But when you’re career is so hot and you’re so much in demand, isn’t it important to take advantage of that and get more films under your belt?
“Well, that’s why I keep working. That’s why I keep working. But you know, you can never read your reviews.”
You never read your reviews?
“You can’t. You can’t. You can’t. You try not to. It’s like having a Christmas present – you don’t want to open it. You keep taking peeks and everybody’s telling you, ‘Oh, you’re gonna get something for Christmas! Look what you got!’ That’s what it feels like. I’ve seen so many Christmas gifts, you know? I’ve seen so many gifts underneath my little tree...”
Are you ready for something a little lighter? Everything you’ve done recently is so dark.
“I don’t know. My character, as a human being, is trying to make its way to the light, but yeah, I’ll find it. I’ll find something to portray but maybe I’ve got to spend a little more time in it to be able to tell it honestly. You’ve gotta understand it before you can tell anyone else about it.”
And you don’t seem to shy away from working with rappers either, which is interesting because a lot of people seem to have taken the stance that they’re musicians and they shouldn’t be acting.
“They’re artists. They are artists. Can you tell a guitar player not to change? Can you do that? Or not to direct his video? Or act in it, too? And this is just an extended video. We put a musical score to it; we just don’t lip-synch along the way.”
Do you prefer doing supporting characters or leading roles? Does it matter?
“It’s like a relationship. Sometimes you like to take the lead and sometimes you like to let the other one take the lead. You grow from both.”
When you’re considering a role, does that even play a part in your decision?
“I look at someone’s dedication to accomplishing a vision. Hey, I think I found a treasure up here, up ahead. If you don’t mind looking with me, we’ll share it.”
What do you have coming up?
“See, I want to tell you about the things that I want to do. Things I want to do so badly. I want to do a lot but I’ve got a film with Jim Sheridan called “Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ And I just wanted to work with him and he gave me an opportunity to stretch beyond what I thought was my comfortable realm. He helped me expand as an actor, being more free as a performer. That’s come down. A film called ‘My Life in Idlewild’ that I did with Bryan Barber and OutKast, André 3000 no less. I’ve got those things coming, but the stuff that I want to do next year, I’m like oh man, it’s some great, great stuff and I’d love to talk to you about them.”
I can’t wait to see what you’re gonna do next.
“I like that. Thank you for that.”
And it is The Year of Terrence Howard!
“Have a great, great and wonderful day.”
