Film icon Pam Grier has one piece of advice for people who have never seen her movies.
“They should drink first,” she said, laughing.
The advice was not a judgment of the content, but more about wanting people to have a good time.
However, her greater impact on audiences as one of the first female action stars is not lost on her.
“I prepared them to accept a woman in leadership, who could be a jungle guerilla with a gun and fight wars — just things I hadn’t seen,” said Grier, 73, who burst on the scene during the 1970s Blaxploitation era. “I was concerned with trying to make men feel comfortable with women who can handle saws and drills and guns. We want to crash cars into buildings, which is what I got to do. And women cheered.”
Pam Grier to make an appearance at the Wex
Columbus crowds will certainly cheer when Grier visits the Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State University on Nov. 10, for a conversation ahead of a special screening of her 1974 film, “Foxy Brown.”
The event is part of a five-film series dedicated to Grier, featuring showings of “Coffy “(Nov. 2 and 10), “Jackie Brown” (Nov. 4), “Mars Attacks!” (Nov. 6) and “Ghosts of Mars” (Nov. 9).
The center’s director of film/video, David Filipi, will lead Grier in a discussion about his career, which almost turned out much differently.
The Plot Thickens – Season 4: Here Comes Pam
Acting for Grier came unexpectedly
“I wanted to be a doctor,” Grier said. “We didn’t know where to write for a grant or a scholarship with foundations. And many would not accept women as doctors. I was turned down many times.”
Grier moved from Denver to Los Angeles and quickly immersed herself in the film scene, but didn’t expect to work in front of the camera.
“I said, ‘Well, my skin isn’t clear,’” Grier recalled. “’My afro’s not neat. I’m taller than most men.’”
However, she was celebrated for her beauty and talent. She soon landed a series of films, including a star-making role as a nurse by day and vigilante by night in 1973’s “Coffy.”
More:Columbus native Wil Haygood examines history of Black actors in films in his new book
Grier’s long career in films
Although Blaxploitation films were criticized by some for their violence, sexuality and portrayal of Black people, Grier said she didn’t feel any pressure to uphold a certain image as one of few Black women in prominent movie roles.
“We’re not monolithic,” she said. “Women are churchgoers. They ride motorcycles. They do all kinds of things.”
Grier would go on to have a long career in film with many highlights, including a Golden-Globe nominated performance in Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” in 1997, and a main role on Showtime’s “The L Word” in the 2000s.
Even though she didn’t go into medicine, she said she tried to help people through her acting.
“How can I heal cinematically?” she said. “How can I help people feel confident?”
Grier said she is pleased with how many more action roles Black women now have, citing Viola Davis in “The Woman King” and Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman in “The Batman.”
She also expressed pride in seeing young women achieving goals in everyday life.
“Those are our granddaughters doing things, saving the world, being veterinarians, being doctors, not waiting to be taken care of,” she said.
Projects Grier is involved in
Grier talks more about her life and career in season four of Turner Classic Movies’ podcast, “The Plot Thickens,” which focuses on the screen legend.
She also is working on a limited series based on her 2010 autobiography, “Foxy: My Life in Three Acts.”
More:A look at fall movie season
Fans can expect to see her in season two of horror anthology series “Them,” a “Pet Sematary” prequel and “Cinnamon,” a thriller with actor Damon Wayans.
She even teased a World War II movie that she wrote.
“The dishes are piling up,” she said, laughing.
But Grier makes time to enjoy herself at home, whether it’s taking care of her horses and dogs, dancing to James Brown or making a mean collard green martini: Combine the “pot liquor” — juices and spices left over after cooking greens — with vodka and vermouth.
And don’t forget the garnish of candied bacon, pickled okra and a roasted cherry tomato, she added.
“Life is fun,” Grier proclaimed. “I am so honored to still be here and share all that I’ve learned.”
At a glance
“A Night with Pam Grier” will take place at 7 pm on Nov. 10 at Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St. Admission is $25 for the general public and free for students. Call 614-292- 3535 or visit www.wexarts.org.
ethompson@dispatch.com
@miss_ethompson
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire