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In a new interview, actress Jurnee Smollett shares her experience of over-rehearsing and the valuable advice she received from director Denzel Washington.
Jurnee Smollett, 38, learned a valuable lesson about being “too prepared” from acclaimed actor and director Denzel Washington. Smollett recalled the incident while interviewing Jude Law, 51, for Us Weekly’s In Conversation feature.
Law shared that while he values rehearsals, it’s important to know when to stop. Smollett agreed, admitting that she had experienced over-rehearsing and losing her spark. She recounted an incident during the filming of “Great Debaters”, directed by Washington.
“I got to set and you go, ‘I got lost and I got nothing,’ ” Smollett recalled. Washington approached her and said, “You over-rehearsed… It’s OK, we’re gonna shoot everyone else and we’ll shoot you last and by then you’ll loosen up.”
Despite this advice, Smollett struggled to relax. Washington then offered her another piece of guidance: “If you’re gonna ask a question, get an answer.”
Smollett realized the significance of this advice, as her character in the film was debating whether people of color should have access to certain universities. “It was personal… [I was] fighting for your life,” she said.
Washington’s advice helped Smollett find the emotional core of her performance. “The take that’s in the film now, I get emotional, [because it’s] the freaking take after he whispered that in my ear,” she said.
Smollett acknowledged the importance of creating a safe environment for actors to take risks. She praised both Washington and “The Order” director Justin Kurzel for their understanding and generosity.
“Kindness and generosity were needed behind the scenes of the film,” she said, referring to “The Order,” in which Smollett and Law play FBI agents pursuing a white supremacist group.
