His impressive series of successful film roles led to a Newsweek article, “The $4 Billion Man,” that declared Will Smith “the new most powerful actor on the planet” (“Hanks, Cruise and Gibson used to be the top guns”). He experienced stardom as a rapper at age 12 and was TV’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when barely in his 20s. But it wasn’t until his eye-catching performance as a kid pretending to be Sidney Poitier’s son in the movie version of Six Degrees of Separation that he began to be considered for major leading roles.
With the worldwide box office of Smith’s films having topped $4.4 billion by April 2007, he’s as bankable as a star gets. In his latest film Seven Pounds, Will plays a man desperate for redemption after he makes one tragic mistake that ruins the lives of seven people. The film is being well received by fans and critics alike.
EBM: Seven Pounds is one of the more theoretical films you’ve done. It digs into the consciousness of humanity. Why take on such a role?
Will Smith: I think it’s a natural evolution. I’m reaching that next stage in my career, thus allowing me an opportunity to embrace new challenges. I’ve gone through the ups and downs in life and in business where I’ve learned how to balance things better, and this movie in many ways is just that, a balancing of sorts. The challenges we are faced with and how we deal with them is what ultimately determines our fate. I found myself really entranced with this character, almost so much that when we wrapped I would still be in character.
EBM: Is that unusual, for you to remain in character after you complete filming?
Will Smith: It is for me, but this character in particular held hope, and the generosity of his actions is touching. Through the traumatic experiences he changed, but for the better. And that can be a fascinating realization, to learn how one would change through loss, like when you lose a job or a loved one -- how do you manage that? How do you move forward from that moment on? With this movie you witness how these individuals deal with their loss.
EBM: How were you able to get in character in preparation for the movie?
Will Smith: Through my experiences, the loss of my grandmother, friends, failures, etc. I’ve lost in several situations and I’ve had to deal with it. Now whether or not I dealt with it properly is another story. Nonetheless, this film explores that dimension.
EBM: Since opening on December 19, the numbers have been good. What do you attribute that to?
Will Smith: Again, I think the film is a reflection of our inner-being. The idea of making a difference is inherently within us. I think that is a part of what we are -- the goodness of man. And people can relate to that. I did extensive research for this role and throughout my travels promoting the film I was able to interact with people and learn our basic fears and develop them in character.
EBM: Rosario Dawson is stunning, and her character came off so well in the film. Was that because of the chemistry you two shared?
Will Smith: Besides the obvious, she’s very serious about her craft. The dedication and preparation she puts into each take, you see in the film. She delivers every time. But this film was easy to embrace. The story was well crafted and its premise grabs you and impulsively brings you in to its premise.
EBM: You speak openly about your marriage to Jada Pinkett. How does she deal with your leading love interest?
Will Smith: My wife understands the business we’re in and my commitment to her and my family. We make sacrifices on many different levels to make our marriage work. And thankfully it has worked. She is a strong woman and a wonderful partner, thus confident in our relationship.
EBM: You just opened a school in Calabasas, California, the New Village Academy; what was your motivation for starting a school?
Will Smith: It was more Jada’s idea and after realizing her passion I was sold. The goal is to create a positive learning atmosphere for the youth, a place where children can go and concentrate solely on learning. During his campaign President-Elect Barack Obama talked about the importance of learning. He spoke about change by way of education, and I agree. I think education can eliminate many of the fears our culture has toward other cultures, religions and people. Therefore, we created a school that will help students begin tearing those walls down, which will ultimately make for a better individual.
EBM: You talked about the next stage of your career. Does that involve green lighting new projects that speak to a specific audience?
Will Smith: If what you mean by a specific audience is a black audience, that is never my intention. I will continue being creative and telling stories that resemble my experiences but they aren’t race specific. Without question I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve worked with the best talent moviemaking has to offer. I’m able to cultivate a movie from its inception and see it on the “big screen” but never have I approached a movie with a specific audience in mind. Our stories are as meaningful as any other. We just have to be able to convey them better, and I hope to be a part of that process.
EBM: Your son is building quit a resume. His new movie (The Day the Earth Stood Still) is being well received and there’s a lot of talk about his performance. How do you keep things “normal” for him?
Will Smith: (Laughing) That’s hard! He’s feeling himself right now. The other day he said to me, “Dad, I won’t be needing my allowance anymore,” and I naively asked him why. His response was, “My movie money should hold me over.” As much as I wanted to use that moment to teach a lesson, I could only laugh. But overall he’s just an easy kid, enjoying life. And just when I think I have to reel him in, he says something youthfully profound. I’m really proud of all of my children; they have great spirits.
