Jurnee Smollett on Making Historical Dramas Like ‘The Order’ and Why She ‘Loves Disrupting S—‘ With Her Work

As I delve into the captivating world of Jurnee Smollett, I am struck by her remarkable journey and the depth of her artistry. Her life experience, marked by a career that began at the tender age of 10 months, has undoubtedly shaped her into the versatile actress she is today.

In addition to being an accomplished actor, Jurnee Smollett can also be viewed as a historian or collector of stories, considering the significant amount of her 38-year career that has focused on preserving and showcasing aspects of lesser-known historical events.

Jurnee Smollett has been in the spotlight since she was just a baby, but it wasn’t until she turned 5 that she started acting seriously, featuring in shows like “Full House” and “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper.” Over the years, she played various roles including Martin Luther King Jr.’s youngest freedom fighter (8-year-old Sheyann Webb) in the 1999 TV movie “Selma, Lord Selma”; the lone female debater at a historically Black college in 1935 Texas in the 2007 film “The Great Debaters”; an individual who escaped slavery in the 2016 series “Underground”; and a passionate Civil Rights activist battling both real-world and supernatural threats in the critically acclaimed 2020 HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” for which Smollett received her first Emmy nomination.

In her new movie titled “The Order,” Jada Smollett portrays Joanne Carney, a fictional FBI agent who is pursuing Bob Mathews, a real-life leader of a white supremacist group active in the Pacific Northwest during the 1980s. This group was plotting to overthrow the U.S. government, and the film is based on true events.

Smollett expresses his deep interest in our past, chuckling as he begins our conversation in November,” he says. “Being a medium for creating diverse characters, voices, and narratives is an honor. I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to such a timely and vital story. In these times, art seems more essential than ever.

Approximately a week has passed since Donald Trump regained the presidency, and given the current political atmosphere, the cast members of “The Order,” including Danielle Smollett, Jude Law, Tye Sheridan, Nicholas Hoult, and director Justin Kurzel, have spent a considerable amount of their day discussing how timely the story of “The Order” is. Smollett contends: “In what circumstances could it not be relevant?

Smollett points out that the urge to dominate other people, which has long been concealed or ignored in certain corners, is now becoming more evident. Stories like this bring to light a darker aspect of humanity that many prefer not to confront. Whether it’s apartheid in South Africa, or the Reconstruction Era, or the Jim Crow South – this kind of bigotry, hatred, racism, and anti-Semitism is not a recent phenomenon. It didn’t begin with Bob Mathews, and unfortunately, it continues to persist even after his death. We are now grappling with understanding how this happened and what actions we can take to prevent others from following these dangerous and harmful paths.

Smollett recognized certain aspects of the narrative, as she was acquainted with “The Turner Diaries,” a novel by William Pierce, the creator of the neo-Nazi National Alliance, which portrays a violent uprising and ultimately a race war intended to eliminate non-whites and Jews. This book has significantly impacted white nationalist ideologies, and its depiction of an attack on the Capitol echoes the events of January 6. However, she wasn’t fully cognizant of how Matthews’ beliefs influenced the domestic terrorists that emerged later, such as Timothy McVeigh, who carried out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Smollett points out that the film effectively delves into how such an ideology exploits the powerless and susceptible, and how this form of indoctrination begins subtly at a young age. He emphasizes that it must be recognized for what it is: domestic terrorism, which involves attempting to exert control over fellow humans, and even armed rebellion against the U.S. government. In essence, the plot of ‘The Turner Diaries’ represents acts of treason.

What ignites Smollett’s passion as an artist is delving into these truths and their connections. During the press day, she was delighted when a journalist mentioned that they investigated the real story following the film. Smollett is accustomed to hearing such responses – for instance, with “Lovecraft Country,” viewers were motivated to learn more about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre or sundown towns after watching episodes. This is a responsibility she handles with care.

In her work, Smollett is guided by a few key principles, including Nina Simone’s belief that an artist should mirror the times, which she considers as her guiding star. She also references James Baldwin’s thoughts on the artist’s connection to integrity. Baldwin stated, “It’s a force you didn’t ask for, it’s a responsibility you must accept. And if you don’t lie or cheat, it’s not just your glory and achievement, but almost our only hope because, since the beginning of time, only artists have known and been able to convey what it means to survive as a human being.

Her main point, as gathered from their conversation, is this: “It’s crucial for stories to serve as a reflection of society. Regrettably, we’re living in an era where some people want to censor books and erase our past, making art even more important as a means to reveal the truth.

As for the election topic, there’s been a lot of chatter in recent days about X, with people proposing that Jussie Smollett might consider adding “portraying Kamala Harris” to his list of real-life acting roles. From the puzzled expression she gives when I bring it up, it seems like this idea hasn’t crossed Smollett’s mind. But would she be receptive to such a suggestion?

Smollett chuckles nervously. ‘Perhaps,’ he says, ‘I’ve always backed her up since her senate campaign. If all the pieces fell into place and it wasn’t some shoddy imitation…’

It’s possible that one of her upcoming projects could be with her long-time collaborator Misha Green (from “Underground” and “Lovecraft Country”). Just thinking about it makes her smile a bit, then she expresses admiration for Harris: “Her story is so captivating – learning about her past and seeing where she’s come from is truly inspiring.

Continue reading as Smollett delves into “The Order” and shares her distinctive insights that enriched this true-to-life suspense tale.

What research did you do to play Carney? I read you interviewed some former FBI special agents.

Engaging in Carney’s game was about tapping into a part of myself where I become the individual who rushes towards peril, driven by an unwavering conviction in the cause that I’m willing to risk my thoughts, actions, and very essence. It wasn’t about fleeing from danger, but rather facing it head-on. This experience pushed me, as a person, to ponder deeply: “Am I the one who charges into the fray or the one who retreats?

Which one are you?

I yearn to think I’d face the fire without hesitation, yet I hope the cosmos doesn’t push me to prove myself. My bravery has manifested in various aspects due to my fortunate position, but it hasn’t been truly tested. We all encounter challenges, and we grow our courage and resilience to confront the obstacles that pursue us. However, being the one who declares, “I’m charging ahead,” is a different story altogether.

I would challenge that — because you seem to be a person that runs into the fire in terms of your roles, which tend to hold a mirror up to society and the experiences of women and Black people.

I’m drawn to stories that give me a fright. I’m attracted to narratives that push boundaries and question established norms. I crave experiences that seem risky and make my heart race with fear. I actively seek these out – it requires a significant amount of artistic bravery. However, I acknowledge that I come from a position of privilege to appreciate this distinction. But yes, I enjoy stirring things up.

What scared you about her?

Firstly, the character was portrayed as male, similar to Mame Downs in “The Burial” with Jamie Foxx. This isn’t the first time this has occurred – it’s happened quite recently. The other instance being Mame Downs. When a story is based on true events, it’s crucial to honor the people who lived through those situations. Although my character is fictional, there were actual agents who pursued Bob Mathews. Portraying their spirit or capturing their essence in this role was uncharted territory for me.

The subject matter didn’t necessarily scare me, but I knew we’d have to go to dark places. I knew I’d have to access a side of our history that sometimes you just don’t want to. I sit at the intersection of multiple identities and one of my [acting] coaches often talks about “blood memory” and that visceral connection that we have to our ancestors — to the triumphs and tragedy that our people have gone through. And I am drawn to these roles that activate my blood memory all the time.

When the FBI raids “The Order’s” headquarters, which is filled with racist and anti-Semitic imagery, there’s something striking about Carney — and you, as a Black woman with Jewish heritage — processing those images.

Stepping inside the bunker, one cannot help but ponder the significance of being within such an environment. A Black woman occupying a powerful role, a rarity during that period – how might this situation impact her identity and personal existence?

Because at the end of the day, she still has a job to do. And that’s what we see when you wipe a tear away.

The vulnerability comes out. You’re a living, breathing being, so it’s gonna impact you. And then how does she stuff it down? It actually translates into rage. Images are very powerful.

You also improvised another moment in the film, where Carney asks Husk — who has had a successful career, but is estranged from his family — if it was all worth it. It’s an exchange that tells you so much about their relationship and makes you start to imagine their personal histories. What backstory did you come up with for Carney?

As an actor, I prefer delving into the minutiae of my character’s life – learning about the kind of bedding they use and their preferred breakfast. This level of detail aids in drawing from authenticity. Most choices are made before stepping onto set, as it involves performing the unseen preparatory work.

In my storyline, I developed a connection between her character and Husk’s as a sibling bond – mirroring Jude and my real-life relationship. Initially, she was his apprentice, but now their positions have changed; he no longer dominates as he once did, and instead seeks confidential information from her that she can provide. It gives her a sense of satisfaction to reverse roles, yet she also relies on him due to our shared experiences. Our profession is all we have, consuming every aspect of our lives – mind, body, and spirit. However, she must understand that the struggle is worthwhile; that in the end, the sacrifices made are justified.

How did that moment play out on set?

In a race against time and sunlight, Justin instructed Jurnee to drive back and forth while we continued filming. He had cameras set up in the back seat and communicated with us via walkie-talkie. We performed the script several times before naturally transitioning into a genuine conversation. When you have a rich history to draw upon, it’s easier to think as the character does, which is the key.

That is the magic trick. What else has been on your mind as you add Carney to your library of characters?

I analyze the legendary performers from the past, such as Katherine Hepburn, Alfre Woodard, Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, and Al Pacino. By revisiting their debut roles, it becomes apparent that they might not have been able to portray certain characters without having previously played those roles first.

I find that some characters seem to emerge within me as if they are a means for me to confront and overcome personal issues by examining them through these fictional personas. Additionally, I believe these characters provide me with unique insights or skills that guide me towards new ideas. Delving into this aspect of my mind with Carney’s help and speaking with these exceptional agents led to valuable research that I could expand upon for the upcoming Apple TV show [starring Smollett as a police detective in a Dennis Lehane-created series, set to premiere next year

What do you hope to accomplish next?

Moving from in front of the camera to behind it feels like a logical progression in my creative journey. From the age of 10 months, I’ve been a familiar face on set. I understand each role on a film set intimately, and my deep passion for storytelling is undeniable. Humans have always had an innate desire to share stories, and I am no exception. I thrive on collaboration, so whether I’m producing or one day directing, it’s all about serving the narrative – simply another way of contributing to the tale.

2024-12-20 23:47