Morgan Freeman | Full Q&A | Oxford Union
OxfordUnion・25 minutes read
Morgan Freeman's acting journey began in childhood, supported by his parents, leading to a diverse career encompassing various genres and challenging roles. He emphasizes dedication to the craft over fame, highlighting the importance of hard work and portraying characters authentically.
Insights
- Morgan Freeman emphasizes the importance of dedication and hard work in acting, advising aspiring actors to prioritize the craft over fame, highlighting the significance of continuous effort and commitment in the industry.
- The success of "Shawshank Redemption" was initially overlooked due to a lack of word-of-mouth promotion, underscoring the critical role of audience reception in determining a film's impact and recognition, showcasing the influence of viewers in shaping the trajectory of a movie's reception and ultimate success.
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Recent questions
What genre does Morgan Freeman prefer in acting?
Movie acting
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Summary
00:00
Early Acting Success and Diverse Roles
- Started acting at 8 years old, with early success on stage at 12, leading to a clear path in acting by age 13.
- Parents, especially mother, were highly supportive of acting career.
- Initially fascinated with war films and being a pilot, but shifted to acting after experiencing the US Air Force.
- Considered being a cab driver before a chance meeting led to acting opportunities.
- Movie acting is the favorite genre for the actor, with a preference for films over stage or TV.
- Enjoys all genres of acting, with no specific preference, aiming to explore all types.
- Extensive research and preparation required for roles, especially when portraying real-life figures like Mandela.
- Detailed preparation for roles varies based on the script and character requirements.
- Success of "Shawshank Redemption" was not initially recognized due to lack of word-of-mouth, highlighting the importance of audience reception.
- No specific criteria for choosing scripts, aiming for new experiences and roles with gravitas.
23:24
Evolution of Morgan Freeman in Hollywood
- Hollywood learned in the 70s that profitable movies led to the blaxploitation era, starting with "Cotton Comes to Harlem."
- Hollywood's focus is on profit, not social issues like the portrayal of women, with actresses like Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and others challenging stereotypes.
- Clint Eastwood's directing style, quick and efficient, appealed to Morgan Freeman, who values directors who prioritize the film over micromanaging actors.
- Freeman's relationship with directors has evolved as he gained confidence in his abilities, leading to more assertiveness in ensuring his performances align with his vision.
- Freeman advises aspiring actors to focus on the craft rather than fame, emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work in the industry.
- Freeman believes acting is a calling, akin to any profession where individuals are driven by a deep-seated need to pursue their craft.
- Freeman's most fulfilling roles include playing a pimp in a movie, Hoke Colburn in "Driving Miss Daisy," and Nelson Mandela in "Invictus," showcasing his diverse range and enjoyment in portraying complex characters.
- Freeman appreciates the perks of fame, like police escorts and special treatment at film festivals, but remains grounded, recognizing the superficiality of celebrity culture and maintaining a modest entourage only for work purposes.
