say, "if
the mother can show you the
mountain, and give you that

76
00:02:56,477 --> 00:02:57,843
the mother can show you the
mountain, and give you that
sense of love."

77
00:02:57,845 --> 00:02:59,111
mountain, and give you that
sense of love."
and my father, who taught me

78
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sense of love."
and my father, who taught me
how to climb that mountain.

79
00:03:01,515 --> 00:03:03,148
And my father, who taught me
how to climb that mountain.
I got to play make-believe

80
00:03:03,150 --> 00:03:04,483
how to climb that mountain.
I got to play make-believe
with all the kids on the block,

81
00:03:04,485 --> 00:03:06,285
I got to play make-believe
with all the kids on the block,
'cause we had this huge yard,

82
00:03:06,287 --> 00:03:06,985
with all the kids on the block,
'cause we had this huge yard,
and everyone else had

83
00:03:06,987 --> 00:03:08,820
'cause we had this huge yard,
and everyone else had
a big house and a small yard.

84
00:03:08,822 --> 00:03:09,721
And everyone else had
a big house and a small yard.
So, the kids would come down

85
00:03:09,723 --> 00:03:10,722
a big house and a small yard.
So, the kids would come down
to my house to see what

86
00:03:10,724 --> 00:03:12,925
so, the kids would come down
to my house to see what
the project de jour would be.

87
00:03:12,927 --> 00:03:13,792
To my house to see what
the project de jour would be.
And I was like, "okay,

88
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the project de jour would be.
And I was like, "okay,
today we're gonna make

89
00:03:14,595 --> 00:03:15,460
and I was like, "okay,
today we're gonna make
catacombs."

90
00:03:15,462 --> 00:03:16,161
today we're gonna make
catacombs."
they would be like,

91
00:03:16,163 --> 00:03:17,429
catacombs."
they would be like,
"okay, what [indistinct] say?"

92
00:03:17,431 --> 00:03:18,931
they would be like,
"okay, what [indistinct] say?"
so, I would have this whole idea

93
00:03:18,933 --> 00:03:20,065
"okay, what [indistinct] say?"
so, I would have this whole idea
about what we're gonna do, and

94
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so, I would have this whole idea
about what we're gonna do, and
the story we were gonna tell.

95
00:03:21,969 --> 00:03:23,168
About what we're gonna do, and
the story we were gonna tell.
And my mother would say,

96
00:03:23,170 --> 00:03:24,369
the story we were gonna tell.
And my mother would say,
"you got to get [bleep] in here,

97
00:03:24,371 --> 00:03:24,970
and my mother would say,
"you got to get [bleep] in here,
and get get done

98
00:03:24,972 --> 00:03:26,104
"you got to get [bleep] in here,
and get get done
with your homework."

99
00:03:26,106 --> 00:03:27,272
and get get done
with your homework."
and now, I joke

100
00:03:27,274 --> 00:03:29,775
with your homework."
and now, I joke
because I do that for a living.

101
00:03:29,777 --> 00:03:31,176
And now, I joke
because I do that for a living.
I get to play make-believe

102
00:03:31,178 --> 00:03:32,344
because I do that for a living.
I get to play make-believe
with the other kids,

103
00:03:32,346 --> 00:03:33,378
I get to play make-believe
with the other kids,
of all races,

104
00:03:33,380 --> 00:03:34,580
with the other kids,
of all races,
pull us together.

105
00:03:34,582 --> 00:03:35,547
Of all races,
pull us together.
And I always say there are three

106
00:03:35,549 --> 00:03:36,715
pull us together.
And I always say there are three
loves in life -- love what you

107
00:03:36,717 --> 00:03:38,917
and I always say there are three
loves in life -- love what you
do, love and enjoy the folks you

108
00:03:38,919 --> 00:03:40,419
loves in life -- love what you
do, love and enjoy the folks you
do it with, and love

109
00:03:40,421 --> 00:03:41,720
do, love and enjoy the folks you
do it with, and love
what you say with your work.

110
00:03:41,722 --> 00:03:42,921
Do it with, and love
what you say with your work.
And I get to do that

111
00:03:42,923 --> 00:03:44,056
what you say with your work.
And I get to do that
professionally now.

112
00:03:44,058 --> 00:03:47,326
And I get to do that
professionally now.
So, discipline-wise,

113
00:03:47,328 --> 00:03:49,228
professionally now.
So, discipline-wise,
the person that has more to do

114
00:03:49,230 --> 00:03:50,562
so, discipline-wise,
the person that has more to do
with the trajectory of where

115
00:03:50,564 --> 00:03:53,165
the person that has more to do
with the trajectory of where
you're gonna end up in your life

116
00:03:53,167 --> 00:03:53,999
with the trajectory of where
you're gonna end up in your life
is the person you see

117
00:03:54,001 --> 00:03:57,169
you're gonna end up in your life
is the person you see
in the mirror the most.

118
00:03:57,171 --> 00:03:58,370
Is the person you see
in the mirror the most.
And so, it's gonna come down,

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00:03:58,372 --> 00:03:59,137
in the mirror the most.
And so, it's gonna come down,
at some point,

120
00:03:59,139 --> 00:04:00,706
and so, it's gonna come down,
at some point,
to self-discipline.

121
00:04:00,708 --> 00:04:01,340
At some point,
to self-discipline.
My father

122
00:04:01,342 --> 00:04:01,907
to self-discipline.
My father
is a very disciplined cat.

123
00:04:03,276 --> 00:04:04,543
I wouldn't say he was totally

124
00:04:04,677 --> 00:04:05,978
joe jackson,

125
00:04:06,112 --> 00:04:09,481
but he was a tough brother.

126
00:04:09,616 --> 00:04:10,749
I got my discipline early,

127
00:04:10,883 --> 00:04:12,084
but a part of my discipline

128
00:04:12,218 --> 00:04:13,552
early was that

129
00:04:13,686 --> 00:04:15,654
I wanted to get big enough

130
00:04:15,788 --> 00:04:17,723
and knowledgeable enough

131
00:04:17,857 --> 00:04:18,357
to not need [bleep] anything.

132
00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:27,099
Now, when I did finally
get there, I realized
how much I had learned, and why.

133
00:04:27,101 --> 00:04:29,901
Get there, I realized
how much I had learned, and why.
And I saw the kids I used to

134
00:04:29,903 --> 00:04:31,737
how much I had learned, and why.
And I saw the kids I used to
hang with, and roll with,

135
00:04:31,739 --> 00:04:33,739
and I saw the kids I used to
hang with, and roll with,
not know how to make

136
00:04:33,741 --> 00:04:36,074
hang with, and roll with,
not know how to make
what they loved a reality.

137
00:04:36,076 --> 00:04:37,809
Not know how to make
what they loved a reality.
My dad and my mom,

138
00:04:37,811 --> 00:04:39,511
what they loved a reality.
My dad and my mom,
but my dad specifically,

139
00:04:39,513 --> 00:04:40,779
my dad and my mom,
but my dad specifically,
taught me how to make a business

140
00:04:40,781 --> 00:04:42,147
but my dad specifically,
taught me how to make a business
out of what I love,

141
00:04:42,149 --> 00:04:43,749
taught me how to make a business
out of what I love,
not just to play ball,

142
00:04:43,751 --> 00:04:45,250
out of what I love,
not just to play ball,
but how to own the team,

143
00:04:45,252 --> 00:04:46,518
not just to play ball,
but how to own the team,
not just to sing,

144
00:04:46,520 --> 00:04:47,886
but how to own the team,
not just to sing,
but how to own the label,

145
00:04:47,888 --> 00:04:50,756
not just to sing,
but how to own the label,
not just to direct or act,

146
00:04:50,758 --> 00:04:52,424
but how to own the label,
not just to direct or act,
but also how to write,

147
00:04:52,426 --> 00:04:53,692
not just to direct or act,
but also how to write,
and produce,

148
00:04:53,694 --> 00:04:55,027
but also how to write,
and produce,
and put packages together.

149
00:04:55,029 --> 00:04:57,362
And produce,
and put packages together.
Because if they can make money

150
00:04:57,364 --> 00:04:58,630
and put packages together.
Because if they can make money
from you,

151
00:04:58,632 --> 00:05:00,198
because if they can make money
from you,
you can make money from you.

152
00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:04,102
From you,
you can make money from you.
And to do that takes discipline.

153
00:05:04,104 --> 00:05:06,138
You can make money from you.
And to do that takes discipline.
My mom and dad separated.

154
00:05:06,140 --> 00:05:07,172
And to do that takes discipline.
My mom and dad separated.
My sister and I and my mom

155
00:05:07,174 --> 00:05:08,173
my mom and dad separated.
My sister and I and my mom
went back to san francisco.

156
00:05:08,175 --> 00:05:09,875
My sister and I and my mom
went back to san francisco.
And I got into --

157
00:05:09,877 --> 00:05:10,609
went back to san francisco.
And I got into --
I started acting.

158
00:05:10,611 --> 00:05:11,943
And I got into --
I started acting.
I did my first professional play

159
00:05:11,945 --> 00:05:13,512
I started acting.
I did my first professional play
when I was about 11.

160
00:05:13,514 --> 00:05:15,514
I did my first professional play
when I was about 11.
It's a really tough role.

161
00:05:15,516 --> 00:05:17,849
When I was about 11.
It's a really tough role.
And when he came back

162
00:05:17,851 --> 00:05:19,818
it's a really tough role.
And when he came back
from europe, he had directed

163
00:05:19,820 --> 00:05:22,120
and when he came back
from europe, he had directed
a film called "three-day pass."

164
00:05:22,122 --> 00:05:24,823
from europe, he had directed
a film called "three-day pass."
and the -- the american

165
00:05:24,825 --> 00:05:26,591
a film called "three-day pass."
and the -- the american
san francisco film festival

166
00:05:26,593 --> 00:05:27,926
and the -- the american
san francisco film festival
had no idea that the director

167
00:05:27,928 --> 00:05:29,361
san francisco film festival
had no idea that the director
of that film

168
00:05:29,363 --> 00:05:31,496
had no idea that the director
of that film
was a brother from chicago.

169
00:05:31,498 --> 00:05:32,431
Of that film
was a brother from chicago.
So, he had a lot of fun with

170
00:05:32,433 --> 00:05:33,198
was a brother from chicago.
So, he had a lot of fun with
that, when he showed up

171
00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:34,599
so, he had a lot of fun with
that, when he showed up
at the airport.

172
00:05:34,601 --> 00:05:35,267
That, when he showed up
at the airport.
There's a little lady --

173
00:05:35,269 --> 00:05:36,301
at the airport.
There's a little lady --
white lady with blue hair,

174
00:05:36,303 --> 00:05:39,404
there's a little lady --
white lady with blue hair,
saying, "[speaks french]"

175
00:05:39,406 --> 00:05:40,772
white lady with blue hair,
saying, "[speaks french]"
and my dad rolls up

176
00:05:40,774 --> 00:05:42,607
saying, "[speaks french]"
and my dad rolls up
with a long leather coat,

177
00:05:42,609 --> 00:05:44,209
and my dad rolls up
with a long leather coat,
shades on, says,

178
00:05:44,211 --> 00:05:45,777
with a long leather coat,
shades on, says,
"yeah, baby, that's me."

179
00:05:45,779 --> 00:05:46,211
shades on, says,
"yeah, baby, that's me."
and she goes,

180
00:05:46,213 --> 00:05:47,012
"yeah, baby, that's me."
and she goes,
"please, please don't bother me.

181
00:05:47,014 --> 00:05:48,847
And she goes,
"please, please don't bother me.
I'm looking mr. Melvin."

182
00:05:48,849 --> 00:05:49,981
"please, please don't bother me.
I'm looking mr. Melvin."
he goes, "ma'am, oui.

183
00:05:49,983 --> 00:05:50,449
I'm looking mr. Melvin."
he goes, "ma'am, oui.
C'est moi.

184
00:05:50,451 --> 00:05:51,850
He goes, "ma'am, oui.
C'est moi.
Je suis van peebles."

185
00:05:51,852 --> 00:05:52,951
c'est moi.
Je suis van peebles."
and she's like, "what?"

186
00:05:52,953 --> 00:05:54,219
je suis van peebles."
and she's like, "what?"
he shows her his passport.

187
00:05:54,221 --> 00:05:56,154
And she's like, "what?"
he shows her his passport.
She's like, "oh, [bleep].

188
00:05:56,156 --> 00:05:58,557
He shows her his passport.
She's like, "oh, [bleep].
This is a brother."

189
00:05:58,559 --> 00:05:59,291
she's like, "oh, [bleep].
This is a brother."
with a name like

190
00:05:59,293 --> 00:06:00,959
this is a brother."
with a name like
melvin van peebles,

191
00:06:00,961 --> 00:06:02,127
with a name like
melvin van peebles,
who would know, right?

192
00:06:02,129 --> 00:06:03,729
Melvin van peebles,
who would know, right?
So, on the way from the airport

193
00:06:03,731 --> 00:06:05,964
who would know, right?
So, on the way from the airport
to the festival, in a limo,

194
00:06:05,966 --> 00:06:07,265
so, on the way from the airport
to the festival, in a limo,
he sees some black panthers

195
00:06:07,267 --> 00:06:08,467
to the festival, in a limo,
he sees some black panthers
hitching a ride.

196
00:06:08,469 --> 00:06:09,167
He sees some black panthers
hitching a ride.
So, he says, "oh, stop.

197
00:06:09,169 --> 00:06:10,402
Hitching a ride.
So, he says, "oh, stop.
Those are my cousins."

198
00:06:10,404 --> 00:06:11,069
so, he says, "oh, stop.
Those are my cousins."
so, he stops,

199
00:06:11,071 --> 00:06:12,404
those are my cousins."
so, he stops,
and picks up his cousins.

200
00:06:12,406 --> 00:06:13,672
So, he stops,
and picks up his cousins.
They weren't his cousins.

201
00:06:13,674 --> 00:06:16,041
And picks up his cousins.
They weren't his cousins.
And, you know, he came there.

202
00:06:16,043 --> 00:06:18,910
They weren't his cousins.
And, you know, he came there.
So, um, I started to

203
00:06:18,912 --> 00:06:20,278
and, you know, he came there.
So, um, I started to
interact with him, 'cause he saw

204
00:06:20,280 --> 00:06:21,413
so, um, I started to
interact with him, 'cause he saw
that I was already acting,

205
00:06:21,415 --> 00:06:23,281
interact with him, 'cause he saw
that I was already acting,
and interested in the business.

206
00:06:23,283 --> 00:06:24,249
That I was already acting,
and interested in the business.
But he said, "that's cool,

207
00:06:24,251 --> 00:06:25,283
and interested in the business.
But he said, "that's cool,
but it's really important for

208
00:06:25,285 --> 00:06:26,651
but he said, "that's cool,
but it's really important for
you to get behind the scenes."

209
00:06:26,653 --> 00:06:28,653
but it's really important for
you to get behind the scenes."
so, his next movie -- hollywood

210
00:06:28,655 --> 00:06:29,588
you to get behind the scenes."
so, his next movie -- hollywood
was so embarrassed that he had

211
00:06:29,590 --> 00:06:30,856
so, his next movie -- hollywood
was so embarrassed that he had
to go to France to make it,

212
00:06:30,858 --> 00:06:31,790
was so embarrassed that he had
to go to France to make it,
that the poor black man

213
00:06:31,792 --> 00:06:33,191
to go to France to make it,
that the poor black man
had to go to France to make it,

214
00:06:33,193 --> 00:06:34,760
that the poor black man
had to go to France to make it,
that they offered him a movie

215
00:06:34,762 --> 00:06:36,061
had to go to France to make it,
that they offered him a movie
called "watermelon man."

216
00:06:36,063 --> 00:06:37,396
that they offered him a movie
called "watermelon man."
I was on the set.

217
00:06:37,398 --> 00:06:39,131
Called "watermelon man."
I was on the set.
My dad said, "come work with me

218
00:06:39,133 --> 00:06:40,165
I was on the set.
My dad said, "come work with me
on that film."

219
00:06:40,167 --> 00:06:42,134
my dad said, "come work with me
on that film."
and I was what you call a "pa."

220
00:06:42,136 --> 00:06:43,135
on that film."
and I was what you call a "pa."
I'm one of those dudes you see

221
00:06:43,137 --> 00:06:43,769
and I was what you call a "pa."
I'm one of those dudes you see
running around, and

222
00:06:43,771 --> 00:06:44,503
I'm one of those dudes you see
running around, and
getting coffee,

223
00:06:44,505 --> 00:06:45,604
running around, and
getting coffee,
plugging in cables.

224
00:06:45,606 --> 00:06:46,738
Getting coffee,
plugging in cables.
That's a great job to have

225
00:06:46,740 --> 00:06:48,173
plugging in cables.
That's a great job to have
because you get to learn

226
00:06:48,175 --> 00:06:49,241
that's a great job to have
because you get to learn
what to do, and you get

227
00:06:49,243 --> 00:06:51,076
because you get to learn
what to do, and you get
to learn what not to do.

228
00:06:51,078 --> 00:06:52,811
What to do, and you get
to learn what not to do.
And very quickly, I progressed,

229
00:06:52,813 --> 00:06:56,648
to learn what not to do.
And very quickly, I progressed,
and I saw my dad making changes

230
00:06:56,650 --> 00:06:58,383
and very quickly, I progressed,
and I saw my dad making changes
behind the scenes.

231
00:06:58,385 --> 00:06:59,751
And I saw my dad making changes
behind the scenes.
The unions were pretty much all

232
00:06:59,753 --> 00:07:01,853
behind the scenes.
The unions were pretty much all
male and all white at the time.

233
00:07:01,855 --> 00:07:03,755
The unions were pretty much all
male and all white at the time.
And my dad did some very clever

234
00:07:03,757 --> 00:07:05,123
male and all white at the time.
And my dad did some very clever
moves that allowed other people

235
00:07:05,125 --> 00:07:06,558
and my dad did some very clever
moves that allowed other people
to get in.

236
00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:07,793
Moves that allowed other people
to get in.
So, one of the things

237
00:07:07,795 --> 00:07:09,828
to get in.
So, one of the things
my father realized was that

238
00:07:09,830 --> 00:07:11,696
so, one of the things
my father realized was that
the -- there was no one black

239
00:07:11,698 --> 00:07:13,098
my father realized was that
the -- there was no one black
in the makeups union.

240
00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:14,966
The -- there was no one black
in the makeups union.
And so, he was like, "well,

241
00:07:14,968 --> 00:07:15,634
in the makeups union.
And so, he was like, "well,
let's see if we can

242
00:07:15,636 --> 00:07:16,301
and so, he was like, "well,
let's see if we can
switch that."

243
00:07:16,303 --> 00:07:17,836
let's see if we can
switch that."
so, he had godfrey cambridge

244
00:07:17,838 --> 00:07:19,271
switch that."
so, he had godfrey cambridge
playing a white dude

245
00:07:19,273 --> 00:07:21,339
so, he had godfrey cambridge
playing a white dude
in "watermelon man" for about,

246
00:07:21,341 --> 00:07:22,641
playing a white dude
in "watermelon man" for about,
you know, 10 minutes.

247
00:07:22,643 --> 00:07:23,408
In "watermelon man" for about,
you know, 10 minutes.
And the rest of the movie,

248
00:07:23,410 --> 00:07:24,242
you know, 10 minutes.
And the rest of the movie,
he's black.

249
00:07:24,244 --> 00:07:26,011
And the rest of the movie,
he's black.
But in that time,

250
00:07:26,013 --> 00:07:27,746
he's black.
But in that time,
the old white makeup lady had to

251
00:07:27,748 --> 00:07:29,214
but in that time,
the old white makeup lady had to
put makeup on godfrey cambridge,

252
00:07:29,216 --> 00:07:30,816
the old white makeup lady had to
put makeup on godfrey cambridge,
all over him, to make him look

253
00:07:30,818 --> 00:07:32,083
put makeup on godfrey cambridge,
all over him, to make him look
like a white man.

254
00:07:32,085 --> 00:07:33,652
All over him, to make him look
like a white man.
So, he went to the studio.

255
00:07:33,654 --> 00:07:34,319
Like a white man.
So, he went to the studio.
"you do you know what

256
00:07:34,321 --> 00:07:34,786
so, he went to the studio.
"you do you know what
you're doing?

257
00:07:34,788 --> 00:07:36,254
"you do you know what
you're doing?
Jet magazine's coming down."

258
00:07:36,256 --> 00:07:37,789
you're doing?
Jet magazine's coming down."
he says, "you got a little white

259
00:07:37,791 --> 00:07:39,324
jet magazine's coming down."
he says, "you got a little white
lady and godfrey cambridge's

260
00:07:39,326 --> 00:07:40,592
he says, "you got a little white
lady and godfrey cambridge's
trailer putting white makeup

261
00:07:40,594 --> 00:07:41,593
lady and godfrey cambridge's
trailer putting white makeup
all over his ass."

262
00:07:41,595 --> 00:07:43,128
trailer putting white makeup
all over his ass."
and they're like, "oh."

263
00:07:43,130 --> 00:07:44,262
all over his ass."
and they're like, "oh."
"how's that gonna look?"

264
00:07:44,264 --> 00:07:45,297
and they're like, "oh."
"how's that gonna look?"
so, finally, he --

265
00:07:45,299 --> 00:07:46,398
"how's that gonna look?"
so, finally, he --
he twisted their arm,

266
00:07:46,400 --> 00:07:48,867
so, finally, he --
he twisted their arm,
and got them to hire a sister.

267
00:07:48,869 --> 00:07:50,268
He twisted their arm,
and got them to hire a sister.
So, he got her in the job,

268
00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:51,636
and got them to hire a sister.
So, he got her in the job,
and then he got her husband

269
00:07:51,638 --> 00:07:52,137
so, he got her in the job,
and then he got her husband
in the job.

270
00:07:52,139 --> 00:07:53,104
And then he got her husband
in the job.
And I see -- I saw him

271
00:07:53,106 --> 00:07:55,440
in the job.
And I see -- I saw him
slowly integrating the union,

272
00:07:55,442 --> 00:07:56,441
and I see -- I saw him
slowly integrating the union,
starting to get more women,

273
00:07:56,443 --> 00:07:58,109
slowly integrating the union,
starting to get more women,
people of color, like that.

274
00:07:58,111 --> 00:07:59,511
Starting to get more women,
people of color, like that.
So, his next movie,

275
00:07:59,513 --> 00:08:00,946
people of color, like that.
So, his next movie,
the studio didn't want to do it

276
00:08:00,948 --> 00:08:02,247
so, his next movie,
the studio didn't want to do it
because they he wanted -- they

277
00:08:02,249 --> 00:08:04,082
the studio didn't want to do it
because they he wanted -- they
wanted him to do another comedy.

278
00:08:04,084 --> 00:08:05,083
Because they he wanted -- they
wanted him to do another comedy.
And he said, "nah, man,

279
00:08:05,085 --> 00:08:06,985
wanted him to do another comedy.
And he said, "nah, man,
you know, they've killed king.

280
00:08:06,987 --> 00:08:08,253
And he said, "nah, man,
you know, they've killed king.
They killed malcolm.

281
00:08:08,255 --> 00:08:09,821
You know, they've killed king.
They killed malcolm.
They killed the kennedys.

282
00:08:09,823 --> 00:08:11,056
They killed malcolm.
They killed the kennedys.
America, specifically

283
00:08:11,058 --> 00:08:12,924
they killed the kennedys.
America, specifically
black america, is not

284
00:08:12,926 --> 00:08:14,926
america, specifically
black america, is not
in a laughing mood right now.

285
00:08:14,928 --> 00:08:16,061
Black america, is not
in a laughing mood right now.
I want to do a different

286
00:08:16,063 --> 00:08:16,928
in a laughing mood right now.
I want to do a different
kind of movie."

287
00:08:16,930 --> 00:08:17,996
I want to do a different
kind of movie."
people ask me about the role

288
00:08:17,998 --> 00:08:18,864
kind of movie."
people ask me about the role
in "sweetback," where I play

289
00:08:18,866 --> 00:08:20,098
people ask me about the role
in "sweetback," where I play
sweetback losing his cherry.

290
00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:21,233
In "sweetback," where I play
sweetback losing his cherry.
I'd like -- I always told --

291
00:08:21,235 --> 00:08:22,200
sweetback losing his cherry.
I'd like -- I always told --
joke with my dad, and say,

292
00:08:22,202 --> 00:08:23,168
I'd like -- I always told --
joke with my dad, and say,
"give me another shot at that

293
00:08:23,170 --> 00:08:23,735
joke with my dad, and say,
"give me another shot at that
now, I'd do a lot better."

294
00:08:25,204 --> 00:08:25,337
♪

295
00:08:28,407 --> 00:08:28,640
>> sweetback!

296
00:08:31,911 --> 00:08:37,115
But the bigger thing that
shook me as a kid was seeing
my father get death threats

297
00:08:37,117 --> 00:08:38,283
shook me as a kid was seeing
my father get death threats
from the unions, when he broke

298
00:08:38,285 --> 00:08:40,185
my father get death threats
from the unions, when he broke
the unions, was seeing him

299
00:08:40,187 --> 00:08:42,120
from the unions, when he broke
the unions, was seeing him
put everything on the line.

300
00:08:42,122 --> 00:08:42,854
The unions, was seeing him
put everything on the line.
Our family would have been

301
00:08:42,856 --> 00:08:43,688
put everything on the line.
Our family would have been
in a different spot

302
00:08:43,690 --> 00:08:44,890
our family would have been
in a different spot
if he hadn't have made it.

303
00:08:44,892 --> 00:08:46,458
In a different spot
if he hadn't have made it.
His whole crew got arrested

304
00:08:46,460 --> 00:08:47,926
if he hadn't have made it.
His whole crew got arrested
because they thought

305
00:08:47,928 --> 00:08:48,860
his whole crew got arrested
because they thought
they were terrorists.

306
00:08:48,862 --> 00:08:50,362
Because they thought
they were terrorists.
They'd never seen black people

307
00:08:50,364 --> 00:08:51,763
they were terrorists.
They'd never seen black people
and hippies together

308
00:08:51,765 --> 00:08:52,998
they'd never seen black people
and hippies together
with all that expensive

309
00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:53,732
and hippies together
with all that expensive
camera equipment.

310
00:08:53,734 --> 00:08:55,333
With all that expensive
camera equipment.
So, they just got arrested

311
00:08:55,335 --> 00:08:57,202
camera equipment.
So, they just got arrested
for being multi-racial,

312
00:08:57,204 --> 00:08:58,069
so, they just got arrested
for being multi-racial,
and wouldn't bail them

313
00:08:58,071 --> 00:08:59,604
for being multi-racial,
and wouldn't bail them
out over the weekend.

314
00:08:59,606 --> 00:09:00,639
And wouldn't bail them
out over the weekend.
So, arrested them on Friday,

315
00:09:00,641 --> 00:09:01,506
out over the weekend.
So, arrested them on Friday,
that mean they wouldn't get out

316
00:09:01,508 --> 00:09:03,275
so, arrested them on Friday,
that mean they wouldn't get out
until Monday.

317
00:09:03,277 --> 00:09:04,643
That mean they wouldn't get out
until Monday.
So, there were things like that

318
00:09:04,645 --> 00:09:06,311
until Monday.
So, there were things like that
that he had to go up against

319
00:09:06,313 --> 00:09:08,647
so, there were things like that
that he had to go up against
all the time.

320
00:09:08,649 --> 00:09:09,381
That he had to go up against
all the time.
And that's what made

321
00:09:09,383 --> 00:09:11,182
all the time.
And that's what made
an impression on me growing up.

322
00:09:11,184 --> 00:09:15,220
And that's what made
an impression on me growing up.
And I saw that one man

323
00:09:15,222 --> 00:09:16,621
an impression on me growing up.
And I saw that one man
or one woman

324
00:09:16,623 --> 00:09:17,155
and I saw that one man
or one woman
could make a difference.

325
00:09:20,793 --> 00:09:29,501
>> melvin van peebles,
in a crazy way, saved hollywood.
It was going down the drain.

326
00:09:29,503 --> 00:09:31,970
In a crazy way, saved hollywood.
It was going down the drain.
And yet, if you go down

327
00:09:31,972 --> 00:09:33,438
it was going down the drain.
And yet, if you go down
hollywood boulevard --

328
00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:34,205
and yet, if you go down
hollywood boulevard --
no disrespect

329
00:09:34,207 --> 00:09:36,174
hollywood boulevard --
no disrespect
to ryan seacrest,

330
00:09:36,176 --> 00:09:36,875
no disrespect
to ryan seacrest,
he has a star

331
00:09:36,877 --> 00:09:39,377
to ryan seacrest,
he has a star
on hollywood boulevard.

332
00:09:39,379 --> 00:09:42,614
He has a star
on hollywood boulevard.
And melvin van peebles does not.

333
00:09:42,616 --> 00:09:43,848
On hollywood boulevard.
And melvin van peebles does not.
If you were to open the book

334
00:09:43,850 --> 00:09:47,852
and melvin van peebles does not.
If you were to open the book
on independent cinema, called

335
00:09:47,854 --> 00:09:49,154
if you were to open the book
on independent cinema, called
"raging bulls and easy rider,"

336
00:09:49,156 --> 00:09:50,388
on independent cinema, called
"raging bulls and easy rider,"
I think, they write about all

337
00:09:50,390 --> 00:09:52,223
"raging bulls and easy rider,"
I think, they write about all
the independent films.

338
00:09:52,225 --> 00:09:54,426
I think, they write about all
the independent films.
They totally leave melvin out,

339
00:09:54,428 --> 00:09:54,993
the independent films.
They totally leave melvin out,
even though he had

340
00:09:54,995 --> 00:09:55,961
they totally leave melvin out,
even though he had
the top-grossing

341
00:09:55,963 --> 00:09:56,761
even though he had
the top-grossing
independent film

342
00:09:56,763 --> 00:09:58,263
the top-grossing
independent film
up to that time.

343
00:09:58,265 --> 00:09:59,164
Independent film
up to that time.
So, there's a tendency

344
00:09:59,166 --> 00:10:00,265
up to that time.
So, there's a tendency
to whitewash history.

345
00:10:00,267 --> 00:10:02,133
So, there's a tendency
to whitewash history.
But we know that.

346
00:10:02,135 --> 00:10:02,968
To whitewash history.
But we know that.
History is a book

347
00:10:02,970 --> 00:10:03,768
but we know that.
History is a book
written by the winner.

348
00:10:03,770 --> 00:10:05,570
History is a book
written by the winner.
And if you are not a part

349
00:10:05,572 --> 00:10:07,072
written by the winner.
And if you are not a part
of what the winner wants to see,

350
00:10:07,074 --> 00:10:07,939
and if you are not a part
of what the winner wants to see,
you will not be left

351
00:10:07,941 --> 00:10:08,506
of what the winner wants to see,
you will not be left
in that history.

352
00:10:08,508 --> 00:10:11,643
You will not be left
in that history.
I, as a filmmaker, have decided

353
00:10:11,645 --> 00:10:14,479
in that history.
I, as a filmmaker, have decided
to try to...

354
00:10:14,481 --> 00:10:15,680
I, as a filmmaker, have decided
to try to...
Show our history,

355
00:10:15,682 --> 00:10:16,348
to try to...
Show our history,
and not marginalize any people.

356
00:10:19,652 --> 00:10:22,053
>> my father had said,
"some dads teach you to play
basketball.

357
00:10:22,055 --> 00:10:22,821
"some dads teach you to play
basketball.
I'm gonna try to teach you

358
00:10:22,823 --> 00:10:24,289
basketball.
I'm gonna try to teach you
how to own the team."

359
00:10:24,291 --> 00:10:25,323
I'm gonna try to teach you
how to own the team."
and he said, "I know --

360
00:10:25,325 --> 00:10:26,825
how to own the team."
and he said, "I know --
I think, because you've grown up

361
00:10:26,827 --> 00:10:28,126
and he said, "I know --
I think, because you've grown up
in our family,

362
00:10:28,128 --> 00:10:30,061
I think, because you've grown up
in our family,
what you should do is consider

363
00:10:30,063 --> 00:10:32,030
in our family,
what you should do is consider
taking either business or law,

364
00:10:32,032 --> 00:10:33,098
what you should do is consider
taking either business or law,
because america is built

365
00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:33,865
taking either business or law,
because america is built
on capitalism

366
00:10:33,867 --> 00:10:35,467
because america is built
on capitalism
and it's built on democracy.

367
00:10:35,469 --> 00:10:36,334
On capitalism
and it's built on democracy.
And if you have a sense

368
00:10:36,336 --> 00:10:37,736
and it's built on democracy.
And if you have a sense
of those two universes,

369
00:10:37,738 --> 00:10:40,238
and if you have a sense
of those two universes,
and you can speak finance,

370
00:10:40,240 --> 00:10:41,072
of those two universes,
and you can speak finance,
you'll be able to set up

371
00:10:41,074 --> 00:10:42,340
and you can speak finance,
you'll be able to set up
your own projects.

372
00:10:42,342 --> 00:10:43,642
You'll be able to set up
your own projects.
You'll be able to make a living,

373
00:10:43,644 --> 00:10:44,542
your own projects.
You'll be able to make a living,
and monetize

374
00:10:44,544 --> 00:10:46,277
you'll be able to make a living,
and monetize
that which you love later."

375
00:10:46,279 --> 00:10:46,778
and monetize
that which you love later."
and he said,

376
00:10:46,780 --> 00:10:48,179
that which you love later."
and he said,
"traditionally, people of color

377
00:10:48,181 --> 00:10:49,280
and he said,
"traditionally, people of color
come up short in that way.

378
00:10:49,282 --> 00:10:50,448
"traditionally, people of color
come up short in that way.
So, you get great talented

379
00:10:50,450 --> 00:10:52,684
come up short in that way.
So, you get great talented
singers and artists that end up

380
00:10:52,686 --> 00:10:53,785
so, you get great talented
singers and artists that end up
broken in their later years

381
00:10:53,787 --> 00:10:55,020
singers and artists that end up
broken in their later years
because they don't know

382
00:10:55,022 --> 00:10:56,721
broken in their later years
because they don't know
the language of finance."

383
00:10:56,723 --> 00:10:57,956
because they don't know
the language of finance."
and that sounded boring

384
00:10:57,958 --> 00:10:58,623
the language of finance."
and that sounded boring
as hell to me.

385
00:10:58,625 --> 00:10:59,324
And that sounded boring
as hell to me.
But I did it.

386
00:10:59,326 --> 00:11:01,192
As hell to me.
But I did it.
And I went to columbia.

387
00:11:01,194 --> 00:11:02,293
But I did it.
And I went to columbia.
I went to an ivy league school,

388
00:11:02,295 --> 00:11:04,129
and I went to columbia.
I went to an ivy league school,
got a b.A. In economics.

389
00:11:04,131 --> 00:11:05,263
I went to an ivy league school,
got a b.A. In economics.
And then, I worked for a couple

390
00:11:05,265 --> 00:11:07,465
got a b.A. In economics.
And then, I worked for a couple
of years as a budget analyst

391
00:11:07,467 --> 00:11:09,467
and then, I worked for a couple
of years as a budget analyst
for the koch administration,

392
00:11:09,469 --> 00:11:10,769
of years as a budget analyst
for the koch administration,
because mom was always

393
00:11:10,771 --> 00:11:12,070
for the koch administration,
because mom was always
into environmentalism,

394
00:11:12,072 --> 00:11:13,638
because mom was always
into environmentalism,
and trying to figure out

395
00:11:13,640 --> 00:11:15,173
into environmentalism,
and trying to figure out
how human beings could survive

396
00:11:15,175 --> 00:11:16,274
and trying to figure out
how human beings could survive
better with the planet.

397
00:11:16,276 --> 00:11:16,708
How human beings could survive
better with the planet.
And I thought,

398
00:11:16,710 --> 00:11:17,742
better with the planet.
And I thought,
"well, let me do that.

399
00:11:17,744 --> 00:11:18,843
And I thought,
"well, let me do that.
You know, work on that budget,

400
00:11:18,845 --> 00:11:20,245
"well, let me do that.
You know, work on that budget,
and see if I can help green up

401
00:11:20,247 --> 00:11:20,812
you know, work on that budget,
and see if I can help green up
new york city."

402
00:11:20,814 --> 00:11:22,047
and see if I can help green up
new york city."
I did that

403
00:11:22,049 --> 00:11:23,014
new york city."
I did that
for a couple of years.

404
00:11:23,016 --> 00:11:23,748
I did that
for a couple of years.
But I knew I wanted

405
00:11:23,750 --> 00:11:24,983
for a couple of years.
But I knew I wanted
to get back into the arts.

406
00:11:24,985 --> 00:11:26,751
But I knew I wanted
to get back into the arts.
So, I thought,

407
00:11:26,753 --> 00:11:27,752
to get back into the arts.
So, I thought,
"I've been a good son.

408
00:11:27,754 --> 00:11:29,020
So, I thought,
"I've been a good son.
I'm the eldest.

409
00:11:29,022 --> 00:11:29,888
"I've been a good son.
I'm the eldest.
I've been a good guy.

410
00:11:29,890 --> 00:11:31,156
I'm the eldest.
I've been a good guy.
I'm gonna go take dad to his

411
00:11:31,158 --> 00:11:32,357
I've been a good guy.
I'm gonna go take dad to his
favorite funky-ass

412
00:11:32,359 --> 00:11:33,825
I'm gonna go take dad to his
favorite funky-ass
chinese-cuban restaurant,"

413
00:11:33,827 --> 00:11:35,593
favorite funky-ass
chinese-cuban restaurant,"
which I did,

414
00:11:35,595 --> 00:11:36,828
chinese-cuban restaurant,"
which I did,
"and I'll -- and I'll tell him

415
00:11:36,830 --> 00:11:38,697
which I did,
"and I'll -- and I'll tell him
I'm ready to get in the movies."

416
00:11:38,699 --> 00:11:40,832
"and I'll -- and I'll tell him
I'm ready to get in the movies."
so, I met him there.

417
00:11:40,834 --> 00:11:41,833
I'm ready to get in the movies."
so, I met him there.
I had my brooks brothers

418
00:11:41,835 --> 00:11:43,334
so, I met him there.
I had my brooks brothers
gray suit, gray tie,

419
00:11:43,336 --> 00:11:44,936
I had my brooks brothers
gray suit, gray tie,
gray life, gray job.

420
00:11:44,938 --> 00:11:45,937
Gray suit, gray tie,
gray life, gray job.
Went in there

421
00:11:45,939 --> 00:11:48,073
gray life, gray job.
Went in there
with my pitch ready for him.

422
00:11:48,075 --> 00:11:49,307
Went in there
with my pitch ready for him.
And he said, "son, would you

423
00:11:49,309 --> 00:11:52,010
with my pitch ready for him.
And he said, "son, would you
like me to make you a star?"

424
00:11:52,012 --> 00:11:53,878
and he said, "son, would you
like me to make you a star?"
and...

425
00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:54,713
Like me to make you a star?"
and...
I was a little concerned.

426
00:11:54,715 --> 00:11:55,680
And...
I was a little concerned.
My antenna was up.

427
00:11:55,682 --> 00:11:58,516
I was a little concerned.
My antenna was up.
And I said, "absolutely."

428
00:11:58,518 --> 00:12:00,285
my antenna was up.
And I said, "absolutely."
he said, "gotcha."

429
00:12:00,287 --> 00:12:01,419
and I said, "absolutely."
he said, "gotcha."
he reached down his napkin,

430
00:12:01,421 --> 00:12:02,120
he said, "gotcha."
he reached down his napkin,
and drew a star,

431
00:12:02,122 --> 00:12:03,555
he reached down his napkin,
and drew a star,
and handed it to me.

432
00:12:03,557 --> 00:12:04,856
And drew a star,
and handed it to me.
He said, "there. You a star."

433
00:12:04,858 --> 00:12:06,491
and handed it to me.
He said, "there. You a star."
[ laughs ]

434
00:12:06,493 --> 00:12:07,325
he said, "there. You a star."
[ laughs ]
and he said, "but I'll tell you

435
00:12:07,327 --> 00:12:07,692
[ laughs ]
and he said, "but I'll tell you
what I'll do.

436
00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:10,695
I'll give you
some good free advice --
early to bed, early to rise,

437
00:12:10,697 --> 00:12:12,564
some good free advice --
early to bed, early to rise,
work like hell, and advertise.

438
00:12:12,566 --> 00:12:13,665
Early to bed, early to rise,
work like hell, and advertise.
And me and your mom will come

439
00:12:13,667 --> 00:12:15,934
work like hell, and advertise.
And me and your mom will come
see you in everything you get."

440
00:12:15,936 --> 00:12:18,903
and me and your mom will come
see you in everything you get."
and he left me with the bill.

441
00:12:18,905 --> 00:12:20,638
See you in everything you get."
and he left me with the bill.
And so, I said, "screw that."

442
00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:21,840
and he left me with the bill.
And so, I said, "screw that."
I started acting in all these

443
00:12:21,842 --> 00:12:23,675
and so, I said, "screw that."
I started acting in all these
little funky plays.

444
00:12:23,677 --> 00:12:26,277
I started acting in all these
little funky plays.
I did some really little funky

445
00:12:26,279 --> 00:12:27,912
little funky plays.
I did some really little funky
roles in movies, and --

446
00:12:27,914 --> 00:12:30,181
I did some really little funky
roles in movies, and --
anything that I could get, man.

447
00:12:30,183 --> 00:12:31,983
Roles in movies, and --
anything that I could get, man.
I did one movie that was so bad

448
00:12:31,985 --> 00:12:33,284
anything that I could get, man.
I did one movie that was so bad
it couldn't get released.

449
00:12:33,286 --> 00:12:33,752
I did one movie that was so bad
it couldn't get released.
I'm not gonna

450
00:12:33,754 --> 00:12:35,120
it couldn't get released.
I'm not gonna
tell you the name.

451
00:12:35,122 --> 00:12:37,322
I'm not gonna
tell you the name.
And when, later on,

452
00:12:37,324 --> 00:12:38,656
tell you the name.
And when, later on,
my career started to take off,

453
00:12:38,658 --> 00:12:40,291
and when, later on,
my career started to take off,
the dude called me up, and said,

454
00:12:40,293 --> 00:12:41,059
my career started to take off,
the dude called me up, and said,
"guess what?

455
00:12:41,061 --> 00:12:42,627
The dude called me up, and said,
"guess what?
'cause you're blowing up,

456
00:12:42,629 --> 00:12:43,795
"guess what?
'cause you're blowing up,
I got the movie released."

457
00:12:43,797 --> 00:12:45,096
'cause you're blowing up,
I got the movie released."
I'm like, "oh, [bleep]

458
00:12:45,098 --> 00:12:45,463
I got the movie released."
I'm like, "oh, [bleep]
no.

459
00:12:45,465 --> 00:12:46,664
I'm like, "oh, [bleep]
no.
No, no, no.

460
00:12:46,666 --> 00:12:47,966
No.
No, no, no.
Buy up the prints."

461
00:12:47,968 --> 00:12:49,033
no, no, no.
Buy up the prints."
the movie came out.

462
00:12:49,035 --> 00:12:50,301
Buy up the prints."
the movie came out.
Me and my dad, and my mom --

463
00:12:50,303 --> 00:12:52,437
the movie came out.
Me and my dad, and my mom --
and my sister was in it, too.

464
00:12:52,439 --> 00:12:53,905
Me and my dad, and my mom --
and my sister was in it, too.
I convinced her she could act.

465
00:12:53,907 --> 00:12:54,906
And my sister was in it, too.
I convinced her she could act.
She can't act.

466
00:12:54,908 --> 00:12:56,141
I convinced her she could act.
She can't act.
The thing seeing movies

467
00:12:56,143 --> 00:12:57,609
she can't act.
The thing seeing movies
in times square

468
00:12:57,611 --> 00:12:59,310
the thing seeing movies
in times square
with a lot of black folks is,

469
00:12:59,312 --> 00:12:59,978
in times square
with a lot of black folks is,
you know, the ghetto

470
00:12:59,980 --> 00:13:01,312
with a lot of black folks is,
you know, the ghetto
siskel and ebert would tell you

471
00:13:01,314 --> 00:13:02,447
you know, the ghetto
siskel and ebert would tell you
what the hell they thinking

472
00:13:02,449 --> 00:13:03,281
siskel and ebert would tell you
what the hell they thinking
right on the spot.

473
00:13:03,283 --> 00:13:04,582
What the hell they thinking
right on the spot.
So, there's no -- it's not like

474
00:13:04,584 --> 00:13:06,351
right on the spot.
So, there's no -- it's not like
anyone's gonna cushion the blow.

475
00:13:06,353 --> 00:13:06,985
So, there's no -- it's not like
anyone's gonna cushion the blow.
So, people were like,

476
00:13:06,987 --> 00:13:08,553
anyone's gonna cushion the blow.
So, people were like,
"damn, this [bleep] sucks."

477
00:13:08,555 --> 00:13:09,687
so, people were like,
"damn, this [bleep] sucks."
one dude was like, "man,

478
00:13:09,689 --> 00:13:10,688
"damn, this [bleep] sucks."
one dude was like, "man,
tell me when they start killing

479
00:13:10,690 --> 00:13:12,123
one dude was like, "man,
tell me when they start killing
[bleep] I'll come back."

480
00:13:12,125 --> 00:13:13,792
tell me when they start killing
[bleep] I'll come back."
and by the end of the movie --

481
00:13:13,794 --> 00:13:15,160
[bleep] I'll come back."
and by the end of the movie --
people had just kept going out

482
00:13:15,162 --> 00:13:16,628
and by the end of the movie --
people had just kept going out
to other movie theaters.

483
00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:17,362
People had just kept going out
to other movie theaters.
And by the end of the movie,

484
00:13:17,364 --> 00:13:18,696
to other movie theaters.
And by the end of the movie,
my my mom was sitting there,

485
00:13:18,698 --> 00:13:19,898
and by the end of the movie,
my my mom was sitting there,
and my dad, and my sister.

486
00:13:19,900 --> 00:13:20,565
My my mom was sitting there,
and my dad, and my sister.
My mother said,

487
00:13:20,567 --> 00:13:21,599
and my dad, and my sister.
My mother said,
"well, it's not that bad.

488
00:13:21,601 --> 00:13:22,634
My mother said,
"well, it's not that bad.
At least you didn't kill

489
00:13:22,636 --> 00:13:23,701
"well, it's not that bad.
At least you didn't kill
any animals."

490
00:13:23,703 --> 00:13:25,503
at least you didn't kill
any animals."
[ laughs ]

491
00:13:25,505 --> 00:13:27,071
any animals."
[ laughs ]
and my dad had his cigar.

492
00:13:27,073 --> 00:13:27,939
[ laughs ]
and my dad had his cigar.
He said, "yeah.

493
00:13:27,941 --> 00:13:30,041
And my dad had his cigar.
He said, "yeah.
The good news is...

494
00:13:30,043 --> 00:13:31,276
He said, "yeah.
The good news is...
Peace of [bleep] like this

495
00:13:31,278 --> 00:13:32,243
the good news is...
Peace of [bleep] like this
is so bad could be

496
00:13:32,245 --> 00:13:34,112
peace of [bleep] like this
is so bad could be
in the theater two days."

497
00:13:34,114 --> 00:13:35,780
is so bad could be
in the theater two days."
and he was right.

498
00:13:35,782 --> 00:13:36,948
In the theater two days."
and he was right.
And I left there going,

499
00:13:36,950 --> 00:13:38,449
and he was right.
And I left there going,
"you know, the positive message

500
00:13:38,451 --> 00:13:40,819
and I left there going,
"you know, the positive message
in this is that I should direct

501
00:13:40,821 --> 00:13:41,486
"you know, the positive message
in this is that I should direct
my own [bleep]."

502
00:13:41,488 --> 00:13:43,254
in this is that I should direct
my own [bleep]."
if he could get that out there,

503
00:13:43,256 --> 00:13:44,455
my own [bleep]."
if he could get that out there,
I can, too.

504
00:13:44,457 --> 00:13:45,623
If he could get that out there,
I can, too.
Some people will look at things,

505
00:13:45,625 --> 00:13:47,425
I can, too.
Some people will look at things,
and see it as a negative.

506
00:13:47,427 --> 00:13:48,593
Some people will look at things,
and see it as a negative.
You know, I kind of see

507
00:13:48,595 --> 00:13:49,961
and see it as a negative.
You know, I kind of see
rejection as an opportunity

508
00:13:49,963 --> 00:13:50,962
you know, I kind of see
rejection as an opportunity
in work clothes,

509
00:13:50,964 --> 00:13:52,063
rejection as an opportunity
in work clothes,
as my daddy would say.

510
00:13:52,065 --> 00:13:52,597
In work clothes,
as my daddy would say.
You know, just,

511
00:13:52,599 --> 00:13:53,565
as my daddy would say.
You know, just,
I don't look at rejection

512
00:13:53,567 --> 00:13:54,499
you know, just,
I don't look at rejection
the same way.

513
00:13:54,501 --> 00:13:56,234
I don't look at rejection
the same way.
I played tarzan --

514
00:13:56,236 --> 00:13:58,169
the same way.
I played tarzan --
a black tarzan.

515
00:13:58,171 --> 00:13:59,804
I played tarzan --
a black tarzan.
Then I played a psychotic killer

516
00:13:59,806 --> 00:14:01,472
a black tarzan.
Then I played a psychotic killer
maid who turns out to be a dude,

517
00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:02,974
then I played a psychotic killer
maid who turns out to be a dude,
and kills everybody.

518
00:14:02,976 --> 00:14:05,143
Maid who turns out to be a dude,
and kills everybody.
And then I played deadwood dick,

519
00:14:05,145 --> 00:14:06,344
and kills everybody.
And then I played deadwood dick,
the first black cowboy,

520
00:14:06,346 --> 00:14:07,579
and then I played deadwood dick,
the first black cowboy,
the legend of deadwood dick,

521
00:14:07,581 --> 00:14:08,680
the first black cowboy,
the legend of deadwood dick,
up in harlem.

522
00:14:08,682 --> 00:14:10,014
The legend of deadwood dick,
up in harlem.
I auditioned to be a garbage

523
00:14:10,016 --> 00:14:11,182
up in harlem.
I auditioned to be a garbage
man, and the dude said,

524
00:14:11,184 --> 00:14:12,183
I auditioned to be a garbage
man, and the dude said,
"nah, man, I don't see you

525
00:14:12,185 --> 00:14:13,952
man, and the dude said,
"nah, man, I don't see you
as a garbage man.

526
00:14:13,954 --> 00:14:15,053
"nah, man, I don't see you
as a garbage man.
But you could be the villain."

527
00:14:15,055 --> 00:14:15,653
as a garbage man.
But you could be the villain."
and I was like,

528
00:14:15,655 --> 00:14:16,221
but you could be the villain."
and I was like,
"you're casting me

529
00:14:16,223 --> 00:14:16,721
and I was like,
"you're casting me
as the villain?"

530
00:14:16,723 --> 00:14:17,488
"you're casting me
as the villain?"
and I talked to my dad.

531
00:14:17,490 --> 00:14:18,189
As the villain?"
and I talked to my dad.
He said, "yeah,

532
00:14:18,191 --> 00:14:18,690
and I talked to my dad.
He said, "yeah,
play the villain,

533
00:14:18,692 --> 00:14:19,324
he said, "yeah,
play the villain,
go do it."

534
00:14:19,326 --> 00:14:20,491
play the villain,
go do it."
so I did a villain in this movie

535
00:14:20,493 --> 00:14:22,427
go do it."
so I did a villain in this movie
called "exterminator 2."

536
00:14:22,429 --> 00:14:23,895
so I did a villain in this movie
called "exterminator 2."
that took me to l.A.

537
00:14:23,897 --> 00:14:24,596
Called "exterminator 2."
that took me to l.A.
I started --

538
00:14:24,598 --> 00:14:25,597
that took me to l.A.
I started --
I wrote a little film.

539
00:14:25,599 --> 00:14:26,531
I started --
I wrote a little film.
I directed that,

540
00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:27,899
I wrote a little film.
I directed that,
and I wrote a script.

541
00:14:27,901 --> 00:14:29,934
I directed that,
and I wrote a script.
And I sold that to motown.

542
00:14:29,936 --> 00:14:30,735
And I wrote a script.
And I sold that to motown.
So, I was writing,

543
00:14:30,737 --> 00:14:31,202
and I sold that to motown.
So, I was writing,
and doing stuff

544
00:14:31,204 --> 00:14:33,404
so, I was writing,
and doing stuff
behind the scenes.

545
00:14:33,406 --> 00:14:34,672
And doing stuff
behind the scenes.
And then, finally, I got the job

546
00:14:34,674 --> 00:14:35,540
behind the scenes.
And then, finally, I got the job
in "heartbreak ridge."

547
00:14:35,542 --> 00:14:37,141
and then, finally, I got the job
in "heartbreak ridge."
and my brother, who's --

548
00:14:37,143 --> 00:14:38,009
in "heartbreak ridge."
and my brother, who's --
who could be a little bit

549
00:14:38,011 --> 00:14:39,244
and my brother, who's --
who could be a little bit
of a hater, my younger brother,

550
00:14:39,246 --> 00:14:40,945
who could be a little bit
of a hater, my younger brother,
who's half french, he said,

551
00:14:40,947 --> 00:14:41,913
of a hater, my younger brother,
who's half french, he said,
"man, if anyone can do it,

552
00:14:41,915 --> 00:14:42,480
who's half french, he said,
"man, if anyone can do it,
you can do it.

553
00:14:42,482 --> 00:14:42,947
"man, if anyone can do it,
you can do it.
Don't give up."

554
00:14:42,949 --> 00:14:44,415
you can do it.
Don't give up."
let me tell you how it goes --

555
00:14:44,417 --> 00:14:46,517
don't give up."
let me tell you how it goes --
whatever seat you're sitting in,

556
00:14:46,519 --> 00:14:48,353
let me tell you how it goes --
whatever seat you're sitting in,
when you -- when the show

557
00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:49,354
whatever seat you're sitting in,
when you -- when the show
gets hot, is the seat

558
00:14:49,356 --> 00:14:50,154
when you -- when the show
gets hot, is the seat
you get offered more.

559
00:14:50,156 --> 00:14:51,055
Gets hot, is the seat
you get offered more.
So, if you're directing it,

560
00:14:51,057 --> 00:14:51,623
you get offered more.
So, if you're directing it,
they'll offer you

561
00:14:51,625 --> 00:14:52,457
so, if you're directing it,
they'll offer you
more directing jobs.

562
00:14:52,459 --> 00:14:53,992
They'll offer you
more directing jobs.
If you're acting it, typically

563
00:14:53,994 --> 00:14:54,926
more directing jobs.
If you're acting it, typically
you get more acting jobs.

564
00:14:54,928 --> 00:14:56,227
If you're acting it, typically
you get more acting jobs.
So, in "heartbreak ridge,"

565
00:14:56,229 --> 00:14:57,295
you get more acting jobs.
So, in "heartbreak ridge,"
I -- you know, the movie was

566
00:14:57,297 --> 00:14:59,464
so, in "heartbreak ridge,"
I -- you know, the movie was
good, and people appreciated it.

567
00:14:59,466 --> 00:15:00,832
I -- you know, the movie was
good, and people appreciated it.
So, I started getting all these

568
00:15:00,834 --> 00:15:02,767
good, and people appreciated it.
So, I started getting all these
offers to come to lunch.

569
00:15:02,769 --> 00:15:04,535
So, I started getting all these
offers to come to lunch.
And I would usually

570
00:15:04,537 --> 00:15:05,403
offers to come to lunch.
And I would usually
get something to go,

571
00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:06,271
and I would usually
get something to go,
'cause most of these lunches

572
00:15:06,273 --> 00:15:07,272
get something to go,
'cause most of these lunches
didn't amount to anything.

573
00:15:07,274 --> 00:15:08,072
'cause most of these lunches
didn't amount to anything.
So, I'd get something,

574
00:15:08,074 --> 00:15:08,873
didn't amount to anything.
So, I'd get something,
and get a little something

575
00:15:08,875 --> 00:15:09,274
so, I'd get something,
and get a little something
to go.

576
00:15:09,276 --> 00:15:11,442
And get a little something
to go.
People would trip out.

577
00:15:11,444 --> 00:15:12,911
To go.
People would trip out.
And this one dude

578
00:15:12,913 --> 00:15:14,312
people would trip out.
And this one dude
asked me to come to lunch.

579
00:15:14,314 --> 00:15:16,648
And this one dude
asked me to come to lunch.
His name was steven cannon.

580
00:15:16,650 --> 00:15:17,782
Asked me to come to lunch.
His name was steven cannon.
He was talking about doing a tv

581
00:15:17,784 --> 00:15:19,017
his name was steven cannon.
He was talking about doing a tv
show, or something.

582
00:15:19,019 --> 00:15:19,651
He was talking about doing a tv
show, or something.
And he said,

583
00:15:19,653 --> 00:15:20,685
show, or something.
And he said,
"well, if you did a tv show,

584
00:15:20,687 --> 00:15:21,052
and he said,
"well, if you did a tv show,
you know,

585
00:15:21,054 --> 00:15:21,986
"well, if you did a tv show,
you know,
what kind of show would it be?"

586
00:15:21,988 --> 00:15:23,388
you know,
what kind of show would it be?"
and we talked about that.

587
00:15:23,390 --> 00:15:24,155
What kind of show would it be?"
and we talked about that.
I didn't really want to do

588
00:15:24,157 --> 00:15:25,556
and we talked about that.
I didn't really want to do
a tv show because, you know,

589
00:15:25,558 --> 00:15:26,291
I didn't really want to do
a tv show because, you know,
again, like I said,

590
00:15:26,293 --> 00:15:28,459
a tv show because, you know,
again, like I said,
in the '90's, you know,

591
00:15:28,461 --> 00:15:29,694
again, like I said,
in the '90's, you know,
anyone black on a tv show

592
00:15:29,696 --> 00:15:30,962
in the '90's, you know,
anyone black on a tv show
got stuck in one role,

593
00:15:30,964 --> 00:15:32,196
anyone black on a tv show
got stuck in one role,
playing that police commissioner

594
00:15:32,198 --> 00:15:33,097
got stuck in one role,
playing that police commissioner
cat going, you know,

595
00:15:33,099 --> 00:15:33,998
playing that police commissioner
cat going, you know,
"do it by the book,

596
00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:34,666
cat going, you know,
"do it by the book,
or I'll have your ass,"

597
00:15:34,668 --> 00:15:35,566
"do it by the book,
or I'll have your ass,"
or "check the roof,"

598
00:15:35,568 --> 00:15:36,434
or I'll have your ass,"
or "check the roof,"
or "did you check

599
00:15:36,436 --> 00:15:37,168
or "check the roof,"
or "did you check
the back alley?"

600
00:15:37,170 --> 00:15:37,769
or "did you check
the back alley?"
I said, "I don't want to

601
00:15:37,771 --> 00:15:38,770
the back alley?"
I said, "I don't want to
do that, man."

602
00:15:38,772 --> 00:15:39,370
I said, "I don't want to
do that, man."
and he said, "but no --"

603
00:15:39,372 --> 00:15:40,171
do that, man."
and he said, "but no --"
but -- I said --

604
00:15:40,173 --> 00:15:41,272
and he said, "but no --"
but -- I said --
he said, "what would you play?"

605
00:15:41,274 --> 00:15:42,206
but -- I said --
he said, "what would you play?"
I said, "okay.

606
00:15:42,208 --> 00:15:44,409
He said, "what would you play?"
I said, "okay.
I would play, each week,

607
00:15:44,411 --> 00:15:46,244
I said, "okay.
I would play, each week,
a different character.

608
00:15:46,246 --> 00:15:47,211
I would play, each week,
a different character.
I'd play someone that

609
00:15:47,213 --> 00:15:48,479
a different character.
I'd play someone that
a young brother like myself

610
00:15:48,481 --> 00:15:49,514
I'd play someone that
a young brother like myself
would never get to play.

611
00:15:49,516 --> 00:15:51,549
A young brother like myself
would never get to play.
So, I would break the stereotype

612
00:15:51,551 --> 00:15:53,318
would never get to play.
So, I would break the stereotype
each and every week."

613
00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:53,751
so, I would break the stereotype
each and every week."
he said, like,

614
00:15:53,753 --> 00:15:54,585
each and every week."
he said, like,
"what kind of characters?"

615
00:15:54,587 --> 00:15:55,086
he said, like,
"what kind of characters?"
'cause -- he said,

616
00:15:55,088 --> 00:15:55,987
"what kind of characters?"
'cause -- he said,
"you'd play --"

617
00:15:55,989 --> 00:15:56,554
'cause -- he said,
"you'd play --"
"this would be

618
00:15:56,556 --> 00:15:57,989
"you'd play --"
"this would be
a private detective?"

619
00:15:57,991 --> 00:15:58,589
"this would be
a private detective?"
I said, "yeah.

620
00:15:58,591 --> 00:15:59,724
A private detective?"
I said, "yeah.
He's a private detective,

621
00:15:59,726 --> 00:16:01,192
I said, "yeah.
He's a private detective,
but to catch the bad guys,

622
00:16:01,194 --> 00:16:02,493
he's a private detective,
but to catch the bad guys,
'cause my mom's a hippie

623
00:16:02,495 --> 00:16:02,994
but to catch the bad guys,
'cause my mom's a hippie
and she don't,

624
00:16:02,996 --> 00:16:04,862
'cause my mom's a hippie
and she don't,
want me using guns,

625
00:16:04,864 --> 00:16:05,763
and she don't,
want me using guns,
I would use no gun.

626
00:16:05,765 --> 00:16:07,465
Want me using guns,
I would use no gun.
I would just use my disguises

627
00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:08,700
I would use no gun.
I would just use my disguises
to finesse it."

628
00:16:08,702 --> 00:16:09,400
I would just use my disguises
to finesse it."
so, he said, "what --

629
00:16:09,402 --> 00:16:10,535
to finesse it."
so, he said, "what --
what disguises would you do?"

630
00:16:10,537 --> 00:16:12,537
so, he said, "what --
what disguises would you do?"
I said, "well...

631
00:16:12,539 --> 00:16:15,840
What disguises would you do?"
I said, "well...
I want to play a fat dude.

632
00:16:15,842 --> 00:16:17,642
I said, "well...
I want to play a fat dude.
I want to play a white dude,

633
00:16:17,644 --> 00:16:19,644
I want to play a fat dude.
I want to play a white dude,
a white french dude.

634
00:16:19,646 --> 00:16:22,313
I want to play a white dude,
a white french dude.
I want to play a church lady."

635
00:16:22,315 --> 00:16:23,915
a white french dude.
I want to play a church lady."
I just wrote all the characters

636
00:16:23,917 --> 00:16:24,983
I want to play a church lady."
I just wrote all the characters
that I would love to play.

637
00:16:24,985 --> 00:16:25,817
I just wrote all the characters
that I would love to play.
And he said, "all right."

638
00:16:25,819 --> 00:16:26,884
that I would love to play.
And he said, "all right."
he wrote it all down.

639
00:16:26,886 --> 00:16:27,719
And he said, "all right."
he wrote it all down.
And the show is called

640
00:16:27,721 --> 00:16:29,454
he wrote it all down.
And the show is called
"sonny spoon."

641
00:16:29,456 --> 00:16:30,455
and the show is called
"sonny spoon."
and they did it.

642
00:16:30,457 --> 00:16:31,289
"sonny spoon."
and they did it.
I couldn't be--

643
00:16:31,291 --> 00:16:33,124
and they did it.
I couldn't be--
if I knew that he was legit,

644
00:16:33,126 --> 00:16:34,258
I couldn't be--
if I knew that he was legit,
I would have never re--

645
00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:35,059
if I knew that he was legit,
I would have never re--
I'd have been like,

646
00:16:35,061 --> 00:16:36,160
I would have never re--
I'd have been like,
"whatever you say."

647
00:16:36,162 --> 00:16:37,095
I'd have been like,
"whatever you say."
but because I didn't think

648
00:16:37,097 --> 00:16:38,329
"whatever you say."
but because I didn't think
it was legit, I just was like,

649
00:16:38,331 --> 00:16:39,030
but because I didn't think
it was legit, I just was like,
"well, let me just say

650
00:16:39,032 --> 00:16:40,298
it was legit, I just was like,
"well, let me just say
whatever I'm feeling," right?

651
00:16:40,300 --> 00:16:41,299
"well, let me just say
whatever I'm feeling," right?
That's what I was feeling.

652
00:16:41,301 --> 00:16:42,767
Whatever I'm feeling," right?
That's what I was feeling.
Man, let tell you, I played

653
00:16:42,769 --> 00:16:44,569
that's what I was feeling.
Man, let tell you, I played
a japanese sushi chef.

654
00:16:44,571 --> 00:16:46,304
Man, let tell you, I played
a japanese sushi chef.
I played a chinese houseboy.

655
00:16:46,306 --> 00:16:47,705
A japanese sushi chef.
I played a chinese houseboy.
I played a gospel lady.

656
00:16:47,707 --> 00:16:49,173
I played a chinese houseboy.
I played a gospel lady.
I played a fat dude.

657
00:16:49,175 --> 00:16:50,341
I played a gospel lady.
I played a fat dude.
I played a french --

658
00:16:50,343 --> 00:16:51,209
I played a fat dude.
I played a french --
and this is the craziest

659
00:16:51,211 --> 00:16:51,709
I played a french --
and this is the craziest
[bleep].

660
00:16:51,711 --> 00:16:52,810
And this is the craziest
[bleep].
I got to tell you this story.

661
00:16:52,812 --> 00:16:55,480
[bleep].
I got to tell you this story.
So, jet magazine was so proud

662
00:16:55,482 --> 00:16:56,914
I got to tell you this story.
So, jet magazine was so proud
to have, you know,

663
00:16:56,916 --> 00:16:59,350
so, jet magazine was so proud
to have, you know,
a brother in and hour drama.

664
00:16:59,352 --> 00:17:00,084
To have, you know,
a brother in and hour drama.
You know, we'd get

665
00:17:00,086 --> 00:17:00,718
a brother in and hour drama.
You know, we'd get
the half hour,

666
00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:02,587
you know, we'd get
the half hour,
happy to be black type shows.

667
00:17:02,589 --> 00:17:04,022
The half hour,
happy to be black type shows.
And so, this --

668
00:17:04,024 --> 00:17:05,023
happy to be black type shows.
And so, this --
"he got a brother in this.

669
00:17:05,025 --> 00:17:06,491
And so, this --
"he got a brother in this.
Very serious.

670
00:17:06,493 --> 00:17:07,291
"he got a brother in this.
Very serious.
A young black man,

671
00:17:07,293 --> 00:17:08,860
very serious.
A young black man,
the son of melvin van peebles,

672
00:17:08,862 --> 00:17:09,927
a young black man,
the son of melvin van peebles,
in a drama.

673
00:17:09,929 --> 00:17:10,561
The son of melvin van peebles,
in a drama.
That's something

674
00:17:10,563 --> 00:17:11,662
in a drama.
That's something
we should go in for.

675
00:17:11,664 --> 00:17:13,498
That's something
we should go in for.
We'll put him on the cover."

676
00:17:13,500 --> 00:17:14,732
we should go in for.
We'll put him on the cover."
the day they come down to do

677
00:17:14,734 --> 00:17:16,234
we'll put him on the cover."
the day they come down to do
the cover is what I'm playing

678
00:17:16,236 --> 00:17:17,368
the day they come down to do
the cover is what I'm playing
the french white dude.

679
00:17:17,370 --> 00:17:18,836
The cover is what I'm playing
the french white dude.
[ laughs ]

680
00:17:18,838 --> 00:17:20,438
the french white dude.
[ laughs ]
and my mom was there, right?

681
00:17:20,440 --> 00:17:21,639
[ laughs ]
and my mom was there, right?
So, my mom's blonde --

682
00:17:21,641 --> 00:17:22,306
and my mom was there, right?
So, my mom's blonde --
blonde lady with blue eyes.

683
00:17:22,308 --> 00:17:23,207
So, my mom's blonde --
blonde lady with blue eyes.
With blue eyes

684
00:17:23,209 --> 00:17:24,575
blonde lady with blue eyes.
With blue eyes
[ stammers ]

685
00:17:24,577 --> 00:17:25,476
with blue eyes
[ stammers ]
I'm playing a french dude.

686
00:17:25,478 --> 00:17:26,677
[ stammers ]
I'm playing a french dude.
So, I'm all white,

687
00:17:26,679 --> 00:17:28,413
I'm playing a french dude.
So, I'm all white,
with blue -- blue contacts,

688
00:17:28,415 --> 00:17:29,914
so, I'm all white,
with blue -- blue contacts,
little blond wig.

689
00:17:29,916 --> 00:17:31,582
With blue -- blue contacts,
little blond wig.
They're like, "oh, snap."

690
00:17:31,584 --> 00:17:32,784
little blond wig.
They're like, "oh, snap."
we -- [ laughs ]

691
00:17:32,786 --> 00:17:34,252
they're like, "oh, snap."
we -- [ laughs ]
and I was like, "yeah.

692
00:17:34,254 --> 00:17:35,286
We -- [ laughs ]
and I was like, "yeah.
This is what I had to do

693
00:17:35,288 --> 00:17:36,621
and I was like, "yeah.
This is what I had to do
to make it in hollywood."

694
00:17:36,623 --> 00:17:37,321
this is what I had to do
to make it in hollywood."
and they were like,

695
00:17:37,323 --> 00:17:37,955
to make it in hollywood."
and they were like,
"oh, [bleep]."

696
00:17:37,957 --> 00:17:39,323
and they were like,
"oh, [bleep]."
I was just playing with them.

697
00:17:39,325 --> 00:17:39,891
"oh, [bleep]."
I was just playing with them.
But we did it.

698
00:17:39,893 --> 00:17:40,691
I was just playing with them.
But we did it.
I did it straight 'cause,

699
00:17:40,693 --> 00:17:43,261
but we did it.
I did it straight 'cause,
you know, I always play first.

700
00:17:43,263 --> 00:17:45,329
I did it straight 'cause,
you know, I always play first.
I am a pretty confident person,

701
00:17:45,331 --> 00:17:47,031
you know, I always play first.
I am a pretty confident person,
but I'm also shy.

702
00:17:47,033 --> 00:17:48,332
I am a pretty confident person,
but I'm also shy.
And my confidence

703
00:17:48,334 --> 00:17:50,468
but I'm also shy.
And my confidence
doesn't come from thinking

704
00:17:50,470 --> 00:17:52,503
and my confidence
doesn't come from thinking
I'm better than someone.

705
00:17:52,505 --> 00:17:53,704
Doesn't come from thinking
I'm better than someone.
It comes from thinking

706
00:17:53,706 --> 00:17:54,572
I'm better than someone.
It comes from thinking
"I'm probably not

707
00:17:54,574 --> 00:17:56,607
it comes from thinking
"I'm probably not
a whole lot worse."

708
00:17:56,609 --> 00:17:57,775
"I'm probably not
a whole lot worse."
I think part of the secret

709
00:17:57,777 --> 00:17:58,910
a whole lot worse."
I think part of the secret
to that confidence

710
00:17:58,912 --> 00:18:01,879
I think part of the secret
to that confidence
is always be a student.

711
00:18:01,881 --> 00:18:03,748
To that confidence
is always be a student.
If I've made it as a director,

712
00:18:03,750 --> 00:18:04,982
is always be a student.
If I've made it as a director,
I'm letting maya teach me

713
00:18:04,984 --> 00:18:06,818
if I've made it as a director,
I'm letting maya teach me
about...

714
00:18:06,820 --> 00:18:08,553
I'm letting maya teach me
about...
How to play with my instagram.

715
00:18:08,555 --> 00:18:10,455
About...
How to play with my instagram.
If I've made it as an actor,

716
00:18:10,457 --> 00:18:11,823
how to play with my instagram.
If I've made it as an actor,
I'm letting my other son

717
00:18:11,825 --> 00:18:13,124
if I've made it as an actor,
I'm letting my other son
teach me something else.

718
00:18:13,126 --> 00:18:14,826
I'm letting my other son
teach me something else.
Or I'll learn salsa dancing,

719
00:18:14,828 --> 00:18:15,760
teach me something else.
Or I'll learn salsa dancing,
and be the awkward dude

720
00:18:15,762 --> 00:18:16,527
or I'll learn salsa dancing,
and be the awkward dude
on the dance floor

721
00:18:16,529 --> 00:18:17,562
and be the awkward dude
on the dance floor
for a couple of years.

722
00:18:17,564 --> 00:18:18,496
On the dance floor
for a couple of years.
So, you've got to be okay

723
00:18:18,498 --> 00:18:19,831
for a couple of years.
So, you've got to be okay
with being that being the clown,

724
00:18:19,833 --> 00:18:20,798
so, you've got to be okay
with being that being the clown,
and being a goof.

725
00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:21,332
With being that being the clown,
and being a goof.
If you're okay

726
00:18:21,334 --> 00:18:23,301
and being a goof.
If you're okay
with being a clown,

727
00:18:23,303 --> 00:18:24,769
if you're okay
with being a clown,
then, you don't have to worry

728
00:18:24,771 --> 00:18:25,870
with being a clown,
then, you don't have to worry
about a false confidence

729
00:18:25,872 --> 00:18:28,840
then, you don't have to worry
about a false confidence
that's based on lack of failure.

730
00:18:28,842 --> 00:18:29,707
About a false confidence
that's based on lack of failure.
'cause every time

731
00:18:29,709 --> 00:18:30,608
that's based on lack of failure.
'cause every time
you're learning something new,

732
00:18:30,610 --> 00:18:31,142
'cause every time
you're learning something new,
you're gonna be failing.

733
00:18:34,146 --> 00:18:37,715
>> you look at "new jack city,"
right?
At that time....

734
00:18:37,717 --> 00:18:40,251
Right?
At that time....
In '90 -- 1990.

735
00:18:40,253 --> 00:18:41,853
At that time....
In '90 -- 1990.
I was 1990.

736
00:18:41,855 --> 00:18:42,720
In '90 -- 1990.
I was 1990.
If you were a brother

737
00:18:42,722 --> 00:18:45,690
I was 1990.
If you were a brother
in an -- in an action movie,

738
00:18:45,692 --> 00:18:46,491
if you were a brother
in an -- in an action movie,
you usually played

739
00:18:46,493 --> 00:18:47,725
in an -- in an action movie,
you usually played
the police commissioner.

740
00:18:47,727 --> 00:18:48,526
You usually played
the police commissioner.
And you're past

741
00:18:48,528 --> 00:18:50,461
the police commissioner.
And you're past
your sexual prime.

742
00:18:50,463 --> 00:18:51,229
And you're past
your sexual prime.
You had hair a line

743
00:18:51,231 --> 00:18:52,330
your sexual prime.
You had hair a line
way back here.

744
00:18:52,332 --> 00:18:53,297
You had hair a line
way back here.
You weren't on the frontline.

745
00:18:53,299 --> 00:18:54,465
Way back here.
You weren't on the frontline.
It's like, you know,

746
00:18:54,467 --> 00:18:55,299
you weren't on the frontline.
It's like, you know,
in an action movie,

747
00:18:55,301 --> 00:18:56,667
it's like, you know,
in an action movie,
you want to shoot the gun,

748
00:18:56,669 --> 00:18:58,836
in an action movie,
you want to shoot the gun,
save the girl, do that.

749
00:18:58,838 --> 00:18:59,737
You want to shoot the gun,
save the girl, do that.
But it's kind of like being

750
00:18:59,739 --> 00:19:01,305
save the girl, do that.
But it's kind of like being
in a...

751
00:19:01,307 --> 00:19:02,006
But it's kind of like being
in a...
You know, like if you're in

752
00:19:02,008 --> 00:19:03,040
in a...
You know, like if you're in
a porno, you're not [bleep],

753
00:19:03,042 --> 00:19:04,041
you know, like if you're in
a porno, you're not [bleep],
what are you doing?

754
00:19:04,043 --> 00:19:04,775
A porno, you're not [bleep],
what are you doing?
You're in a musical,

755
00:19:04,777 --> 00:19:05,376
what are you doing?
You're in a musical,
you're not singing,

756
00:19:05,378 --> 00:19:06,043
you're in a musical,
you're not singing,
what are you doing?

757
00:19:06,045 --> 00:19:06,878
You're not singing,
what are you doing?
You're in an action movie,

758
00:19:06,880 --> 00:19:07,645
what are you doing?
You're in an action movie,
you're not part of the action,

759
00:19:07,647 --> 00:19:08,312
you're in an action movie,
you're not part of the action,
what are you doing?

760
00:19:08,314 --> 00:19:08,846
You're not part of the action,
what are you doing?
We would play

761
00:19:08,848 --> 00:19:10,047
what are you doing?
We would play
the police commissioner role,

762
00:19:10,049 --> 00:19:10,815
we would play
the police commissioner role,
usually, and we'd say

763
00:19:10,817 --> 00:19:11,983
the police commissioner role,
usually, and we'd say
that stuff like,

764
00:19:11,985 --> 00:19:12,950
usually, and we'd say
that stuff like,
"do it by the book,

765
00:19:12,952 --> 00:19:14,852
that stuff like,
"do it by the book,
or I'm gonna have your ass."

766
00:19:14,854 --> 00:19:16,120
"do it by the book,
or I'm gonna have your ass."
you see a lot of great

767
00:19:16,122 --> 00:19:18,156
or I'm gonna have your ass."
you see a lot of great
black actors play that role.

768
00:19:18,158 --> 00:19:19,657
You see a lot of great
black actors play that role.
So, when I got the chance

769
00:19:19,659 --> 00:19:21,492
black actors play that role.
So, when I got the chance
to direct "new jack city,"

770
00:19:21,494 --> 00:19:23,194
so, when I got the chance
to direct "new jack city,"
the producers were black,

771
00:19:23,196 --> 00:19:25,163
to direct "new jack city,"
the producers were black,
I'm black, and we laughed,

772
00:19:25,165 --> 00:19:25,963
the producers were black,
I'm black, and we laughed,
and they got -- one of them

773
00:19:25,965 --> 00:19:26,597
I'm black, and we laughed,
and they got -- one of them
said, "yo, man,

774
00:19:26,599 --> 00:19:27,498
and they got -- one of them
said, "yo, man,
you should put the guy in

775
00:19:27,500 --> 00:19:28,332
said, "yo, man,
you should put the guy in
isas the police commissioner,

776
00:19:28,334 --> 00:19:29,300
you should put the guy in
isas the police commissioner,
a white dude,

777
00:19:29,302 --> 00:19:29,867
isas the police commissioner,
a white dude,
and have him say,

778
00:19:29,869 --> 00:19:30,568
a white dude,
and have him say,
'do it by the book,

779
00:19:30,570 --> 00:19:32,737
and have him say,
'do it by the book,
or I'll have your tail.'"

780
00:19:32,739 --> 00:19:34,038
'do it by the book,
or I'll have your tail.'"
and we laughed.

781
00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:36,274
Or I'll have your tail.'"
and we laughed.
And I went home,

782
00:19:36,276 --> 00:19:38,142
and we laughed.
And I went home,
and I looked at my family wall.

783
00:19:38,144 --> 00:19:39,277
And I went home,
and I looked at my family wall.
And I got white folks

784
00:19:39,279 --> 00:19:40,144
and I looked at my family wall.
And I got white folks
on the wall.

785
00:19:40,146 --> 00:19:41,078
And I got white folks
on the wall.
I got a gay aunt.

786
00:19:41,080 --> 00:19:43,347
On the wall.
I got a gay aunt.
I got black, brown, indian.

787
00:19:43,349 --> 00:19:44,282
I got a gay aunt.
I got black, brown, indian.
I got everybody

788
00:19:44,284 --> 00:19:46,651
I got black, brown, indian.
I got everybody
in my family tree.

789
00:19:46,653 --> 00:19:47,852
I got everybody
in my family tree.
So, if I throw a boomerang

790
00:19:47,854 --> 00:19:48,786
in my family tree.
So, if I throw a boomerang
at anybody, it's gonna hit me

791
00:19:48,788 --> 00:19:51,155
so, if I throw a boomerang
at anybody, it's gonna hit me
in the back of my big-ass head.

792
00:19:51,157 --> 00:19:52,156
At anybody, it's gonna hit me
in the back of my big-ass head.
So, I went back, and I said,

793
00:19:52,158 --> 00:19:52,757
in the back of my big-ass head.
So, I went back, and I said,
"you know what?

794
00:19:52,759 --> 00:19:53,791
So, I went back, and I said,
"you know what?
That's a funny idea,

795
00:19:53,793 --> 00:19:56,160
"you know what?
That's a funny idea,
but that's just get-even cinema.

796
00:19:56,162 --> 00:19:57,461
That's a funny idea,
but that's just get-even cinema.
That's not doing unto them as

797
00:19:57,463 --> 00:19:59,397
but that's just get-even cinema.
That's not doing unto them as
you'd want them to do unto you.

798
00:19:59,399 --> 00:20:00,298
That's not doing unto them as
you'd want them to do unto you.
That's just doing unto them

799
00:20:00,300 --> 00:20:01,866
you'd want them to do unto you.
That's just doing unto them
as they've done unto you.

800
00:20:01,868 --> 00:20:02,900
That's just doing unto them
as they've done unto you.
That's reactive cinema.

801
00:20:02,902 --> 00:20:03,501
As they've done unto you.
That's reactive cinema.
That's getting into that

802
00:20:03,503 --> 00:20:04,569
that's reactive cinema.
That's getting into that
negative [bleep.]

803
00:20:04,571 --> 00:20:05,803
that's getting into that
negative [bleep.]
I ain't gonna do that."

804
00:20:05,805 --> 00:20:07,004
negative [bleep.]
I ain't gonna do that."
I said, "let's make the

805
00:20:07,006 --> 00:20:08,506
I ain't gonna do that."
I said, "let's make the
prosecutor a dark-skinned

806
00:20:08,508 --> 00:20:08,940
I said, "let's make the
prosecutor a dark-skinned
sister."

807
00:20:08,942 --> 00:20:09,440
prosecutor a dark-skinned
sister."
she's the one

808
00:20:09,442 --> 00:20:11,709
sister."
she's the one
that takes nino down.

809
00:20:11,711 --> 00:20:13,110
She's the one
that takes nino down.
Let me call up judd nelson,

810
00:20:13,112 --> 00:20:14,145
that takes nino down.
Let me call up judd nelson,
my jewish brother,

811
00:20:14,147 --> 00:20:15,012
let me call up judd nelson,
my jewish brother,
who I went to school with --

812
00:20:15,014 --> 00:20:16,981
my jewish brother,
who I went to school with --
stella adler acting school --

813
00:20:16,983 --> 00:20:18,482
who I went to school with --
stella adler acting school --
acting class in new york.

814
00:20:18,484 --> 00:20:19,317
Stella adler acting school --
acting class in new york.
Let him play one of my

815
00:20:19,319 --> 00:20:21,052
acting class in new york.
Let him play one of my
new jack cops.

816
00:20:21,054 --> 00:20:22,320
Let him play one of my
new jack cops.
Let me call russell wong,

817
00:20:22,322 --> 00:20:23,387
new jack cops.
Let me call russell wong,
great-looking asian brother.

818
00:20:23,389 --> 00:20:25,356
Let me call russell wong,
great-looking asian brother.
Let him play one of the cops.

819
00:20:25,358 --> 00:20:26,490
Great-looking asian brother.
Let him play one of the cops.
Let's get ice-t, who not --

820
00:20:26,492 --> 00:20:28,593
let him play one of the cops.
Let's get ice-t, who not --
he's not fond of cops,

821
00:20:28,595 --> 00:20:29,527
let's get ice-t, who not --
he's not fond of cops,
wants to play the gangster.

822
00:20:29,529 --> 00:20:30,628
He's not fond of cops,
wants to play the gangster.
But let's convince ice-t

823
00:20:30,630 --> 00:20:32,096
wants to play the gangster.
But let's convince ice-t
to bring his street authenticity

824
00:20:32,098 --> 00:20:34,232
but let's convince ice-t
to bring his street authenticity
to the role of the cop.

825
00:20:34,234 --> 00:20:35,466
To bring his street authenticity
to the role of the cop.
And let's get wesley snipes,

826
00:20:35,468 --> 00:20:36,968
to the role of the cop.
And let's get wesley snipes,
who's a dope-ass actor.

827
00:20:36,970 --> 00:20:37,401
And let's get wesley snipes,
who's a dope-ass actor.
He'd done

828
00:20:37,403 --> 00:20:38,469
who's a dope-ass actor.
He'd done
the michael jackson "bad" video.

829
00:20:38,471 --> 00:20:39,337
He'd done
the michael jackson "bad" video.
Really hadn't got to show

830
00:20:39,339 --> 00:20:40,504
the michael jackson "bad" video.
Really hadn't got to show
his stuff yet.

831
00:20:40,506 --> 00:20:41,305
Really hadn't got to show
his stuff yet.
Let's convince him

832
00:20:41,307 --> 00:20:42,273
his stuff yet.
Let's convince him
not to play the cop,

833
00:20:42,275 --> 00:20:43,574
let's convince him
not to play the cop,
but to play the gangster,

834
00:20:43,576 --> 00:20:44,709
not to play the cop,
but to play the gangster,
and play the gangster with all

835
00:20:44,711 --> 00:20:45,810
but to play the gangster,
and play the gangster with all
the authority of the black

836
00:20:45,812 --> 00:20:47,945
and play the gangster with all
the authority of the black
panther party for self-defense.

837
00:20:47,947 --> 00:20:50,348
The authority of the black
panther party for self-defense.
And I will play...

838
00:20:50,350 --> 00:20:50,948
Panther party for self-defense.
And I will play...
The police commissioner

839
00:20:50,950 --> 00:20:52,917
and I will play...
The police commissioner
character, and say,

840
00:20:52,919 --> 00:20:53,551
the police commissioner
character, and say,
"do it by the book,

841
00:20:53,553 --> 00:20:54,986
character, and say,
"do it by the book,
or I'll have your ass."

842
00:20:54,988 --> 00:20:56,821
"do it by the book,
or I'll have your ass."
and that look at cinema saying,

843
00:20:56,823 --> 00:20:58,022
or I'll have your ass."
and that look at cinema saying,
"you know what?

844
00:20:58,024 --> 00:20:59,323
And that look at cinema saying,
"you know what?
Let me do unto them as I would

845
00:20:59,325 --> 00:21:00,992
"you know what?
Let me do unto them as I would
want them to do to me.

846
00:21:00,994 --> 00:21:02,893
Let me do unto them as I would
want them to do to me.
Let me fight not for the america

847
00:21:02,895 --> 00:21:04,328
want them to do to me.
Let me fight not for the america
we've been, for the america

848
00:21:04,330 --> 00:21:05,062
let me fight not for the america
we've been, for the america
I can believe

849
00:21:05,064 --> 00:21:07,265
we've been, for the america
I can believe
that we could become."

850
00:21:07,267 --> 00:21:09,634
I can believe
that we could become."
that's what -- what it's about.

851
00:21:09,636 --> 00:21:10,501
That we could become."
that's what -- what it's about.
See, people knew me

852
00:21:10,503 --> 00:21:11,636
that's what -- what it's about.
See, people knew me
predominantly as an actor

853
00:21:11,638 --> 00:21:12,403
see, people knew me
predominantly as an actor
back then.

854
00:21:12,405 --> 00:21:13,671
Predominantly as an actor
back then.
And I started directing more

855
00:21:13,673 --> 00:21:14,238
back then.
And I started directing more
and more and more.

856
00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:15,439
And I started directing more
and more and more.
And I started doing television.

857
00:21:15,441 --> 00:21:17,675
And more and more.
And I started doing television.
I did a show with this new kid

858
00:21:17,677 --> 00:21:18,609
and I started doing television.
I did a show with this new kid
named johnny depp,

859
00:21:18,611 --> 00:21:20,378
I did a show with this new kid
named johnny depp,
called "21 jump street."

860
00:21:20,380 --> 00:21:21,245
named johnny depp,
called "21 jump street."
and I directed that

861
00:21:21,247 --> 00:21:22,546
called "21 jump street."
and I directed that
a bunch of times.

862
00:21:22,548 --> 00:21:24,015
And I directed that
a bunch of times.
And I just started directing

863
00:21:24,017 --> 00:21:24,448
a bunch of times.
And I just started directing
quietly.

864
00:21:24,450 --> 00:21:25,583
And I just started directing
quietly.
And I didn't talk about it.

865
00:21:25,585 --> 00:21:26,384
Quietly.
And I didn't talk about it.
So, I'd been directing.

866
00:21:26,386 --> 00:21:27,418
And I didn't talk about it.
So, I'd been directing.
My grandfather says,

867
00:21:27,420 --> 00:21:28,753
so, I'd been directing.
My grandfather says,
"oh, you got lucky,

868
00:21:28,755 --> 00:21:30,187
my grandfather says,
"oh, you got lucky,
but luck is preparation

869
00:21:30,189 --> 00:21:31,622
"oh, you got lucky,
but luck is preparation
meets opportunity."

870
00:21:31,624 --> 00:21:32,823
but luck is preparation
meets opportunity."
I was really prepared,

871
00:21:32,825 --> 00:21:34,258
meets opportunity."
I was really prepared,
as a filmmaker,

872
00:21:34,260 --> 00:21:35,960
I was really prepared,
as a filmmaker,
and then I got the opportunity

873
00:21:35,962 --> 00:21:37,261
as a filmmaker,
and then I got the opportunity
because spike had done

874
00:21:37,263 --> 00:21:39,063
and then I got the opportunity
because spike had done
a movie called

875
00:21:39,065 --> 00:21:40,731
because spike had done
a movie called
"she's got to have it."

876
00:21:40,733 --> 00:21:43,100
a movie called
"she's got to have it."
and the studios were looking

877
00:21:43,102 --> 00:21:46,304
"she's got to have it."
and the studios were looking
to do a gangster movie

878
00:21:46,306 --> 00:21:47,872
and the studios were looking
to do a gangster movie
called "new jack city."

879
00:21:47,874 --> 00:21:48,572
to do a gangster movie
called "new jack city."
and I happen to have

880
00:21:48,574 --> 00:21:49,473
called "new jack city."
and I happen to have
a lot of credits

881
00:21:49,475 --> 00:21:51,175
and I happen to have
a lot of credits
a director that people

882
00:21:51,177 --> 00:21:51,876
a lot of credits
a director that people
don't even know about.

883
00:21:51,878 --> 00:21:53,377
A director that people
don't even know about.
As far as they know, I'm just a,

884
00:21:53,379 --> 00:21:55,146
don't even know about.
As far as they know, I'm just a,
you know, actor dude

885
00:21:55,148 --> 00:21:56,514
as far as they know, I'm just a,
you know, actor dude
trying to be out there.

886
00:21:56,516 --> 00:21:57,415
You know, actor dude
trying to be out there.
And I go in, and they start

887
00:21:57,417 --> 00:21:58,182
trying to be out there.
And I go in, and they start
looking at my work.

888
00:21:58,184 --> 00:22:00,785
And I go in, and they start
looking at my work.
And I met these two producers.

889
00:22:00,787 --> 00:22:02,853
Looking at my work.
And I met these two producers.
And I got to do "new jack city."

890
00:22:02,855 --> 00:22:03,788
and I met these two producers.
And I got to do "new jack city."
so, I got new jack city,

891
00:22:03,790 --> 00:22:04,722
and I got to do "new jack city."
so, I got new jack city,
and I was like, "man."

892
00:22:04,724 --> 00:22:05,656
so, I got new jack city,
and I was like, "man."
I call up my dad, and I said,

893
00:22:05,658 --> 00:22:08,726
and I was like, "man."
I call up my dad, and I said,
"dad, I've got a movie

894
00:22:08,728 --> 00:22:10,995
I call up my dad, and I said,
"dad, I've got a movie
where...

895
00:22:10,997 --> 00:22:14,565
"dad, I've got a movie
where...
The lead is a drug dealer."

896
00:22:14,567 --> 00:22:16,400
where...
The lead is a drug dealer."
and we talked about that.

897
00:22:16,402 --> 00:22:17,802
The lead is a drug dealer."
and we talked about that.
And I was like, "oh, [bleep],

898
00:22:17,804 --> 00:22:18,969
and we talked about that.
And I was like, "oh, [bleep],
this is kind of like..."

899
00:22:18,971 --> 00:22:20,304
and I was like, "oh, [bleep],
this is kind of like..."
it kind of read a little like

900
00:22:20,306 --> 00:22:22,440
this is kind of like..."
it kind of read a little like
a black "scarface."

901
00:22:22,442 --> 00:22:23,507
it kind of read a little like
a black "scarface."
and I thought -- I said,

902
00:22:23,509 --> 00:22:24,775
a black "scarface."
and I thought -- I said,
"well, if I'm gonna do that

903
00:22:24,777 --> 00:22:25,476
and I thought -- I said,
"well, if I'm gonna do that
as a first-time

904
00:22:25,478 --> 00:22:26,544
"well, if I'm gonna do that
as a first-time
feature director,

905
00:22:26,546 --> 00:22:27,912
as a first-time
feature director,
I've got to make sure to balance

906
00:22:27,914 --> 00:22:29,246
feature director,
I've got to make sure to balance
the equation, in that I want to

907
00:22:29,248 --> 00:22:30,247
I've got to make sure to balance
the equation, in that I want to
have it, emotionally,

908
00:22:30,249 --> 00:22:31,349
the equation, in that I want to
have it, emotionally,
be a film."

909
00:22:31,351 --> 00:22:32,516
have it, emotionally,
be a film."
think about "new jack,"

910
00:22:32,518 --> 00:22:33,417
be a film."
think about "new jack,"
where you don't just connect

911
00:22:33,419 --> 00:22:34,919
think about "new jack,"
where you don't just connect
with the gangster,

912
00:22:34,921 --> 00:22:35,886
where you don't just connect
with the gangster,
but you also connect

913
00:22:35,888 --> 00:22:37,588
with the gangster,
but you also connect
with the cops.

914
00:22:37,590 --> 00:22:39,123
But you also connect
with the cops.
That was very important that,

915
00:22:39,125 --> 00:22:39,924
with the cops.
That was very important that,
you know, if you think

916
00:22:39,926 --> 00:22:41,959
that was very important that,
you know, if you think
of "godfather" or "scarface,"

917
00:22:41,961 --> 00:22:43,461
you know, if you think
of "godfather" or "scarface,"
you really emotionally connect

918
00:22:43,463 --> 00:22:44,595
of "godfather" or "scarface,"
you really emotionally connect
with the gangster.

919
00:22:44,597 --> 00:22:45,096
You really emotionally connect
with the gangster.
So, I said, "well,

920
00:22:45,098 --> 00:22:45,796
with the gangster.
So, I said, "well,
'new jack city,'

921
00:22:45,798 --> 00:22:46,297
so, I said, "well,
'new jack city,'
I want to go more

922
00:22:46,299 --> 00:22:47,431
'new jack city,'
I want to go more
'untouchables.'"

923
00:22:47,433 --> 00:22:48,899
I want to go more
'untouchables.'"
and like, de niro has the sexy

924
00:22:48,901 --> 00:22:49,800
'untouchables.'"
and like, de niro has the sexy
bad guy role in

925
00:22:49,802 --> 00:22:50,468
and like, de niro has the sexy
bad guy role in
"the untouchables."

926
00:22:50,470 --> 00:22:52,403
bad guy role in
"the untouchables."
but against kevin costner,

927
00:22:52,405 --> 00:22:53,504
"the untouchables."
but against kevin costner,
and sean connery,

928
00:22:53,506 --> 00:22:55,206
but against kevin costner,
and sean connery,
and andy garcia,

929
00:22:55,208 --> 00:22:56,640
and sean connery,
and andy garcia,
you had attractive role models

930
00:22:56,642 --> 00:22:57,408
and andy garcia,
you had attractive role models
to say "yes" to.

931
00:22:57,410 --> 00:22:58,876
You had attractive role models
to say "yes" to.
So, if you want folks to say

932
00:22:58,878 --> 00:22:59,910
to say "yes" to.
So, if you want folks to say
"no" to drugs, give them

933
00:22:59,912 --> 00:23:01,112
so, if you want folks to say
"no" to drugs, give them
something to say "yes" to.

934
00:23:01,114 --> 00:23:03,848
"no" to drugs, give them
something to say "yes" to.
But there was one other trick.

935
00:23:03,850 --> 00:23:05,316
Something to say "yes" to.
But there was one other trick.
In almost no gangster movie

936
00:23:05,318 --> 00:23:06,484
but there was one other trick.
In almost no gangster movie
can I think of,

937
00:23:06,486 --> 00:23:09,754
in almost no gangster movie
can I think of,
other than "new jack city"...

938
00:23:09,756 --> 00:23:12,289
Can I think of,
other than "new jack city"...
Do you put a face on the crime.

939
00:23:12,291 --> 00:23:13,324
Other than "new jack city"...
Do you put a face on the crime.
So, if there's no crime,

940
00:23:13,326 --> 00:23:14,892
do you put a face on the crime.
So, if there's no crime,
why not do the crime?

941
00:23:14,894 --> 00:23:15,593
So, if there's no crime,
why not do the crime?
"the godfather,"

942
00:23:15,595 --> 00:23:16,527
why not do the crime?
"the godfather,"
you don't see the victim.

943
00:23:16,529 --> 00:23:17,294
"the godfather,"
you don't see the victim.
You don't spend a lot of time

944
00:23:17,296 --> 00:23:18,062
you don't see the victim.
You don't spend a lot of time
with the victim.

945
00:23:18,064 --> 00:23:18,696
You don't spend a lot of time
with the victim.
So, we said,

946
00:23:18,698 --> 00:23:20,331
with the victim.
So, we said,
"what about the victim?

947
00:23:20,333 --> 00:23:22,166
So, we said,
"what about the victim?
What about if you fall in love

948
00:23:22,168 --> 00:23:23,267
"what about the victim?
What about if you fall in love
with the victim

949
00:23:23,269 --> 00:23:25,603
what about if you fall in love
with the victim
of what the gangster is doing,

950
00:23:25,605 --> 00:23:26,737
with the victim
of what the gangster is doing,
if you put a face on it?"

951
00:23:26,739 --> 00:23:28,072
of what the gangster is doing,
if you put a face on it?"
so, we said, "who could you

952
00:23:28,074 --> 00:23:29,640
if you put a face on it?"
so, we said, "who could you
fall in love with?"

953
00:23:29,642 --> 00:23:30,508
so, we said, "who could you
fall in love with?"
and they were two brothers

954
00:23:30,510 --> 00:23:31,208
fall in love with?"
and they were two brothers
that we saw was --

955
00:23:31,210 --> 00:23:34,145
and they were two brothers
that we saw was --
one was chris rock.

956
00:23:34,147 --> 00:23:35,312
That we saw was --
one was chris rock.
And the other one

957
00:23:35,314 --> 00:23:36,947
one was chris rock.
And the other one
was martin lawrence.

958
00:23:36,949 --> 00:23:38,749
And the other one
was martin lawrence.
Martin had them ears,

959
00:23:38,751 --> 00:23:40,618
was martin lawrence.
Martin had them ears,
and chris had them eyes.

960
00:23:40,620 --> 00:23:41,852
Martin had them ears,
and chris had them eyes.
And we wound up --

961
00:23:41,854 --> 00:23:42,620
and chris had them eyes.
And we wound up --
chris is so smart.

962
00:23:42,622 --> 00:23:43,421
And we wound up --
chris is so smart.
They're both great.

963
00:23:43,423 --> 00:23:44,054
Chris is so smart.
They're both great.
But we wound up

964
00:23:44,056 --> 00:23:45,723
they're both great.
But we wound up
going with chris.

965
00:23:45,725 --> 00:23:46,757
But we wound up
going with chris.
When chris rock,

966
00:23:46,759 --> 00:23:47,858
going with chris.
When chris rock,
in "new jack city,"

967
00:23:47,860 --> 00:23:48,926
when chris rock,
in "new jack city,"
gets addicted to crack,

968
00:23:48,928 --> 00:23:49,493
in "new jack city,"
gets addicted to crack,
and he's in the --

969
00:23:49,495 --> 00:23:50,995
gets addicted to crack,
and he's in the --
in the crack room,

970
00:23:50,997 --> 00:23:51,829
and he's in the --
in the crack room,
and he started to act

971
00:23:51,831 --> 00:23:54,331
in the crack room,
and he started to act
that crack out.

972
00:23:54,333 --> 00:23:55,533
And he started to act
that crack out.
People stood up in the audience,

973
00:23:55,535 --> 00:23:56,467
that crack out.
People stood up in the audience,
and one brother said,

974
00:23:56,469 --> 00:23:58,068
people stood up in the audience,
and one brother said,
"just say 'no,' [bleep].

975
00:23:58,070 --> 00:23:59,236
And one brother said,
"just say 'no,' [bleep].
Just say 'no.'"

976
00:23:59,238 --> 00:24:00,905
"just say 'no,' [bleep].
Just say 'no.'"
when we had that audience

977
00:24:00,907 --> 00:24:03,040
just say 'no.'"
when we had that audience
reacting against the drugs,

978
00:24:03,042 --> 00:24:06,577
when we had that audience
reacting against the drugs,
right, it had such a big effect.

979
00:24:06,579 --> 00:24:07,778
Reacting against the drugs,
right, it had such a big effect.
When you see chris rock

980
00:24:07,780 --> 00:24:09,213
right, it had such a big effect.
When you see chris rock
in that alleyway, with all that

981
00:24:09,215 --> 00:24:10,781
when you see chris rock
in that alleyway, with all that
white crap around his lips,

982
00:24:10,783 --> 00:24:12,516
in that alleyway, with all that
white crap around his lips,
and biting on it.

983
00:24:12,518 --> 00:24:13,717
White crap around his lips,
and biting on it.
People came out of that movie

984
00:24:13,719 --> 00:24:14,819
and biting on it.
People came out of that movie
going, "god[bleep],

985
00:24:14,821 --> 00:24:16,387
people came out of that movie
going, "god[bleep],
I will never touch that drug

986
00:24:16,389 --> 00:24:18,422
going, "god[bleep],
I will never touch that drug
in my life."

987
00:24:18,424 --> 00:24:20,424
I will never touch that drug
in my life."
and when "new jack city"

988
00:24:20,426 --> 00:24:22,193
in my life."
and when "new jack city"
came out, the same --

989
00:24:22,195 --> 00:24:23,461
and when "new jack city"
came out, the same --
same weekend that they --

990
00:24:23,463 --> 00:24:25,162
came out, the same --
same weekend that they --
they opened the movie,

991
00:24:25,164 --> 00:24:27,832
same weekend that they --
they opened the movie,
they had the -- the rodney king

992
00:24:27,834 --> 00:24:29,700
they opened the movie,
they had the -- the rodney king
thing airing all the time

993
00:24:29,702 --> 00:24:31,101
they had the -- the rodney king
thing airing all the time
on television.

994
00:24:31,103 --> 00:24:33,504
Thing airing all the time
on television.
And so, a lot of people

995
00:24:33,506 --> 00:24:34,505
on television.
And so, a lot of people
came to see the theater,

996
00:24:34,507 --> 00:24:36,707
and so, a lot of people
came to see the theater,
specifically, in westwood.

997
00:24:36,709 --> 00:24:37,741
Came to see the theater,
specifically, in westwood.
And you had a lot of people show

998
00:24:37,743 --> 00:24:39,210
specifically, in westwood.
And you had a lot of people show
up that couldn't get tickets.

999
00:24:39,212 --> 00:24:40,110
And you had a lot of people show
up that couldn't get tickets.
So, the police showed up,

1000
00:24:40,112 --> 00:24:41,245
up that couldn't get tickets.
So, the police showed up,
and they started, apparently,

1001
00:24:41,247 --> 00:24:42,480
so, the police showed up,
and they started, apparently,
pushing a little bit.

1002
00:24:42,482 --> 00:24:44,181
And they started, apparently,
pushing a little bit.
Someone in line yelled,

1003
00:24:44,183 --> 00:24:44,882
pushing a little bit.
Someone in line yelled,
"let's get them back

1004
00:24:44,884 --> 00:24:46,350
someone in line yelled,
"let's get them back
for rodney king."

1005
00:24:46,352 --> 00:24:46,984
"let's get them back
for rodney king."
and so, there was

1006
00:24:46,986 --> 00:24:47,651
for rodney king."
and so, there was
some pushing, and stuff,

1007
00:24:47,653 --> 00:24:48,752
and so, there was
some pushing, and stuff,
that happened in line.

1008
00:24:48,754 --> 00:24:51,055
Some pushing, and stuff,
that happened in line.
Now, what happened was the media

1009
00:24:51,057 --> 00:24:52,590
that happened in line.
Now, what happened was the media
picked it up, and they said

1010
00:24:52,592 --> 00:24:54,725
now, what happened was the media
picked it up, and they said
there was a riot in westwood

1011
00:24:54,727 --> 00:24:55,593
picked it up, and they said
there was a riot in westwood
at the screening

1012
00:24:55,595 --> 00:24:57,261
there was a riot in westwood
at the screening
of "new jack city" --

1013
00:24:57,263 --> 00:24:59,163
at the screening
of "new jack city" --
the implication being that

1014
00:24:59,165 --> 00:25:00,564
of "new jack city" --
the implication being that
something in "new jack city'

1015
00:25:00,566 --> 00:25:02,700
the implication being that
something in "new jack city'
was a call to arms.

1016
00:25:02,702 --> 00:25:04,468
Something in "new jack city'
was a call to arms.
And I got called

1017
00:25:04,470 --> 00:25:05,936
was a call to arms.
And I got called
by all the networks to go on,

1018
00:25:05,938 --> 00:25:08,172
and I got called
by all the networks to go on,
and speak about it, which I did.

1019
00:25:08,174 --> 00:25:09,206
By all the networks to go on,
and speak about it, which I did.
And I told them, I said,

1020
00:25:09,208 --> 00:25:10,541
and speak about it, which I did.
And I told them, I said,
"wait a second, listen,

1021
00:25:10,543 --> 00:25:11,976
and I told them, I said,
"wait a second, listen,
let's -- let's go through this."

1022
00:25:11,978 --> 00:25:13,611
"wait a second, listen,
let's -- let's go through this."
the people that got into

1023
00:25:13,613 --> 00:25:14,678
let's -- let's go through this."
the people that got into
the little fuckus

1024
00:25:14,680 --> 00:25:15,746
the people that got into
the little fuckus
with the police officers

1025
00:25:15,748 --> 00:25:17,181
the little fuckus
with the police officers
had not seen "new jack city."

1026
00:25:17,183 --> 00:25:18,282
with the police officers
had not seen "new jack city."
so, unless it was something

1027
00:25:18,284 --> 00:25:19,250
had not seen "new jack city."
so, unless it was something
about the poster

1028
00:25:19,252 --> 00:25:22,386
so, unless it was something
about the poster
that was an insight to riot,

1029
00:25:22,388 --> 00:25:23,053
about the poster
that was an insight to riot,
it had nothing to do

1030
00:25:23,055 --> 00:25:24,221
that was an insight to riot,
it had nothing to do
with the movie.

1031
00:25:24,223 --> 00:25:26,724
It had nothing to do
with the movie.
But if you looked at the movie,

1032
00:25:26,726 --> 00:25:27,725
with the movie.
But if you looked at the movie,
how I portrayed

1033
00:25:27,727 --> 00:25:29,360
but if you looked at the movie,
how I portrayed
the new jack cops that take down

1034
00:25:29,362 --> 00:25:31,028
how I portrayed
the new jack cops that take down
the new jack gangster

1035
00:25:31,030 --> 00:25:32,463
the new jack cops that take down
the new jack gangster
was pretty positive.

1036
00:25:32,465 --> 00:25:33,397
The new jack gangster
was pretty positive.
And there's a cover

1037
00:25:33,399 --> 00:25:35,933
was pretty positive.
And there's a cover
of the new york times

1038
00:25:35,935 --> 00:25:37,935
and there's a cover
of the new york times
with the new filmmakers

1039
00:25:37,937 --> 00:25:39,470
of the new york times
with the new filmmakers
of the '90's.

1040
00:25:39,472 --> 00:25:41,071
With the new filmmakers
of the '90's.
And it's spike lee,

1041
00:25:41,073 --> 00:25:43,340
of the '90's.
And it's spike lee,
john singleton,

1042
00:25:43,342 --> 00:25:45,075
and it's spike lee,
john singleton,
the hudlin brothers.

1043
00:25:45,077 --> 00:25:46,877
John singleton,
the hudlin brothers.
It's matty rich,

1044
00:25:46,879 --> 00:25:49,146
the hudlin brothers.
It's matty rich,
and charles lane,

1045
00:25:49,148 --> 00:25:51,148
it's matty rich,
and charles lane,
and mario van peebles.

1046
00:25:51,150 --> 00:25:54,285
And charles lane,
and mario van peebles.
And I was the one on the cover

1047
00:25:54,287 --> 00:25:56,020
and mario van peebles.
And I was the one on the cover
that was...

1048
00:25:56,022 --> 00:25:58,389
And I was the one on the cover
that was...
Director and actor.

1049
00:25:58,391 --> 00:26:00,257
That was...
Director and actor.
So, the unique position of that

1050
00:26:00,259 --> 00:26:03,594
director and actor.
So, the unique position of that
was that...

1051
00:26:03,596 --> 00:26:05,496
So, the unique position of that
was that...
Wesley snipes played

1052
00:26:05,498 --> 00:26:06,330
was that...
Wesley snipes played
the best friend

1053
00:26:06,332 --> 00:26:07,197
wesley snipes played
the best friend
in "major league"

1054
00:26:07,199 --> 00:26:09,533
the best friend
in "major league"
and "streets of gold"

1055
00:26:09,535 --> 00:26:12,736
in "major league"
and "streets of gold"
until I saw him as our pacino

1056
00:26:12,738 --> 00:26:14,405
and "streets of gold"
until I saw him as our pacino
in "new jack city."

1057
00:26:14,407 --> 00:26:15,606
until I saw him as our pacino
in "new jack city."
and denzel washington

1058
00:26:15,608 --> 00:26:17,741
in "new jack city."
and denzel washington
played in a lot of movies,

1059
00:26:17,743 --> 00:26:20,811
and denzel washington
played in a lot of movies,
but spike lee saw brother denzel

1060
00:26:20,813 --> 00:26:22,646
played in a lot of movies,
but spike lee saw brother denzel
as the lead.

1061
00:26:22,648 --> 00:26:23,647
But spike lee saw brother denzel
as the lead.
And laurence fishburne,

1062
00:26:23,649 --> 00:26:25,049
as the lead.
And laurence fishburne,
we saw him at the best friend.

1063
00:26:25,051 --> 00:26:26,717
And laurence fishburne,
we saw him at the best friend.
We saw in "rumble fish."

1064
00:26:26,719 --> 00:26:28,986
we saw him at the best friend.
We saw in "rumble fish."
we saw him in "apocalypse now."

1065
00:26:28,988 --> 00:26:30,588
we saw in "rumble fish."
we saw him in "apocalypse now."
but john singleton saw him

1066
00:26:30,590 --> 00:26:32,056
we saw him in "apocalypse now."
but john singleton saw him
as the lead.

1067
00:26:32,058 --> 00:26:34,258
But john singleton saw him
as the lead.
And it took us, as black men,

1068
00:26:34,260 --> 00:26:36,660
as the lead.
And it took us, as black men,
to see ourselves as leads,

1069
00:26:36,662 --> 00:26:38,462
and it took us, as black men,
to see ourselves as leads,
to change what we would get.

1070
00:26:38,464 --> 00:26:40,364
To see ourselves as leads,
to change what we would get.
And after wesley made money

1071
00:26:40,366 --> 00:26:42,032
to change what we would get.
And after wesley made money
in "new jack city,"

1072
00:26:42,034 --> 00:26:42,800
and after wesley made money
in "new jack city,"
the studio said,

1073
00:26:42,802 --> 00:26:44,501
in "new jack city,"
the studio said,
"oh, well, it's not just about

1074
00:26:44,503 --> 00:26:45,169
the studio said,
"oh, well, it's not just about
black or white,

1075
00:26:45,171 --> 00:26:46,870
"oh, well, it's not just about
black or white,
it's about green.

1076
00:26:46,872 --> 00:26:48,105
Black or white,
it's about green.
Let's put wesley snipes

1077
00:26:48,107 --> 00:26:49,940
it's about green.
Let's put wesley snipes
in 'passenger 57.'"

1078
00:26:49,942 --> 00:26:52,076
let's put wesley snipes
in 'passenger 57.'"
not written for a brother.

1079
00:26:52,078 --> 00:26:52,943
In 'passenger 57.'"
not written for a brother.
"let's put denzel

1080
00:26:52,945 --> 00:26:54,511
not written for a brother.
"let's put denzel
in 'pelican brief.'"

1081
00:26:54,513 --> 00:26:56,080
"let's put denzel
in 'pelican brief.'"
not written for a brother.

1082
00:26:56,082 --> 00:26:57,214
In 'pelican brief.'"
not written for a brother.
"let's put laurence fishburne

1083
00:26:57,216 --> 00:26:58,649
not written for a brother.
"let's put laurence fishburne
in starring roles

1084
00:26:58,651 --> 00:26:59,450
"let's put laurence fishburne
in starring roles
that weren't written

1085
00:26:59,452 --> 00:27:00,184
in starring roles
that weren't written
for brothers."

1086
00:27:00,186 --> 00:27:03,387
that weren't written
for brothers."
it took us to see ourselves

1087
00:27:03,389 --> 00:27:04,421
for brothers."
it took us to see ourselves
as stars.

1088
00:27:04,423 --> 00:27:05,189
It took us to see ourselves
as stars.
And then, those films

1089
00:27:05,191 --> 00:27:05,956
as stars.
And then, those films
had to make money.

1090
00:27:05,958 --> 00:27:06,824
And then, those films
had to make money.
If they didn't make money,

1091
00:27:06,826 --> 00:27:07,424
had to make money.
If they didn't make money,
hollywood would say,

1092
00:27:07,426 --> 00:27:08,425
if they didn't make money,
hollywood would say,
"ah, I told you."

1093
00:27:08,427 --> 00:27:09,660
hollywood would say,
"ah, I told you."
but if those films made money

1094
00:27:09,662 --> 00:27:10,961
"ah, I told you."
but if those films made money
with us starring, boy,

1095
00:27:10,963 --> 00:27:12,596
but if those films made money
with us starring, boy,
we'd be -- we'd be in the game.

1096
00:27:12,598 --> 00:27:14,298
With us starring, boy,
we'd be -- we'd be in the game.
Sometimes, when those guys

1097
00:27:14,300 --> 00:27:15,866
we'd be -- we'd be in the game.
Sometimes, when those guys
were too busy,

1098
00:27:15,868 --> 00:27:17,234
sometimes, when those guys
were too busy,
I then got the offer

1099
00:27:17,236 --> 00:27:18,969
were too busy,
I then got the offer
as an actor,

1100
00:27:18,971 --> 00:27:20,170
I then got the offer
as an actor,
'cause I was the only one

1101
00:27:20,172 --> 00:27:21,839
as an actor,
'cause I was the only one
in there who was director

1102
00:27:21,841 --> 00:27:22,539
'cause I was the only one
in there who was director
and actor.

1103
00:27:22,541 --> 00:27:23,307
In there who was director
and actor.
You feel me?

1104
00:27:23,309 --> 00:27:24,308
And actor.
You feel me?
So, suddenly, they're like,

1105
00:27:24,310 --> 00:27:25,175
you feel me?
So, suddenly, they're like,
"well, we have a movie.

1106
00:27:25,177 --> 00:27:26,677
So, suddenly, they're like,
"well, we have a movie.
We need a guy who can

1107
00:27:26,679 --> 00:27:27,611
"well, we have a movie.
We need a guy who can
grow some muscles,

1108
00:27:27,613 --> 00:27:28,245
we need a guy who can
grow some muscles,
and walk around,

1109
00:27:28,247 --> 00:27:29,046
grow some muscles,
and walk around,
and whoop some [bleep]."

1110
00:27:29,048 --> 00:27:30,648
and walk around,
and whoop some [bleep]."
the movie's called "solo."

1111
00:27:30,650 --> 00:27:32,449
and whoop some [bleep]."
the movie's called "solo."
and boom, I get the offer

1112
00:27:32,451 --> 00:27:34,051
the movie's called "solo."
and boom, I get the offer
not to direct it,

1113
00:27:34,053 --> 00:27:35,285
and boom, I get the offer
not to direct it,
just to act in a role

1114
00:27:35,287 --> 00:27:35,953
not to direct it,
just to act in a role
that wasn't written

1115
00:27:35,955 --> 00:27:38,288
just to act in a role
that wasn't written
for a brother.

1116
00:27:38,290 --> 00:27:41,625
That wasn't written
for a brother.
I get a western called "posse."

1117
00:27:41,627 --> 00:27:43,060
for a brother.
I get a western called "posse."
and I got to direct it

1118
00:27:43,062 --> 00:27:44,595
I get a western called "posse."
and I got to direct it
and act in it.

1119
00:27:44,597 --> 00:27:45,729
And I got to direct it
and act in it.
As a filmmaker, I said,

1120
00:27:45,731 --> 00:27:46,697
and act in it.
As a filmmaker, I said,
"nah, squash that.

1121
00:27:46,699 --> 00:27:47,598
As a filmmaker, I said,
"nah, squash that.
I don't want just be

1122
00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:49,800
"nah, squash that.
I don't want just be
a job seeker as an actor.

1123
00:27:49,802 --> 00:27:51,035
I don't want just be
a job seeker as an actor.
That's not a powerful position

1124
00:27:51,037 --> 00:27:51,735
a job seeker as an actor.
That's not a powerful position
to be in.

1125
00:27:51,737 --> 00:27:53,671
That's not a powerful position
to be in.
I want to be a job creator,

1126
00:27:53,673 --> 00:27:54,772
to be in.
I want to be a job creator,
as a filmmaker."

1127
00:27:54,774 --> 00:27:55,939
I want to be a job creator,
as a filmmaker."
but I got to be a part of

1128
00:27:55,941 --> 00:27:58,075
as a filmmaker."
but I got to be a part of
creating a job,

1129
00:27:58,077 --> 00:28:00,110
but I got to be a part of
creating a job,
and then receiving the job.

1130
00:28:00,112 --> 00:28:00,744
Creating a job,
and then receiving the job.
That's a very unique position.

1131
00:28:04,482 --> 00:28:09,453
>> so, I remember,
I did woody strode.
He's the brother --

1132
00:28:09,455 --> 00:28:10,120
I did woody strode.
He's the brother --
when I grew up,

1133
00:28:10,122 --> 00:28:10,854
he's the brother --
when I grew up,
I remember seeing

1134
00:28:10,856 --> 00:28:11,922
when I grew up,
I remember seeing
"sergeant rutledge" --

1135
00:28:11,924 --> 00:28:13,023
I remember seeing
"sergeant rutledge" --
if you know film history.

1136
00:28:13,025 --> 00:28:14,291
"sergeant rutledge" --
if you know film history.
"sergeant rutledge"

1137
00:28:14,293 --> 00:28:15,359
if you know film history.
"sergeant rutledge"
and "once upon a time

1138
00:28:15,361 --> 00:28:16,460
"sergeant rutledge"
and "once upon a time
in the west" with woody strode

1139
00:28:16,462 --> 00:28:17,795
and "once upon a time
in the west" with woody strode
was the first brother

1140
00:28:17,797 --> 00:28:19,329
in the west" with woody strode
was the first brother
I saw in a western.

1141
00:28:19,331 --> 00:28:19,930
Was the first brother
I saw in a western.
I said, "man,

1142
00:28:19,932 --> 00:28:21,265
I saw in a western.
I said, "man,
that's a cool-looking cat.

1143
00:28:21,267 --> 00:28:22,332
I said, "man,
that's a cool-looking cat.
If I ever make a western,

1144
00:28:22,334 --> 00:28:24,568
that's a cool-looking cat.
If I ever make a western,
I want to use woody strode."

1145
00:28:24,570 --> 00:28:25,536
if I ever make a western,
I want to use woody strode."
I call up woody strode.

1146
00:28:25,538 --> 00:28:27,438
I want to use woody strode."
I call up woody strode.
He was 84 when I did "posse."

1147
00:28:27,440 --> 00:28:28,205
I call up woody strode.
He was 84 when I did "posse."
and I called him up.

1148
00:28:28,207 --> 00:28:29,473
He was 84 when I did "posse."
and I called him up.
I said, "mr. Strode,

1149
00:28:29,475 --> 00:28:31,141
and I called him up.
I said, "mr. Strode,
I have a western.

1150
00:28:31,143 --> 00:28:32,242
I said, "mr. Strode,
I have a western.
I'd love to send it to you."

1151
00:28:32,244 --> 00:28:33,210
I have a western.
I'd love to send it to you."
he said, "yeah,

1152
00:28:33,212 --> 00:28:34,244
I'd love to send it to you."
he said, "yeah,
I've done enough westerns.

1153
00:28:34,246 --> 00:28:35,813
He said, "yeah,
I've done enough westerns.
I'm not really

1154
00:28:35,815 --> 00:28:36,880
I've done enough westerns.
I'm not really
messing with those anymore."

1155
00:28:36,882 --> 00:28:37,781
I'm not really
messing with those anymore."
I said, "sir, this one's

1156
00:28:37,783 --> 00:28:38,449
messing with those anymore."
I said, "sir, this one's
a little different.

1157
00:28:38,451 --> 00:28:39,583
I said, "sir, this one's
a little different.
Please, just --

1158
00:28:39,585 --> 00:28:41,351
a little different.
Please, just --
just read five pages."

1159
00:28:41,353 --> 00:28:41,985
please, just --
just read five pages."
"all right, boy.

1160
00:28:41,987 --> 00:28:43,520
Just read five pages."
"all right, boy.
Send it to me."

1161
00:28:43,522 --> 00:28:44,922
"all right, boy.
Send it to me."
and I send him "posse."

1162
00:28:44,924 --> 00:28:45,956
send it to me."
and I send him "posse."
I get -- the phone rings.

1163
00:28:45,958 --> 00:28:47,024
And I send him "posse."
I get -- the phone rings.
He's calling back.

1164
00:28:47,026 --> 00:28:48,792
I get -- the phone rings.
He's calling back.
In the opening of the script,

1165
00:28:48,794 --> 00:28:50,360
he's calling back.
In the opening of the script,
woody strode's character says,

1166
00:28:50,362 --> 00:28:53,030
in the opening of the script,
woody strode's character says,
"history's a funny thing.

1167
00:28:53,032 --> 00:28:54,231
Woody strode's character says,
"history's a funny thing.
They got us all believing

1168
00:28:54,233 --> 00:28:54,932
"history's a funny thing.
They got us all believing
that columbus

1169
00:28:54,934 --> 00:28:57,134
they got us all believing
that columbus
discovered america,

1170
00:28:57,136 --> 00:28:58,368
that columbus
discovered america,
but we know the native americans

1171
00:28:58,370 --> 00:28:59,470
discovered america,
but we know the native americans
were already here.

1172
00:28:59,472 --> 00:29:00,504
But we know the native americans
were already here.
So, that's like me putting

1173
00:29:00,506 --> 00:29:02,206
were already here.
So, that's like me putting
my flag on your new mercedes,

1174
00:29:02,208 --> 00:29:02,773
so, that's like me putting
my flag on your new mercedes,
and saying, "I'm gonna

1175
00:29:02,775 --> 00:29:05,008
my flag on your new mercedes,
and saying, "I'm gonna
discover your car.

1176
00:29:05,010 --> 00:29:06,009
And saying, "I'm gonna
discover your car.
And if you don't get out of your

1177
00:29:06,011 --> 00:29:07,311
discover your car.
And if you don't get out of your
car quick enough,

1178
00:29:07,313 --> 00:29:07,945
and if you don't get out of your
car quick enough,
I'm gonna call you

1179
00:29:07,947 --> 00:29:09,513
car quick enough,
I'm gonna call you
an 'evil, red, savage.'"

1180
00:29:09,515 --> 00:29:10,280
I'm gonna call you
an 'evil, red, savage.'"
woody called me back.

1181
00:29:10,282 --> 00:29:11,281
An 'evil, red, savage.'"
woody called me back.
He said, "son, are they gonna

1182
00:29:11,283 --> 00:29:13,684
woody called me back.
He said, "son, are they gonna
let you say this kind of stuff?"

1183
00:29:13,686 --> 00:29:14,318
he said, "son, are they gonna
let you say this kind of stuff?"
I said, "sir,

1184
00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:16,587
let you say this kind of stuff?"
I said, "sir,
in this particular case,

1185
00:29:16,589 --> 00:29:19,590
I said, "sir,
in this particular case,
I am the 'they.'"

1186
00:29:19,592 --> 00:29:21,558
in this particular case,
I am the 'they.'"
and it was lovely to say

1187
00:29:21,560 --> 00:29:23,193
I am the 'they.'"
and it was lovely to say
we traditionally don't see

1188
00:29:23,195 --> 00:29:24,828
and it was lovely to say
we traditionally don't see
our history on screen.

1189
00:29:24,830 --> 00:29:26,063
We traditionally don't see
our history on screen.
We're taught that we can't all

1190
00:29:26,065 --> 00:29:27,097
our history on screen.
We're taught that we can't all
make it together.

1191
00:29:27,099 --> 00:29:27,998
We're taught that we can't all
make it together.
We can make it together.

1192
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:29,600
Make it together.
We can make it together.
We can own our own teams.

1193
00:29:29,602 --> 00:29:31,435
We can make it together.
We can own our own teams.
We could our own studios.

1194
00:29:31,437 --> 00:29:32,436
We can own our own teams.
We could our own studios.
We don't have to compete.

1195
00:29:32,438 --> 00:29:33,837
We could our own studios.
We don't have to compete.
I'm not in competition

1196
00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:35,005
we don't have to compete.
I'm not in competition
with these other cats.

1197
00:29:35,007 --> 00:29:36,006
I'm not in competition
with these other cats.
And you look at that

1198
00:29:36,008 --> 00:29:38,175
with these other cats.
And you look at that
new york times cover.

1199
00:29:38,177 --> 00:29:39,343
And you look at that
new york times cover.
I'm not in competition

1200
00:29:39,345 --> 00:29:40,377
new york times cover.
I'm not in competition
with those other directors.

1201
00:29:40,379 --> 00:29:42,112
I'm not in competition
with those other directors.
Those are my brothers.

1202
00:29:42,114 --> 00:29:43,480
With those other directors.
Those are my brothers.
So, when I did "posse,"

1203
00:29:43,482 --> 00:29:45,549
those are my brothers.
So, when I did "posse,"
I called up the hudlin brothers,

1204
00:29:45,551 --> 00:29:46,016
so, when I did "posse,"
I called up the hudlin brothers,
and I said,

1205
00:29:46,018 --> 00:29:47,951
I called up the hudlin brothers,
and I said,
"will you come be in my movie?"

1206
00:29:47,953 --> 00:29:49,787
and I said,
"will you come be in my movie?"
they said, "absolutely."

1207
00:29:49,789 --> 00:29:51,922
"will you come be in my movie?"
they said, "absolutely."
I called up charles lane, said,

1208
00:29:51,924 --> 00:29:53,690
they said, "absolutely."
I called up charles lane, said,
"will you come be in my movie?

1209
00:29:53,692 --> 00:29:54,892
I called up charles lane, said,
"will you come be in my movie?
'cause it's our movie."

1210
00:29:54,894 --> 00:29:56,960
"will you come be in my movie?
'cause it's our movie."
he said, "absolutely."

1211
00:29:56,962 --> 00:29:58,228
'cause it's our movie."
he said, "absolutely."
I called up steven cannon,

1212
00:29:58,230 --> 00:29:59,096
he said, "absolutely."
I called up steven cannon,
my mentor, and said,

1213
00:29:59,098 --> 00:30:01,198
I called up steven cannon,
my mentor, and said,
"will you come be in my movie?"

1214
00:30:01,200 --> 00:30:02,166
my mentor, and said,
"will you come be in my movie?"
republican cat.

1215
00:30:02,168 --> 00:30:03,367
"will you come be in my movie?"
republican cat.
He said, "absolutely."

1216
00:30:03,369 --> 00:30:04,501
republican cat.
He said, "absolutely."
I called up my daddy.

1217
00:30:04,503 --> 00:30:05,803
He said, "absolutely."
I called up my daddy.
I call up pam grier.

1218
00:30:05,805 --> 00:30:07,070
I called up my daddy.
I call up pam grier.
I called up isaac hayes.

1219
00:30:07,072 --> 00:30:08,238
I call up pam grier.
I called up isaac hayes.
I call up daddy kane.

1220
00:30:08,240 --> 00:30:09,473
I called up isaac hayes.
I call up daddy kane.
I called up tomo.

1221
00:30:09,475 --> 00:30:11,175
I call up daddy kane.
I called up tomo.
I called up sally richardson.

1222
00:30:11,177 --> 00:30:12,643
I called up tomo.
I called up sally richardson.
I called up billy zane.

1223
00:30:12,645 --> 00:30:14,444
I called up sally richardson.
I called up billy zane.
I called up steve baldwin.

1224
00:30:14,446 --> 00:30:14,945
I called up billy zane.
I called up steve baldwin.
There's always

1225
00:30:14,947 --> 00:30:16,013
I called up steve baldwin.
There's always
a baldwin for your budget,

1226
00:30:16,015 --> 00:30:17,114
there's always
a baldwin for your budget,
'cause you could get you alec --

1227
00:30:17,116 --> 00:30:18,015
a baldwin for your budget,
'cause you could get you alec --
if you can afford him --

1228
00:30:18,017 --> 00:30:18,882
'cause you could get you alec --
if you can afford him --
you could get your billy.

1229
00:30:18,884 --> 00:30:20,017
If you can afford him --
you could get your billy.
I could only get --

1230
00:30:20,019 --> 00:30:21,485
you could get your billy.
I could only get --
pay for steven.

1231
00:30:21,487 --> 00:30:23,053
I could only get --
pay for steven.
So, I called up

1232
00:30:23,055 --> 00:30:24,321
pay for steven.
So, I called up
all those people to say,

1233
00:30:24,323 --> 00:30:25,856
so, I called up
all those people to say,
"let's be in this together."

1234
00:30:25,858 --> 00:30:26,557
all those people to say,
"let's be in this together."
and they came.

1235
00:30:26,559 --> 00:30:27,758
"let's be in this together."
and they came.
So, we had the generation of

1236
00:30:27,760 --> 00:30:30,794
and they came.
So, we had the generation of
the '50's, with woody strode,

1237
00:30:30,796 --> 00:30:32,296
so, we had the generation of
the '50's, with woody strode,
the generation of the '70's,

1238
00:30:32,298 --> 00:30:34,431
the '50's, with woody strode,
the generation of the '70's,
with isaac hayes and pam grier,

1239
00:30:34,433 --> 00:30:35,732
the generation of the '70's,
with isaac hayes and pam grier,
richard t. Grant,

1240
00:30:35,734 --> 00:30:36,834
with isaac hayes and pam grier,
richard t. Grant,
so that you could see the

1241
00:30:36,836 --> 00:30:39,136
richard t. Grant,
so that you could see the
cinematic history of black folks

1242
00:30:39,138 --> 00:30:41,238
so that you could see the
cinematic history of black folks
learning from each other.

1243
00:30:41,240 --> 00:30:42,372
Cinematic history of black folks
learning from each other.
So dope.

1244
00:30:42,374 --> 00:30:43,173
Learning from each other.
So dope.
And then, of course,

1245
00:30:43,175 --> 00:30:46,510
so dope.
And then, of course,
we had nipsey russell.

1246
00:30:46,512 --> 00:30:47,911
And then, of course,
we had nipsey russell.
And when the sheriff rides in --

1247
00:30:47,913 --> 00:30:48,545
we had nipsey russell.
And when the sheriff rides in --
there was one line

1248
00:30:48,547 --> 00:30:49,613
and when the sheriff rides in --
there was one line
the studio called me about.

1249
00:30:49,615 --> 00:30:49,980
There was one line
the studio called me about.
They said,

1250
00:30:49,982 --> 00:30:50,781
the studio called me about.
They said,
"you got to change

1251
00:30:50,783 --> 00:30:51,548
they said,
"you got to change
this one line, van peebles.

1252
00:30:51,550 --> 00:30:53,050
"you got to change
this one line, van peebles.
You've gone too far."

1253
00:30:53,052 --> 00:30:54,151
this one line, van peebles.
You've gone too far."
and the line was,

1254
00:30:54,153 --> 00:30:55,018
you've gone too far."
and the line was,
the white sheriff

1255
00:30:55,020 --> 00:30:55,853
and the line was,
the white sheriff
rides into town.

1256
00:30:55,855 --> 00:30:56,854
The white sheriff
rides into town.
Of course, you look out into

1257
00:30:56,856 --> 00:30:57,621
rides into town.
Of course, you look out into
l.A. Back here,

1258
00:30:57,623 --> 00:30:58,956
of course, you look out into
l.A. Back here,
during the l.A. Uprisings

1259
00:30:58,958 --> 00:31:00,123
l.A. Back here,
during the l.A. Uprisings
in '92.

1260
00:31:00,125 --> 00:31:01,191
During the l.A. Uprisings
in '92.
The chief of police was a man

1261
00:31:01,193 --> 00:31:03,126
in '92.
The chief of police was a man
named daryl gates.

1262
00:31:03,128 --> 00:31:04,595
The chief of police was a man
named daryl gates.
So...

1263
00:31:04,597 --> 00:31:05,329
Named daryl gates.
So...
Our sheriff,

1264
00:31:05,331 --> 00:31:06,663
so...
Our sheriff,
I made him sheriff bates.

1265
00:31:06,665 --> 00:31:07,731
Our sheriff,
I made him sheriff bates.
So, if you listen to "posse,"

1266
00:31:07,733 --> 00:31:08,465
I made him sheriff bates.
So, if you listen to "posse,"
go, "wait a minute.

1267
00:31:08,467 --> 00:31:09,266
So, if you listen to "posse,"
go, "wait a minute.
Sheriff bates."

1268
00:31:09,268 --> 00:31:09,700
go, "wait a minute.
Sheriff bates."
right?

1269
00:31:09,702 --> 00:31:10,500
Sheriff bates."
right?
So, sheriff bates

1270
00:31:10,502 --> 00:31:12,336
right?
So, sheriff bates
rides into freemanville.

1271
00:31:12,338 --> 00:31:14,071
So, sheriff bates
rides into freemanville.
And he threatens us.

1272
00:31:14,073 --> 00:31:15,372
Rides into freemanville.
And he threatens us.
And my character says,

1273
00:31:15,374 --> 00:31:18,642
and he threatens us.
And my character says,
"listen, if [bleep] goes wrong,

1274
00:31:18,644 --> 00:31:19,776
and my character says,
"listen, if [bleep] goes wrong,
we're not gonna let this town

1275
00:31:19,778 --> 00:31:21,211
"listen, if [bleep] goes wrong,
we're not gonna let this town
be destroyed.

1276
00:31:21,213 --> 00:31:22,045
We're not gonna let this town
be destroyed.
And if it is,

1277
00:31:22,047 --> 00:31:23,547
be destroyed.
And if it is,
we coming to yours."

1278
00:31:23,549 --> 00:31:24,748
and if it is,
we coming to yours."
and the studio called me,

1279
00:31:24,750 --> 00:31:25,215
we coming to yours."
and the studio called me,
and said,

1280
00:31:25,217 --> 00:31:25,949
and the studio called me,
and said,
"man, you got to take that out."

1281
00:31:25,951 --> 00:31:26,650
and said,
"man, you got to take that out."
because the l.A. Uprising

1282
00:31:26,652 --> 00:31:27,584
"man, you got to take that out."
because the l.A. Uprising
had just happened,

1283
00:31:27,586 --> 00:31:28,919
because the l.A. Uprising
had just happened,
and they didn't want us thinking

1284
00:31:28,921 --> 00:31:30,554
had just happened,
and they didn't want us thinking
about, you burn down inglewood,

1285
00:31:30,556 --> 00:31:31,121
and they didn't want us thinking
about, you burn down inglewood,
that's one thing.

1286
00:31:31,123 --> 00:31:31,855
About, you burn down inglewood,
that's one thing.
They don't want you thinking

1287
00:31:31,857 --> 00:31:32,923
that's one thing.
They don't want you thinking
about going to bel air

1288
00:31:32,925 --> 00:31:34,091
they don't want you thinking
about going to bel air
or beverly hills.

1289
00:31:34,093 --> 00:31:34,491
About going to bel air
or beverly hills.
They said,

1290
00:31:34,493 --> 00:31:35,592
or beverly hills.
They said,
"that's too revolutionary."

1291
00:31:35,594 --> 00:31:37,094
they said,
"that's too revolutionary."
so, not only did I keep it in,

1292
00:31:37,096 --> 00:31:38,328
"that's too revolutionary."
so, not only did I keep it in,
but I had poppa joe,

1293
00:31:38,330 --> 00:31:40,364
so, not only did I keep it in,
but I had poppa joe,
played by sweetback,

1294
00:31:40,366 --> 00:31:42,766
but I had poppa joe,
played by sweetback,
blow up the sheriff's office.

1295
00:31:42,768 --> 00:31:43,567
Played by sweetback,
blow up the sheriff's office.
They were like, "wt?"

1296
00:31:43,569 --> 00:31:44,534
blow up the sheriff's office.
They were like, "wt?"
so. If you look at what's

1297
00:31:44,536 --> 00:31:45,702
they were like, "wt?"
so. If you look at what's
happening in the movie, man,

1298
00:31:45,704 --> 00:31:46,637
so. If you look at what's
happening in the movie, man,
there's a lot going on

1299
00:31:46,639 --> 00:31:47,504
happening in the movie, man,
there's a lot going on
that people knew.

1300
00:31:47,506 --> 00:31:48,272
There's a lot going on
that people knew.
And in the middle of all this

1301
00:31:48,274 --> 00:31:49,273
that people knew.
And in the middle of all this
[bleep] going wrong,

1302
00:31:49,275 --> 00:31:50,307
and in the middle of all this
[bleep] going wrong,
nipsey russell stands up,

1303
00:31:50,309 --> 00:31:50,974
[bleep] going wrong,
nipsey russell stands up,
and goes,

1304
00:31:50,976 --> 00:31:52,876
nipsey russell stands up,
and goes,
"can't we all just get along?"

1305
00:31:52,878 --> 00:31:53,176
and goes,
"can't we all just get along?"
[ laughs ]

1306
00:31:59,250 --> 00:32:04,354
>> you know, I had done a show
with jamie...
After I did "posse."

1307
00:32:04,356 --> 00:32:07,524
with jamie...
After I did "posse."
and he was playing

1308
00:32:07,526 --> 00:32:09,092
after I did "posse."
and he was playing
a saloon girl.

1309
00:32:09,094 --> 00:32:10,127
And he was playing
a saloon girl.
I knew he was gonna improv

1310
00:32:10,129 --> 00:32:11,795
a saloon girl.
I knew he was gonna improv
some stuff, so I improved it.

1311
00:32:11,797 --> 00:32:13,096
I knew he was gonna improv
some stuff, so I improved it.
And I walked into the saloon

1312
00:32:13,098 --> 00:32:14,631
some stuff, so I improved it.
And I walked into the saloon
as my character, jesse lee.

1313
00:32:14,633 --> 00:32:16,199
And I walked into the saloon
as my character, jesse lee.
I had just done posse.

1314
00:32:16,201 --> 00:32:17,167
As my character, jesse lee.
I had just done posse.
And he looked at me,

1315
00:32:17,169 --> 00:32:18,468
I had just done posse.
And he looked at me,
and his character was like,

1316
00:32:18,470 --> 00:32:19,369
and he looked at me,
and his character was like,
"ooh, look at you."

1317
00:32:19,371 --> 00:32:20,871
and his character was like,
"ooh, look at you."
[ laughs ]

1318
00:32:20,873 --> 00:32:21,571
"ooh, look at you."
[ laughs ]
I can't even do it

1319
00:32:21,573 --> 00:32:22,940
[ laughs ]
I can't even do it
like jamie does.

1320
00:32:22,942 --> 00:32:25,409
I can't even do it
like jamie does.
I walked in, and -- and --

1321
00:32:25,411 --> 00:32:26,810
like jamie does.
I walked in, and -- and --
and I said, "back up."

1322
00:32:26,812 --> 00:32:27,544
I walked in, and -- and --
and I said, "back up."
he said, "why?"

1323
00:32:27,546 --> 00:32:29,046
and I said, "back up."
he said, "why?"
I said "'cause I'm half indian."

1324
00:32:29,048 --> 00:32:29,947
he said, "why?"
I said "'cause I'm half indian."
he said, "what do you mean?"

1325
00:32:29,949 --> 00:32:31,448
I said "'cause I'm half indian."
he said, "what do you mean?"
I said, "I'm part slap[bleep]."

1326
00:32:31,450 --> 00:32:33,750
he said, "what do you mean?"
I said, "I'm part slap[bleep]."
[ laughs ]

1327
00:32:33,752 --> 00:32:35,686
I said, "I'm part slap[bleep]."
[ laughs ]
and I could see, with jamie,

1328
00:32:35,688 --> 00:32:37,721
[ laughs ]
and I could see, with jamie,
he's super smart

1329
00:32:37,723 --> 00:32:39,990
and I could see, with jamie,
he's super smart
and so well trained, musically.

1330
00:32:39,992 --> 00:32:41,792
He's super smart
and so well trained, musically.
He's like a triple threat.

1331
00:32:41,794 --> 00:32:45,195
And so well trained, musically.
He's like a triple threat.
You know, and very humble cat.

1332
00:32:45,197 --> 00:32:46,797
He's like a triple threat.
You know, and very humble cat.
You know, a lot of fun.

1333
00:32:46,799 --> 00:32:50,000
You know, and very humble cat.
You know, a lot of fun.
And so, when I met

1334
00:32:50,002 --> 00:32:52,235
you know, a lot of fun.
And so, when I met
with michael mann to talk about

1335
00:32:52,237 --> 00:32:55,005
and so, when I met
with michael mann to talk about
playing malcolm x in "ali,"

1336
00:32:55,007 --> 00:32:56,707
with michael mann to talk about
playing malcolm x in "ali,"
he told me that jamie was gonna

1337
00:32:56,709 --> 00:32:58,809
playing malcolm x in "ali,"
he told me that jamie was gonna
play bandini.

1338
00:32:58,811 --> 00:32:59,776
He told me that jamie was gonna
play bandini.
I was excited.

1339
00:32:59,778 --> 00:33:00,744
Play bandini.
I was excited.
And then, of course, brother

1340
00:33:00,746 --> 00:33:01,912
I was excited.
And then, of course, brother
will smith, I had not gotten

1341
00:33:01,914 --> 00:33:03,380
and then, of course, brother
will smith, I had not gotten
to meet meet him yet.

1342
00:33:03,382 --> 00:33:05,949
Will smith, I had not gotten
to meet meet him yet.
And then, malcolm x's daughter

1343
00:33:05,951 --> 00:33:06,850
to meet meet him yet.
And then, malcolm x's daughter
was gonna work with me,

1344
00:33:06,852 --> 00:33:07,751
and then, malcolm x's daughter
was gonna work with me,
and work with me

1345
00:33:07,753 --> 00:33:09,086
was gonna work with me,
and work with me
to humanize her father.

1346
00:33:09,088 --> 00:33:11,355
And work with me
to humanize her father.
Because when playing malcolm,

1347
00:33:11,357 --> 00:33:12,589
to humanize her father.
Because when playing malcolm,
I didn't want to just play him

1348
00:33:12,591 --> 00:33:13,857
because when playing malcolm,
I didn't want to just play him
as icon.

1349
00:33:13,859 --> 00:33:15,325
I didn't want to just play him
as icon.
If you play someone as other,

1350
00:33:15,327 --> 00:33:16,893
as icon.
If you play someone as other,
and this -- sort of this --

1351
00:33:16,895 --> 00:33:18,295
if you play someone as other,
and this -- sort of this --
in a super straight,

1352
00:33:18,297 --> 00:33:19,863
and this -- sort of this --
in a super straight,
reverential way, what happens

1353
00:33:19,865 --> 00:33:21,231
in a super straight,
reverential way, what happens
that people, when they watch it,

1354
00:33:21,233 --> 00:33:22,666
reverential way, what happens
that people, when they watch it,
they think "this person

1355
00:33:22,668 --> 00:33:23,967
that people, when they watch it,
they think "this person
is so much better than me.

1356
00:33:23,969 --> 00:33:25,102
They think "this person
is so much better than me.
They've probably never felt

1357
00:33:25,104 --> 00:33:26,069
is so much better than me.
They've probably never felt
these things,

1358
00:33:26,071 --> 00:33:28,305
they've probably never felt
these things,
so I could never be like that."

1359
00:33:28,307 --> 00:33:30,907
these things,
so I could never be like that."
and that is actually something

1360
00:33:30,909 --> 00:33:32,843
so I could never be like that."
and that is actually something
that can...

1361
00:33:32,845 --> 00:33:34,177
And that is actually something
that can...
That can be disheartening

1362
00:33:34,179 --> 00:33:35,012
that can...
That can be disheartening
to folks.

1363
00:33:35,014 --> 00:33:36,580
That can be disheartening
to folks.
So, when I played malcolm x

1364
00:33:36,582 --> 00:33:38,315
to folks.
So, when I played malcolm x
in "ali," and I got to

1365
00:33:38,317 --> 00:33:39,716
so, when I played malcolm x
in "ali," and I got to
to work with will smith --

1366
00:33:39,718 --> 00:33:41,051
in "ali," and I got to
to work with will smith --
and he's also a father

1367
00:33:41,053 --> 00:33:42,486
to work with will smith --
and he's also a father
and loves being a dad --

1368
00:33:42,488 --> 00:33:43,854
and he's also a father
and loves being a dad --
and jamie.

1369
00:33:43,856 --> 00:33:45,122
And loves being a dad --
and jamie.
I got my daughters

1370
00:33:45,124 --> 00:33:46,156
and jamie.
I got my daughters
to play my daughters.

1371
00:33:46,158 --> 00:33:47,157
I got my daughters
to play my daughters.
These are all guys

1372
00:33:47,159 --> 00:33:49,226
to play my daughters.
These are all guys
that have done amazing work.

1373
00:33:49,228 --> 00:33:51,528
These are all guys
that have done amazing work.
Will and jamie, and of course,

1374
00:33:51,530 --> 00:33:54,131
that have done amazing work.
Will and jamie, and of course,
brother ali.

1375
00:33:54,133 --> 00:33:56,199
Will and jamie, and of course,
brother ali.
And it was -- in fact,

1376
00:33:56,201 --> 00:33:57,334
brother ali.
And it was -- in fact,
ali was the one

1377
00:33:57,336 --> 00:33:59,169
and it was -- in fact,
ali was the one
that suggested I do the movie

1378
00:33:59,171 --> 00:34:02,105
ali was the one
that suggested I do the movie
on my father, called "badass!"

1379
00:34:02,107 --> 00:34:04,074
that suggested I do the movie
on my father, called "badass!"
ali said to me,

1380
00:34:04,076 --> 00:34:05,375
on my father, called "badass!"
ali said to me,
"if they can make a movie

1381
00:34:05,377 --> 00:34:08,111
ali said to me,
"if they can make a movie
on me" -- the studios --

1382
00:34:08,113 --> 00:34:09,579
"if they can make a movie
on me" -- the studios --
"...About the first overtly

1383
00:34:09,581 --> 00:34:10,881
on me" -- the studios --
"...About the first overtly
black power athlete that

1384
00:34:10,883 --> 00:34:12,783
"...About the first overtly
black power athlete that
stood up against the system,

1385
00:34:12,785 --> 00:34:14,518
black power athlete that
stood up against the system,
why can't you make a movie

1386
00:34:14,520 --> 00:34:16,053
stood up against the system,
why can't you make a movie
about your dad,

1387
00:34:16,055 --> 00:34:18,088
why can't you make a movie
about your dad,
the first black power filmmaker

1388
00:34:18,090 --> 00:34:18,655
about your dad,
the first black power filmmaker
who stood up

1389
00:34:18,657 --> 00:34:19,122
the first black power filmmaker
who stood up
against the system?"

1390
00:34:22,460 --> 00:34:26,329
-"street brother."
average hustler
turns revolutionary.

1391
00:34:26,331 --> 00:34:27,531
Average hustler
turns revolutionary.
-Another comedy?

1392
00:34:27,533 --> 00:34:29,332
Turns revolutionary.
-Another comedy?
-Serious as cancer.

1393
00:34:29,334 --> 00:34:30,767
-Another comedy?
-Serious as cancer.
>> who's gonna want to see that?

1394
00:34:30,769 --> 00:34:31,735
-Serious as cancer.
>> who's gonna want to see that?
Black guys always die

1395
00:34:31,737 --> 00:34:34,538
>> who's gonna want to see that?
Black guys always die
in the end.

1396
00:34:34,540 --> 00:34:36,306
Black guys always die
in the end.
Can we go now?

1397
00:34:36,308 --> 00:34:37,674
In the end.
Can we go now?
>> that's it.

1398
00:34:37,676 --> 00:34:38,575
Can we go now?
>> that's it.
I'd make a film

1399
00:34:38,577 --> 00:34:40,377
>> that's it.
I'd make a film
about a real brother,

1400
00:34:40,379 --> 00:34:41,878
I'd make a film
about a real brother,
not some bougie or clown,

1401
00:34:41,880 --> 00:34:43,680
about a real brother,
not some bougie or clown,
like they always do.

1402
00:34:43,682 --> 00:34:44,748
Not some bougie or clown,
like they always do.
>> and that's when I got

1403
00:34:44,750 --> 00:34:45,849
like they always do.
>> and that's when I got
the idea to do "badass!"

1404
00:34:45,851 --> 00:34:47,050
>> and that's when I got
the idea to do "badass!"
and then michael mann

1405
00:34:47,052 --> 00:34:48,452
the idea to do "badass!"
and then michael mann
came forward, and said,

1406
00:34:48,454 --> 00:34:50,187
and then michael mann
came forward, and said,
"the first movie I took my wife

1407
00:34:50,189 --> 00:34:51,688
came forward, and said,
"the first movie I took my wife
to on a date at the state lake

1408
00:34:51,690 --> 00:34:53,790
"the first movie I took my wife
to on a date at the state lake
theater in chicago

1409
00:34:53,792 --> 00:34:55,125
to on a date at the state lake
theater in chicago
was 'sweet sweetback's badasssss

1410
00:34:55,127 --> 00:34:55,892
theater in chicago
was 'sweet sweetback's badasssss
song.'

1411
00:34:55,894 --> 00:34:56,827
was 'sweet sweetback's badasssss
song.'
I had never seen people

1412
00:34:56,829 --> 00:34:58,028
song.'
I had never seen people
react to a movie like that.

1413
00:34:58,030 --> 00:34:58,662
I had never seen people
react to a movie like that.
It was like going to

1414
00:34:58,664 --> 00:35:00,030
react to a movie like that.
It was like going to
a boxing match.

1415
00:35:00,032 --> 00:35:01,598
It was like going to
a boxing match.
And if you make a film

1416
00:35:01,600 --> 00:35:03,500
a boxing match.
And if you make a film
on your dad, I'll produce it."

1417
00:35:03,502 --> 00:35:04,701
and if you make a film
on your dad, I'll produce it."
so, ali thought of it,

1418
00:35:04,703 --> 00:35:06,036
on your dad, I'll produce it."
so, ali thought of it,
michael mann produced it,

1419
00:35:06,038 --> 00:35:06,970
so, ali thought of it,
michael mann produced it,
and I went out and made

1420
00:35:06,972 --> 00:35:07,904
michael mann produced it,
and I went out and made
"badass!"

1421
00:35:07,906 --> 00:35:09,172
and I went out and made
"badass!"
and I got ossie davis --

1422
00:35:09,174 --> 00:35:09,973
"badass!"
and I got ossie davis --
who was the other great

1423
00:35:09,975 --> 00:35:11,641
and I got ossie davis --
who was the other great
filmmaker, besides gordon parks,

1424
00:35:11,643 --> 00:35:13,143
who was the other great
filmmaker, besides gordon parks,
at the time, with my father --

1425
00:35:13,145 --> 00:35:14,878
filmmaker, besides gordon parks,
at the time, with my father --
to play my grandfather.

1426
00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:17,180
At the time, with my father --
to play my grandfather.
And we made the movie.

1427
00:35:17,182 --> 00:35:18,448
To play my grandfather.
And we made the movie.
I made it for a million bucks

1428
00:35:18,450 --> 00:35:19,850
and we made the movie.
I made it for a million bucks
in 18 days.

1429
00:35:19,852 --> 00:35:21,518
I made it for a million bucks
in 18 days.
I played my father.

1430
00:35:21,520 --> 00:35:22,352
In 18 days.
I played my father.
And then we sold it

1431
00:35:22,354 --> 00:35:24,454
I played my father.
And then we sold it
to sony classics.

1432
00:35:24,456 --> 00:35:26,389
And then we sold it
to sony classics.
-You's a a big [bleep].

1433
00:35:26,391 --> 00:35:27,224
To sony classics.
-You's a a big [bleep].
In a fair fight,

1434
00:35:27,226 --> 00:35:28,391
-you's a a big [bleep].
In a fair fight,
you'd whoop my ass.

1435
00:35:28,393 --> 00:35:29,092
In a fair fight,
you'd whoop my ass.
I ain't fought fair

1436
00:35:29,094 --> 00:35:30,227
you'd whoop my ass.
I ain't fought fair
in a long time.

1437
00:35:30,229 --> 00:35:31,128
I ain't fought fair
in a long time.
And if I was afraid of you,

1438
00:35:31,130 --> 00:35:31,761
in a long time.
And if I was afraid of you,
I wouldn't be the kind of

1439
00:35:31,763 --> 00:35:32,596
and if I was afraid of you,
I wouldn't be the kind of
[bleep] that gets that [bleep]

1440
00:35:32,598 --> 00:35:33,430
I wouldn't be the kind of
[bleep] that gets that [bleep]
done in the first

1441
00:35:33,432 --> 00:35:34,364
[bleep] that gets that [bleep]
done in the first
mother[bleep] place.

1442
00:35:34,366 --> 00:35:35,899
Done in the first
mother[bleep] place.
-And I put -- you know, just get

1443
00:35:35,901 --> 00:35:36,833
mother[bleep] place.
-And I put -- you know, just get
out there, and do it, man.

1444
00:35:36,835 --> 00:35:38,835
-And I put -- you know, just get
out there, and do it, man.
My dad sold me the rights

1445
00:35:38,837 --> 00:35:40,237
out there, and do it, man.
My dad sold me the rights
to his book,

1446
00:35:40,239 --> 00:35:41,271
my dad sold me the rights
to his book,
"making of sweetback,"

1447
00:35:41,273 --> 00:35:42,439
to his book,
"making of sweetback,"
for $1.

1448
00:35:42,441 --> 00:35:43,707
"making of sweetback,"
for $1.
And he said, "I have two notes.

1449
00:35:43,709 --> 00:35:45,976
For $1.
And he said, "I have two notes.
One, you play me.

1450
00:35:45,978 --> 00:35:48,945
And he said, "I have two notes.
One, you play me.
And two...

1451
00:35:48,947 --> 00:35:50,614
One, you play me.
And two...
Don't make me too damn nice."

1452
00:35:50,616 --> 00:35:52,883
and two...
Don't make me too damn nice."
>> mario.

1453
00:35:52,885 --> 00:35:53,083
Don't make me too damn nice."
>> mario.
Hey.

1454
00:35:53,351 --> 00:35:56,419
♪

1455
00:35:56,554 --> 00:35:57,154
hey, come on.

1456
00:35:57,288 --> 00:35:58,121
I know you're awake.

1457
00:35:58,256 --> 00:36:03,226
♪

1458
00:36:03,361 --> 00:36:03,760
look, son,

1459
00:36:03,895 --> 00:36:05,662
I want to tell you that...

1460
00:36:05,796 --> 00:36:05,929
♪

1461
00:36:12,370 --> 00:36:15,839
...You don't have to sleep
on the floor.
Sleep -- sleep on the bed.

1462
00:36:15,841 --> 00:36:18,842
On the floor.
Sleep -- sleep on the bed.
I'll take the couch.

1463
00:36:18,844 --> 00:36:20,310
Sleep -- sleep on the bed.
I'll take the couch.
Mario.

1464
00:36:20,312 --> 00:36:21,344
I'll take the couch.
Mario.
Which was his way of saying,

1465
00:36:21,346 --> 00:36:21,778
mario.
Which was his way of saying,
"tell the truth."

1466
00:36:25,616 --> 00:36:27,751
>> your most career-defining

1467
00:36:27,885 --> 00:36:28,018
moment.

1468
00:36:29,420 --> 00:36:35,926
>> when I had juice from
"new jack city," as a director,
and juice from "posse"

1469
00:36:35,928 --> 00:36:37,194
"new jack city," as a director,
and juice from "posse"
as an actor.

1470
00:36:37,196 --> 00:36:39,396
And juice from "posse"
as an actor.
And I looked at my father,

1471
00:36:39,398 --> 00:36:41,765
as an actor.
And I looked at my father,
and he had written a book

1472
00:36:41,767 --> 00:36:43,166
and I looked at my father,
and he had written a book
about the black panther party

1473
00:36:43,168 --> 00:36:44,367
and he had written a book
about the black panther party
for self defense.

1474
00:36:44,369 --> 00:36:45,502
About the black panther party
for self defense.
And the black panthers had been

1475
00:36:45,504 --> 00:36:47,170
for self defense.
And the black panthers had been
so misrepresented,

1476
00:36:47,172 --> 00:36:48,905
and the black panthers had been
so misrepresented,
and my dad had been unable

1477
00:36:48,907 --> 00:36:50,674
so misrepresented,
and my dad had been unable
to get the film made.

1478
00:36:50,676 --> 00:36:51,575
And my dad had been unable
to get the film made.
And I said, "you know what?

1479
00:36:51,577 --> 00:36:52,976
To get the film made.
And I said, "you know what?
I'm gonna use my clout

1480
00:36:52,978 --> 00:36:55,178
and I said, "you know what?
I'm gonna use my clout
to do "panther."

1481
00:36:55,180 --> 00:36:56,313
I'm gonna use my clout
to do "panther."
the experience of making

1482
00:36:56,315 --> 00:36:57,981
to do "panther."
the experience of making
"panther" with my -- with my dad

1483
00:36:57,983 --> 00:36:59,649
the experience of making
"panther" with my -- with my dad
was...

1484
00:36:59,651 --> 00:37:00,984
"panther" with my -- with my dad
was...
Such a challenge to get done,

1485
00:37:00,986 --> 00:37:03,620
was...
Such a challenge to get done,
but -- but so rewarding.

1486
00:37:03,622 --> 00:37:05,689
Such a challenge to get done,
but -- but so rewarding.
And when my dad and I

1487
00:37:05,691 --> 00:37:08,024
but -- but so rewarding.
And when my dad and I
had to do press on the movie,

1488
00:37:08,026 --> 00:37:09,626
and when my dad and I
had to do press on the movie,
we knew that the press

1489
00:37:09,628 --> 00:37:10,894
had to do press on the movie,
we knew that the press
would come after us,

1490
00:37:10,896 --> 00:37:12,095
we knew that the press
would come after us,
and, you know,

1491
00:37:12,097 --> 00:37:12,729
would come after us,
and, you know,
to some degree,

1492
00:37:12,731 --> 00:37:14,231
and, you know,
to some degree,
try to divide us.

1493
00:37:14,233 --> 00:37:15,232
To some degree,
try to divide us.
And we were okay with it.

1494
00:37:15,234 --> 00:37:16,099
Try to divide us.
And we were okay with it.
We just had fun.

1495
00:37:16,101 --> 00:37:18,134
And we were okay with it.
We just had fun.
So...

1496
00:37:18,136 --> 00:37:19,236
We just had fun.
So...
My dad said,

1497
00:37:19,238 --> 00:37:20,170
so...
My dad said,
"if you like the film,

1498
00:37:20,172 --> 00:37:21,471
my dad said,
"if you like the film,
it was 'cause of his brilliant

1499
00:37:21,473 --> 00:37:23,139
"if you like the film,
it was 'cause of his brilliant
writing overcoming

1500
00:37:23,141 --> 00:37:25,008
it was 'cause of his brilliant
writing overcoming
my lackluster direction,"

1501
00:37:25,010 --> 00:37:26,409
writing overcoming
my lackluster direction,"
and -- 'cause he was the writer.

1502
00:37:26,411 --> 00:37:27,644
My lackluster direction,"
and -- 'cause he was the writer.
And I said, "no, is was my

1503
00:37:27,646 --> 00:37:28,778
and -- 'cause he was the writer.
And I said, "no, is was my
terrific direction

1504
00:37:28,780 --> 00:37:30,213
and I said, "no, is was my
terrific direction
overcoming his mediocre

1505
00:37:30,215 --> 00:37:30,680
terrific direction
overcoming his mediocre
writing."

1506
00:37:30,682 --> 00:37:32,115
overcoming his mediocre
writing."
and we just had a blast.

1507
00:37:32,117 --> 00:37:33,617
Writing."
and we just had a blast.
We toured all over with it.

1508
00:37:33,619 --> 00:37:34,884
And we just had a blast.
We toured all over with it.
To this day,

1509
00:37:34,886 --> 00:37:36,953
we toured all over with it.
To this day,
it's one of those movies that's,

1510
00:37:36,955 --> 00:37:38,221
to this day,
it's one of those movies that's,
like I said, very hard to get,

1511
00:37:38,223 --> 00:37:39,189
it's one of those movies that's,
like I said, very hard to get,
but, when you see it,

1512
00:37:39,191 --> 00:37:39,723
like I said, very hard to get,
but, when you see it,
you'll never forget it.

1513
00:37:44,428 --> 00:37:48,999
>> so, my father had
later stage dementia,
which meant that he was losing

1514
00:37:49,001 --> 00:37:51,067
later stage dementia,
which meant that he was losing
bits of language along the way.

1515
00:37:51,069 --> 00:37:53,003
Which meant that he was losing
bits of language along the way.
And it was interesting to see

1516
00:37:53,005 --> 00:37:54,871
bits of language along the way.
And it was interesting to see
that he -- you know, this guy

1517
00:37:54,873 --> 00:37:56,539
and it was interesting to see
that he -- you know, this guy
could speak french, could speak

1518
00:37:56,541 --> 00:37:58,008
that he -- you know, this guy
could speak french, could speak
dutch, could speak a little

1519
00:37:58,010 --> 00:38:00,577
could speak french, could speak
dutch, could speak a little
spanish, and a lot of ebonics,

1520
00:38:00,579 --> 00:38:02,445
dutch, could speak a little
spanish, and a lot of ebonics,
losing names, losing his ability

1521
00:38:02,447 --> 00:38:04,781
spanish, and a lot of ebonics,
losing names, losing his ability
to speak a little bit.

1522
00:38:04,783 --> 00:38:05,348
Losing names, losing his ability
to speak a little bit.
But he could still

1523
00:38:05,350 --> 00:38:07,183
to speak a little bit.
But he could still
remember music.

1524
00:38:07,185 --> 00:38:11,788
But he could still
remember music.
And I would start to sing to him

1525
00:38:11,790 --> 00:38:13,056
remember music.
And I would start to sing to him
bits of music

1526
00:38:13,058 --> 00:38:14,991
and I would start to sing to him
bits of music
that he had written

1527
00:38:14,993 --> 00:38:17,494
bits of music
that he had written
that had changed my life.

1528
00:38:17,496 --> 00:38:19,596
That he had written
that had changed my life.
He had written these songs.

1529
00:38:19,598 --> 00:38:21,264
That had changed my life.
He had written these songs.
And so, our last conversations,

1530
00:38:21,266 --> 00:38:22,899
he had written these songs.
And so, our last conversations,
when, you know, when --

1531
00:38:22,901 --> 00:38:24,434
and so, our last conversations,
when, you know, when --
before me dad transitions were,

1532
00:38:24,436 --> 00:38:26,269
when, you know, when --
before me dad transitions were,
I would sing some of the songs,

1533
00:38:26,271 --> 00:38:27,437
before me dad transitions were,
I would sing some of the songs,
and he would finish it.

1534
00:38:27,439 --> 00:38:28,271
I would sing some of the songs,
and he would finish it.
So, I could --

1535
00:38:28,273 --> 00:38:29,973
and he would finish it.
So, I could --
he couldn't remember a name,

1536
00:38:29,975 --> 00:38:31,341
so, I could --
he couldn't remember a name,
or remember this,

1537
00:38:31,343 --> 00:38:32,575
he couldn't remember a name,
or remember this,
but he could remember

1538
00:38:32,577 --> 00:38:34,444
or remember this,
but he could remember
the verse in a song.

1539
00:38:34,446 --> 00:38:35,679
But he could remember
the verse in a song.
I think, in my family

1540
00:38:35,681 --> 00:38:37,147
the verse in a song.
I think, in my family
specifically,

1541
00:38:37,149 --> 00:38:39,783
I think, in my family
specifically,
we try not to confuse people

1542
00:38:39,785 --> 00:38:42,719
specifically,
we try not to confuse people
we love with people who are good

1543
00:38:42,721 --> 00:38:45,755
we try not to confuse people
we love with people who are good
at what they think they love.

1544
00:38:45,757 --> 00:38:46,323
We love with people who are good
at what they think they love.
And that's very important.

1545
00:38:46,824 --> 00:38:50,894
So, you may love...

1546
00:38:51,028 --> 00:38:52,262
You know, playing basketball,

1547
00:38:52,396 --> 00:38:53,229
but you might not be

1548
00:38:53,364 --> 00:38:54,464
cut out for it.

1549
00:38:54,598 --> 00:38:56,733
Maya, my eldest daughter,

1550
00:38:56,867 --> 00:38:57,634
when she was a little girl,

1551
00:38:57,768 --> 00:38:58,268
I said, "maya, what do you

1552
00:38:58,402 --> 00:38:58,668
want to be?"

1553
00:38:58,803 --> 00:38:59,302
she said, "well, it's obvious.

1554
00:39:01,806 --> 00:39:07,344
I want to be a hairdresser,
a waitress, own a bookstore,
have my own tv show,

1555
00:39:07,346 --> 00:39:09,612
a waitress, own a bookstore,
have my own tv show,
be a superstar, be an actress,

1556
00:39:09,614 --> 00:39:11,915
have my own tv show,
be a superstar, be an actress,
and most of all, be a singer."

1557
00:39:11,917 --> 00:39:14,617
be a superstar, be an actress,
and most of all, be a singer."
now, maya, when she sings....

1558
00:39:14,619 --> 00:39:16,686
And most of all, be a singer."
now, maya, when she sings....
[ stammers ]

1559
00:39:16,688 --> 00:39:18,321
now, maya, when she sings....
[ stammers ]
but she's so smart,

1560
00:39:18,323 --> 00:39:19,989
[ stammers ]
but she's so smart,
and she's got this personality

1561
00:39:19,991 --> 00:39:21,024
but she's so smart,
and she's got this personality
that gets things done,

1562
00:39:21,026 --> 00:39:22,759
and she's got this personality
that gets things done,
and she's so efficient.

1563
00:39:22,761 --> 00:39:24,160
That gets things done,
and she's so efficient.
You know, I -- would I love her

1564
00:39:24,162 --> 00:39:24,894
and she's so efficient.
You know, I -- would I love her
if I encouraged her

1565
00:39:24,896 --> 00:39:26,196
you know, I -- would I love her
if I encouraged her
to be a singer?

1566
00:39:26,198 --> 00:39:26,496
If I encouraged her
to be a singer?
Yeah.

1567
00:39:26,498 --> 00:39:27,030
To be a singer?
Yeah.
I'd still love her.

1568
00:39:27,032 --> 00:39:29,065
Yeah.
I'd still love her.
But -- but I want to encourage

1569
00:39:29,067 --> 00:39:30,200
I'd still love her.
But -- but I want to encourage
her to do something that I know

1570
00:39:30,202 --> 00:39:31,034
but -- but I want to encourage
her to do something that I know
she'll kill it at.

1571
00:39:31,036 --> 00:39:31,868
Her to do something that I know
she'll kill it at.
She's one of these chicks

1572
00:39:31,870 --> 00:39:33,737
she'll kill it at.
She's one of these chicks
that could apply it to anything.

1573
00:39:33,739 --> 00:39:35,405
She's one of these chicks
that could apply it to anything.
And so, maya went to howard,

1574
00:39:35,407 --> 00:39:37,040
that could apply it to anything.
And so, maya went to howard,
went to fordham, you know,

1575
00:39:37,042 --> 00:39:38,975
and so, maya went to howard,
went to fordham, you know,
worked in campaign finance,

1576
00:39:38,977 --> 00:39:40,477
went to fordham, you know,
worked in campaign finance,
lived in malawi for a while,

1577
00:39:40,479 --> 00:39:42,278
worked in campaign finance,
lived in malawi for a while,
setting up girls schools,

1578
00:39:42,280 --> 00:39:43,313
lived in malawi for a while,
setting up girls schools,
and now works with people

1579
00:39:43,315 --> 00:39:44,848
setting up girls schools,
and now works with people
with special needs.

1580
00:39:44,850 --> 00:39:47,016
And now works with people
with special needs.
And this is the first job where

1581
00:39:47,018 --> 00:39:48,985
with special needs.
And this is the first job where
I said to maya, "you know what?

1582
00:39:48,987 --> 00:39:51,054
And this is the first job where
I said to maya, "you know what?
My lazy ass aging.

1583
00:39:51,056 --> 00:39:52,355
I said to maya, "you know what?
My lazy ass aging.
You know, for this one,

1584
00:39:52,357 --> 00:39:52,756
my lazy ass aging.
You know, for this one,
you manage it."

1585
00:39:53,657 --> 00:39:54,591
and maya did it.

1586
00:39:54,725 --> 00:39:55,892
And so, she's super efficient,

1587
00:39:56,026 --> 00:39:57,093
and super bright.

1588
00:39:57,228 --> 00:39:58,461
What I've found, as a father,

1589
00:39:58,596 --> 00:40:00,363
is that you try to encourage

1590
00:40:00,498 --> 00:40:01,564
your child to be the best

1591
00:40:01,699 --> 00:40:03,032
version of who they are,

1592
00:40:03,167 --> 00:40:03,867
not the best version

1593
00:40:04,001 --> 00:40:04,868
of you want them to be.

1594
00:40:05,002 --> 00:40:06,035
And they may initially think

1595
00:40:06,170 --> 00:40:06,770
they want to sing,

1596
00:40:06,904 --> 00:40:07,704
or they want to dance,

1597
00:40:07,838 --> 00:40:08,371
or they want to act,

1598
00:40:08,506 --> 00:40:08,905
or they want to direct.

1599
00:40:09,340 --> 00:40:13,710
So, my dad didn't know with me.
I may be a good actor, but maybe
I don't have the --

1600
00:40:13,712 --> 00:40:14,677
I may be a good actor, but maybe
I don't have the --
the heart for it.

1601
00:40:14,679 --> 00:40:15,812
I don't have the --
the heart for it.
Maybe I'll look at that

1602
00:40:15,814 --> 00:40:16,513
the heart for it.
Maybe I'll look at that
as rejection.

1603
00:40:16,515 --> 00:40:17,781
Maybe I'll look at that
as rejection.
One kid'll see it as rejection.

1604
00:40:17,783 --> 00:40:18,782
As rejection.
One kid'll see it as rejection.
To me, I was like,

1605
00:40:18,784 --> 00:40:20,216
one kid'll see it as rejection.
To me, I was like,
"that's just a challenge.

1606
00:40:20,218 --> 00:40:21,251
To me, I was like,
"that's just a challenge.
I'mma step over that [bleep].

1607
00:40:21,253 --> 00:40:22,685
"that's just a challenge.
I'mma step over that [bleep].
I'm about to do this."

1608
00:40:22,687 --> 00:40:24,154
I'mma step over that [bleep].
I'm about to do this."
but until they show you that,

1609
00:40:24,156 --> 00:40:25,355
I'm about to do this."
but until they show you that,
you don't know.

1610
00:40:25,357 --> 00:40:26,222
But until they show you that,
you don't know.
I've gotten younger

1611
00:40:26,224 --> 00:40:26,956
you don't know.
I've gotten younger
as I've gotten older,

1612
00:40:26,958 --> 00:40:29,692
I've gotten younger
as I've gotten older,
I used to give tougher advice,

1613
00:40:29,694 --> 00:40:32,095
as I've gotten older,
I used to give tougher advice,
and now I give easier advice,

1614
00:40:32,097 --> 00:40:35,899
I used to give tougher advice,
and now I give easier advice,
because not everyone fully

1615
00:40:35,901 --> 00:40:38,568
and now I give easier advice,
because not everyone fully
understands even the question.

1616
00:40:38,570 --> 00:40:39,169
Because not everyone fully
understands even the question.
You say,

1617
00:40:39,171 --> 00:40:40,437
understands even the question.
You say,
"what do you want to do?"

1618
00:40:40,439 --> 00:40:42,272
you say,
"what do you want to do?"
not everyone's gonna --

1619
00:40:42,274 --> 00:40:43,072
"what do you want to do?"
not everyone's gonna --
you know, you've got to be

1620
00:40:43,074 --> 00:40:44,140
not everyone's gonna --
you know, you've got to be
careful about that advice.

1621
00:40:44,142 --> 00:40:45,542
You know, you've got to be
careful about that advice.
So, sometimes you just give them

1622
00:40:45,544 --> 00:40:46,109
careful about that advice.
So, sometimes you just give them
a little shove --

1623
00:40:46,111 --> 00:40:47,510
so, sometimes you just give them
a little shove --
"well, try this.

1624
00:40:47,512 --> 00:40:47,977
A little shove --
"well, try this.
Try that."

1625
00:40:47,979 --> 00:40:48,878
"well, try this.
Try that."
my dad would do things

1626
00:40:48,880 --> 00:40:49,846
try that."
my dad would do things
that people would go,

1627
00:40:49,848 --> 00:40:51,014
my dad would do things
that people would go,
"I want to be in show business,

1628
00:40:51,016 --> 00:40:51,915
that people would go,
"I want to be in show business,
and I want to do this and that."

1629
00:40:51,917 --> 00:40:53,817
"I want to be in show business,
and I want to do this and that."
he go, "really? Okay.

1630
00:40:53,819 --> 00:40:56,019
And I want to do this and that."
he go, "really? Okay.
Uh, well, I want you to write

1631
00:40:56,021 --> 00:40:58,254
he go, "really? Okay.
Uh, well, I want you to write
a story on this.

1632
00:40:58,256 --> 00:41:00,457
Uh, well, I want you to write
a story on this.
And meet me at my office

1633
00:41:00,459 --> 00:41:02,792
a story on this.
And meet me at my office
next Friday,

1634
00:41:02,794 --> 00:41:04,027
and meet me at my office
next Friday,
and we're gonna go for a run

1635
00:41:04,029 --> 00:41:04,461
next Friday,
and we're gonna go for a run
together.

1636
00:41:04,463 --> 00:41:06,029
And we're gonna go for a run
together.
Meet me at 6:00 a.M."

1637
00:41:06,031 --> 00:41:07,464
together.
Meet me at 6:00 a.M."
most people never show up.

1638
00:41:07,466 --> 00:41:08,031
Meet me at 6:00 a.M."
most people never show up.
That's the biggest thing.

1639
00:41:08,566 --> 00:41:09,332
They were expecting to hear

1640
00:41:09,467 --> 00:41:10,133
"no," or this.

1641
00:41:10,267 --> 00:41:10,800
He felt that

1642
00:41:10,935 --> 00:41:12,068
that's the kind of energy

1643
00:41:12,203 --> 00:41:14,471
you need to have to win.

1644
00:41:14,605 --> 00:41:16,306
So, when I -- when I --

1645
00:41:16,440 --> 00:41:16,873
you know,

1646
00:41:17,007 --> 00:41:17,607
he didn't want to hear about

1647
00:41:17,741 --> 00:41:19,275
the script I was starting.

1648
00:41:19,410 --> 00:41:20,276
He wanted to know how the script

1649
00:41:20,411 --> 00:41:21,878
was that I finished.

1650
00:41:22,012 --> 00:41:23,813
"don't let perfect be the enemy

1651
00:41:23,948 --> 00:41:25,215
of the good," he would say.

1652
00:41:25,349 --> 00:41:26,616
"finish it, then you'll

1653
00:41:26,750 --> 00:41:27,383
perfect it,

1654
00:41:27,518 --> 00:41:28,551
and you'll work on it more."

1655
00:41:28,686 --> 00:41:30,286
but most of us start projects,

1656
00:41:30,421 --> 00:41:31,454
and we don't complete them.

1657
00:41:31,589 --> 00:41:32,789
Most of us have ideas.

1658
00:41:32,923 --> 00:41:34,224
We don't follow through.

1659
00:41:34,358 --> 00:41:35,124
Melvin van peebles

1660
00:41:35,259 --> 00:41:36,493
did all of it.

1661
00:41:36,627 --> 00:41:37,260
And so, the advice,

1662
00:41:37,394 --> 00:41:37,927
a lot of times,

1663
00:41:38,062 --> 00:41:39,829
was very simple --

1664
00:41:39,964 --> 00:41:40,296
keep on keeping on.