Anthony Mackie's new movie about Olympic superstar Jesse Owens is still moving forward, the 28-year-old star insisted -- even if it's not exactly moving as fast as the legendary sprinter himself.
"Hopefully we'll be starting it next year," Mackie said of the long in development project. "We're just looking for a director. It's hard to find a director that can make action and sports fun as well as give you deep intense character driven performances."
Owens, of course, is often considered one of the most important (if not also best) athletes ever, famous not just for winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but for being a black man winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in full view of Adolf Hitler, who had hoped to use the games as an opportunity to showcase Nazism and German ethnic superiority.
Owens' victories, sadly, precipitated an epic fall for the sportsman -- who within years of Berlin was bankrupt, working as a gas station attendant (a gas station attendant!), and racing horses for money. He died at 66 from lung cancer.
Wisely, perhaps, Makie's film will concentrate on the good times, rather than the bad, the actor said.
"Specifically the 1936 Olympics. He saved the world. He gave the world faith to go in and fight a war against this huge empire," Mackie asserted with obvious hyperbole but also affection. "We're focusing on him at Ohio State and leading up to the 36 Olympics."
Obviously, whatever time period the film focuses on, the movie will succeed or not based on Mackie's portrayal of the track legend, particularly how believable he is in running scenes.
For his part, Mackie's not worried, revealing that he's calling upon the help of a famous friend to guide him.
"In high school I ran the 200 and the 400. Hopefully, I'm going to be working with Michael Johnson. His style is Jesse Owen's style. Jesse ran straight up. He was erect when he ran and Michael Johnson took his style. They are the only two guys to do that. He was like a machine," Mackie said. "I'm cool."
Is Mackie the man to bring Jesse Owens to life? Do you think they should change their mind and concentrate on the horrible treatment Owens received after the Games from his own countrymen? Isn’t that more dramatic? How creepy was it when that video of Adolf Hitler from the 36 Games showed up in "Contact"? Sound off below.
Comments