Interviews: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer Talk ‘Fruitvale Station’

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CHICAGO – Right on the heels of the Trayvon Martin verdict is a new film about a similar divisive and race-controversial event, “Fruitvale Station.” Actor Michael B. Jordan portrays Oscar Grant, a 22 year old African American who was shot in the back during an arrest procedure in Oakland, California.

“Fruitvale Station” refers to the public transportation stop in Oakland where Grant was detained on New Year’s Day, 2009. During his arrest, which he was alleged to be resisting, he was shot in the back by the arresting officer and died the next day. This sparked a citywide protest and a trial that was similar in nature to the Trayvon Martin case.

On Monday, July 1st, two of the actors appeared on the red carpet at the Chicago premiere of the film. Michael B. Jordan and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer – who portrayed Oscar Grant’s mother Wanda – spoke of their relationship with the real life people, and the retelling of the controversial event. Also walking the red carpet was civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson and associate producer Haroula Rose. HollywoodChicago was there to interview all of the participants, and take Exclusive Portraits, during the Chicago premiere of “Fruitvale Station.”

Michael B. Jordan, as Oscar Grant in “Fruitvale Station”

Michael B. Jordan for ‘Fruitvale Station,’ in Chicago on July 1st, 2013 Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Michael B. Jordan is probably best known for his work on the groundbreaking series “The Wire” (as Wallace), but has been acting since he was a child, notably in the Chicago-based film “Hardball” (2001). “Fruitvale Station” is his seventh film.

HollywoodChicago.com: There is a sense of redemption in Oscar Grant. What does redemption mean to you, and did you apply it to your portrayal of Oscar?

Michael B. Jordan: I think redemption is about righting a wrong, and in that pursuit it’s about trying. You can stumble, you can make mistakes, but it’s about trying to do the right thing. That is my definition, and I think that’s how it applies to Oscar as well.

HollywoodChicago.com: You’ve portrayed many memorable characters in TV and films. Which one of those taught you the most about yourself?

Jordan: I’m going to have to say this film, portraying Oscar Grant. I am similar to him, in the sense that we are both people pleasers. I came to realize that about myself when I played him. Oscar was a different person around each individual in his life – different around his mother, his daughter and his friends. He is a social chameleon, and I’m somewhat like that myself.

HollywoodChicago.com: You have a connection to Chicago, in filming the movie ‘Hardball’ as a child actor. What do remember about that shoot?

Jordan: I had the worst haircut ever. I had this ‘fro that was so bad, I was surprised they filmed me with it. [laughs] I remember being in awe of Michigan Avenue, and it’s great to come back and support this film.

Octavia Spencer, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Michael B. Jordan on the Red Carpet for ‘Fruitvale Station.’ Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Octavia Spencer, as Wanda Grant in “Fruitvale Station”

Octavia Spencer for ‘Fruitvale Station,’ in Chicago on July 1st, 2013 Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Octavia Spencer has been a character actor since the mid-1990s, and won a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role in the 2011 film “The Help,” portraying Minny. She also recently appeared in “Smashed” (2012).

HollywoodChicago.com: As a character actor, which element of role persona do you want to absorb when you first pick up a script?

Octavia Spencer: As an actor, I’ve learned to become a detective. You have to figure out who that person is. If the character is a thief, you have to figure out what makes them a thief. Whatever the prevailing idiosyncrasy is, I have to find it in the script.

HollywoodChicago.com: In that sense, what did you find out about Wanda Grant in ‘Fruitvale Station’ that you really wanted to express?

Spencer: Wanda is a remarkable woman who has a quiet nobility and grace. That is not something you can really ‘play,’ but I did respect the fact that she – through all the events and trial – didn’t recognize who Oscar was socially. She read it in the paper. I wanted to connect with all of that and her strength, because she wasn’t an enabler. That was very evident in certain scenes in the film. The strength I could deal with, it was the other stuff when I wasn’t sure.

HollywoodChicago.com: What was the best aspect to winning an Academy Award in regard to your career?

Spencer: It opened doors. I’ve met with the best and the brightest in the industry, and I’m definitely grateful for that.