Jurnee Smollett, in a conversation with Jude Law for US Weekly, recounted a valuable lesson she learned from Denzel Washington about the pitfalls of over-rehearsing. During the filming of The Great Debaters, directed by Washington, Smollett, then 19, found herself in a challenging situation. Despite rigorous preparation, including debate camp and rehearsals, she felt stale and uninspired when it came time to shoot a crucial debate scene. Washington, recognizing her predicament, pointed out that she had over-rehearsed, leaving her performance devoid of spontaneity. He attempted to remedy the situation by delaying her scene, hoping she would loosen up. However, the delay only amplified her anxiety and self-consciousness. The pressure mounted as the crew prepared a special shot around her, further exacerbating her insecurity. Recognizing her struggle, Washington offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: "If you’re gonna ask a question, get an answer." This seemingly straightforward instruction unlocked something within Smollett, reminding her of the underlying purpose and emotional weight of the scene. Her character, striving for access to universities previously denied to people of color, fueled her performance with a newfound sense of urgency and purpose. The take that ultimately made it into the film captured the raw emotion and conviction that had been missing earlier, a testament to Washington’s astute directorial guidance and Smollett’s ability to internalize and apply his advice.
This experience served as a formative lesson for Smollett, highlighting the delicate balance between preparation and spontaneity in acting. While thorough rehearsal is essential, excessive preparation can stifle creativity and lead to a mechanical, lifeless performance. Washington’s insight helped her understand the importance of staying present in the moment and allowing the character’s emotions to drive the performance. The anecdote underscores the value of working with experienced actor-directors who possess a deep understanding of the craft and can provide targeted guidance to younger actors. Washington’s ability to diagnose the problem and offer a concise, effective solution showcased his directorial prowess and his empathy for the actors under his direction. Smollett’s candid recounting of the experience emphasizes the pivotal role this lesson played in her development as an actress.
The conversation between Smollett and Law, which took place during an interview for US Weekly‘s "In Conversation" feature, explored various aspects of their acting processes and their experiences working with different directors. The exchange about over-rehearsing stemmed from Law’s own views on the importance of finding the right balance in preparation. He acknowledged the value of rehearsals, especially given his theater background, but emphasized the need to know when to stop rehearsing and allow for spontaneity on set. This shared understanding between the two actors underscores a broader point about the nuances of film acting, where excessive rehearsal can sometimes be counterproductive.
Smollett’s experience on the set of The Great Debaters provided her with a masterclass in acting, courtesy of Denzel Washington. Not only did she learn about the dangers of over-rehearsing, but she also benefited from Washington’s insightful direction. His simple prompt, “If you’re gonna ask a question, get an answer,” resonated deeply with her and transformed her performance. The scene in question involved Smollett’s character arguing for the right of people of color to attend certain universities. By connecting with the inherent urgency and personal stakes of the debate, she was able to deliver a powerful and emotionally resonant performance. This anecdote highlights the importance of directors who understand the actor’s process and can offer guidance that unlocks their potential.
The conversation between Smollett and Law extended beyond their individual experiences, touching upon the qualities they admire in directors. They both appreciated directors who possess a keen understanding of the actor’s process and create a supportive environment where actors feel safe to experiment and take risks. Smollett characterized her experience with Washington as a “safe place to fail big,” emphasizing the importance of feeling comfortable enough to push boundaries and explore different approaches without fear of judgment. This sentiment resonated with Law, who praised The Order director Justin Kurzel for his similar sensitivity and ability to connect with actors on an emotional level.
The interview offered a glimpse into the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the crucial role that directors play in shaping the actors’ performances. Both Smollett and Law highlighted the importance of working with directors who are not only skilled in the technical aspects of filmmaking but also possess a deep understanding of the actor’s craft. They valued directors who create a nurturing environment where actors feel empowered to take risks, experiment, and ultimately deliver their best work. The anecdote about Smollett’s experience on The Great Debaters served as a powerful illustration of how a director’s insightful guidance can transform a performance and leave a lasting impact on an actor’s development. The conversation between Smollett and Law underscored the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and a shared understanding between actors and directors in the pursuit of compelling storytelling.
