Levinson explains why he never bothered to write a film about black characters.
From filming under strict COVID security protocols last summer to selling the movie to Netflix in a $ 30 million blockbuster, Sam Levinson’s journey with “Malcolm & Marie” has never stopped making headlines. The relationship drama, starring Zendaya and John David Washington, is now proving to be one of the most critical titles in the race for the awards. Several criticisms have been made of Levinson since the film began airing last month, from the age difference of his actors to his decision to write a film about two black characters. The director-writer has faced these criticisms head-on in recent interviews with Esquire UK and The Independent.
When it comes to the 12-year age difference between Zendaya and Washington, Levinson told The Independent that he understands why this can be a cause for concern, as age differences are “something that historically happens a lot in films with more actors old males and younger women some and often have nothing to do with the story. “Because the plot of the film has the age difference between Malcolm and Marie, and how it contributes to the imbalance of power in their relationship, Levinson said,” I’m just not sure if the criticisms apply to this particular project because [the age difference] it’s part of your DNA. “
Zendaya and Washington also rejected criticism of the age gap. Zendaya told People magazine that viewers need to remember that she is a 24-year-old adult in real life, although she understands why they may not be, as “Malcolm & Marie” is her first adult role after a character acting career. still in middle or high school. Washington said in a separate interview with Variety that it “was not concerned” about being 12 years older than Zendaya because the “Euphoria” actress “is a woman”.
“People will see in this film how much of a woman she is,” said Washington. “She has a lot more experience than me in the industry. I’ve only been in this for seven years. She’s been in this for a long time, so I’m learning from her. I’m the newbie. I was supporting her a lot … What I’m really excited for people to see when the movie comes out – they’ll see how mature she is in this role. “
Much of Levinson’s “Malcom & Marie” script shows the Washington filmmaker’s character criticizing white critics for politicizing his work when that was not his intention. The fact that Levinson, a white filmmaker, dealt with a script about two black characters that concerns the production and reception of black art raised a red flag for some, but for Levinson, that was never a problem.
When Esquire UK asked if he had any concerns about doing “Malcolm & Marie” as a white man, Levinson replied: “No, because I have faith in the collaborative process and my partners that if I write something that doesn’t seem true, that JD or Z do not respond or feel they are honest, that they are going to say something and we will resolve it. I didn’t have any anxiety in that sense, because I have a lot of respect for the collaborative nature of film production. “
Levinson may have the exclusive credit for the script, but “Malcolm & Marie” was a collaborative experience and nothing entered the script that was not approved by the actors. As the director said in his Independent interview, “There are certain things that I’m not going to get 100 percent right about being a black creative, but what I can do is write what feels true to the character and have faith in the collaborative process making movies ”.
Levinson also talked about the controversy over his decision to get Malcolm to criticize the “white critic of the Los Angeles Times” throughout the film. As many critics have noted, including Justin Chang in his criticism of the LA Times, Levinson’s first feature film, “Assassination Nation,” was criticized in the LA Times by freelance critic Katie Walsh. When The Independent mentioned Walsh’s criticism, Levinson dismissed it as having something to do with the inspiration of “Malcolm & Marie”.
“Look,” said Levinson. “It just looked funny. Every time Malcolm says that, it makes you laugh. “
“Malcolm & Marie” is now broadcasting on Netflix.
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