A Beautiful Mind

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A Beautiful Mind

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How spontaneous, exactly? "There were many times where Michael would say 'Okay, what does Malcolm say here?'" says Van Peebles. "And you've gotta know, and it's not a scene that's scripted. What does he say when he's talking about his eldest daughter? What was she like? What did he call her? What was he feeling about the Nation of Islam at this time? And it has to be in the time period; not just saying it in today-speak. You gotta be it. It's challenging."

When does the challenge end? Given the karmic alchemy needed to wear another person's psyche, do any of these actors have a problem putting their own shoes back on? Many insist they don't; they're professionals, after all. "Oh, there's no confusion at all," says Dench. "It is, when it comes to it, a job." Of his Beautiful Mind star, Goldsman says, "Russell is absolutely committed to the moment--and then a great guy to smoke a cigarette with."

Other actors admit that real-life personae can be harder to shake. Bratt is still moved by a spooky, tearful set visit by some of Pinero's relatives. "That's the ultimate compliment, to have a family member say that for a moment they felt he was alive," he says, admitting that Pinero has been "one of the few roles I've played where to date he stays with me."

For Van Peebles, playing Malcolm X prompted a larger rethink. "I, um...I made out my will," he admits. "And I put my finances in order, and I decided what I would leave to my kids, and I just clarified my position. I decided that I'd be very specific about what kind of roles I wanted to do at this point.

"It's a funny thing," he says, "when you play a man that feels as comfortable, if not more, than being yourself. Check that out. You take away a lot."

Originally posted Nov 16, 2001 Published in issue #625-626 Nov 16, 2001 Order article reprints
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