Chinonye Chukwu Lauds ‘Till’ Star Danielle Deadwyler: ”There Were Quite A Few People Who Wanted This Role,” But Deadwyler ”Was Meant To Play It.”
deadline.comEXCLUSIVE: Director Chinonye Chukwu (Clemency), speaking at a Saturday night reception following the European premiere at the BFI London Film Festival of acclaimed film Till, told about how Mamie Till Mobley sought justice after the lynching of her 14-year-old son, Emmett Louis Till, in Mississippi in 1955.
She told us that “There were quite a few people who wanted this role,” but Danielle Deadwyler “was meant to play it.” Producers approached Chukwu three years ago to direct a project they had worked on for more than 18 years.”I told them that I would only be interested in telling the story if I rewrote the script so it’s about Mamie and her perspective,” Chuka said.
And she was adamant that she did not want to show physical violence inflicted “on poor Black bodies… because the story is about Mamie.” Deadwyler has emerged as a major best actress contender this awards season for her magnificent portrait of Mrs.
Till Mabley. “She’s a revelation,” the filmmaker declared as she pointed to Deadwyler, who was huddled in conversation with guests at the sixth floor party venue at the Royal Festival Hall, located in the Southbank entertainment quarter.
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