The Santa Monica Mirror’s Editor-at-Large, Beverly Cohn, had interviews with two Oscar winners this year. In the February 18-24, 2010 issue, she had an exclusive interview with Geoffry Fletcher, writer of the Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Saphire, just days before his historic Oscar win for best screenplay. His wildest dream has come true and we all rejoice in his success. His emotional acceptance speech touched something in all of us and a resounding, collective cheer punctuated his special moment.
Fletcher told Cohn that he hadn’t expected all the awards and recognition his script had received.
“I had been trying for so long and to have a story that I cared about into which I could pour all of my experience, passion, and knowledge,” Fletcher said. “When I looked at this book and saw the cinematic potential, the experience was like a resurrection. Beyond that I knew nothing. I didn’t know if it would get made and if it did get made, I didn’t know how widely it would be seen. I was just hoping that a few people might see it and like it and that those who had gone through what this African-American woman living in Harlem went through, would know they’re not alone… My number one desire is to continue working on projects that I care deeply about.”
Before the nationwide release of Crazy Heart late last year, Jeff Bridges sat down in December with a few journalists, including the Mirror’s Beverly Cohn. The article ran in the December 10-16, 2009 issue. Bridges just won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Crazy Heart.
Bridges told the Mirror about his life and times and the road that could culminate in a possible Oscar. Well-loved and respected in Hollywood, he finally received the recognition that has been a long time coming.
The actor prides the ability to reinvent his persona and not get typecast. He is best known for his role as The Dude in the cult-classic, The Big Lebowski. Bridges learned the importance early after his father Lloyd Bridges, an actor for 60 years, struggled with escaping his own roles
“I wanted to mix it up not only for my own growth as an actor, but also for the audience to see me as different characters,” Bridges said. “There’s a song in the film called Somebody Else, and that’s how I feel about continuously reinventing myself.”
– Excerpts From Beverly Cohn
