10 questions by Bernard Pivo - 10.20.2007.1

I was watching Inside the Actor’s Studio today and I decided to take a look at the website as well. I’m happy to say that the interview with Mr. Dave Chappelle is available on DVD for $11.99 and I recommend it to everyone. I found that conversation to be inspirational and eye opening. It opened my eyes to aspects of me, and I hope I can say that it has improved the writing I have done on this blog.

But in watching the program and visiting the site I thought about the questions, created originally by Bernard Pivo, that Mr. James Lipton asks of every guest. Considering I have no ability as an actor, professional dancing is out, and I prefer not to make peoples ears bleed from my feeble attempts at singing, my chances of being on the program are little better than nil. So, taking that into account, I present my answers to those questions.

• What is your favorite word?
  This is a tough one, since I love thoughts more than words. Add to that the fact that I am gregarious. But one word? Gooniegoogoo. It just rolls, and fits most any situation.



• What is your least favorite word?
  N-word



• What turns you on [creatively, spiritually or emotionally]?
  Hmm. Ultimately its intelligence. Curves are nice, as are good looks, but that all fades. I like to say, “Looks may get me to cross a room, but what comes out of the mouth determines if I stay or cross back.”



• What turns you off?
  Ignorance in all forms.



• What sound or noise do you love?
  Explosions. It’s just so pleasant, not the violence that goes with some of them. Like in movies or blowing something up in the backyard.



• What sound or noise do you hate?
  Gangsta rap and country music (except Patsy Klein and Johnny Cash). Actaully, as I think about it, Ebonics is really even more grating. I just hate it.



• What is your favorite curse word?
  Ne Pizde. It’s Russian and doesn’t really translate how powerful a curse that is. But it’s only good for men. Frell is a general curse that I like for everything else. It comes from Farscape; a sci-fi television show that I think was some of the best work on TV ever.



• What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
  I’ve had over 200 so far, with 100 promotions so there isn’t a lot left. Probably a scientist. That was the idea I had going into college.



• What profession would you not like to do?
  Any kind of Accountant or where I do the same thing every day. I’d lose my mind.



• If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
  More good than bad, you made it.

What does Eddie Murphy make you think of? - 12.22.2006.1

As Christmas and the new year approach, and I watch Mr. Eddie Murphy on Inside the Actors Studio I come upon several thoughts. First I am caught by the poise that Mr. Murphy presents in the program, and how quiet and reserved he his. It’s not quite the same as the mental image I have for the man though he obviously is not the same as the 20-something that burst into movies and stand-up and national attention.

I am also drawn to the movie Dreamgirls, the play of which I saw back during high school. I’ll speak on the movie later, but the clips of Mr. Murphy singing (yes it’s his voice) and doing his Motown-esque routine are captivating and well done. The movie allows a great range to be displayed and from what can be seen of the non-performance clips it delivers.

But I am also drawn to another thought. I believe that no actor (with the exception of perhaps Mr. Frank Oz and Mr. Jim Henson – though muppets are not quite actors) has ever played so many roles in one film, or has been in as many movies portraying separate characters. I’m not talking about playing a twin, like Mr. Jeremy Irons did so well, but completely separate and realistic characters. In 5 films he has played a total of 24 characters, I don’t think anyone else has ever played more multiple characters. To his credit, these were not knock off characters or bad acting roles. Each of the Klumps, or the old men in Coming to America, or any other character was a real and well done role. Some done so well as to seem like a completely different person was that actor.

While there are those who have asked about the potential of Mr. Murphy to go into dramatic roles, I think his portrayal in Dreamgirls will answer that. Some have questioned his efforts to help break African Americans into the Hollywood machine. I think he has, though not in the way that was requested. Mr. Murphy has inspired many who are stars today including Mr. Martin Lawrence and Mr. Chris Rock. The cumulative effect of his presence and ability should not be overlooked. Inspiration is a powerful tool for those that wish to achieve a thing.

The inspiration that he provides is not limited to his stand-up or comedic roles. Mr. Murphy has directed (Harlem Nights), produced (13 films including Life and the upcoming Johnny Blaze), written (10 productions not including the various skits for Saturday Night Live), and sang (10 including Shrek and Dreamgirls) as well as being a recording artist. He was the first novice movie star to receive 1 million dollars in his first film and he is perhaps the most successful SNL star (Mr. John Belushi may have been if he lived, Mr. Dan Ackroyd has not been as successful, and Mr. Will Ferrell may get there in time but is not currently). That is quite inspiring from any actor.

I have to say I just never thought about it till I saw this episode of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Reflection brings interesting revelations sometimes.

This is what I think, what do you think?