The true story of a poor single black mother of four children
deciding to fight the system after getting caught up in an unfair drug
sweep of her projects is an incredible story in and of itself. But it's
daunting that a recent Julliard graduate, Nicole Beharie, is portraying
this woman in a big screen release as her first leading role. Beharie
takes on the part of Dee Roberts, who has to decide whether to try to
stay with her daughters by pleading guilty to a weak drug dealer
charge, even though she had no prior drug arrests and no drugs were
found on the premises.
How did you feel when you learned you'd be portraying Dee Roberts in "American Violet"?
I actually cared about it, and I was moved by her story. I
couldn't believe it happened to her. I remember calling my manager and
telling him that if they don't want me for that character then I'll
play whatever else is available.
Being that you've really only
been in one other major film before this one, what was the most
challenging part of portraying this role?
Finding my ground and negotiating things. The cast, Alfrie Woodard, Charles Dutton and Anthony Mackie, were all very, very generous on and off the set, taking real good care of me and giving me pointers.
What was it like shooting in New Orleans?
The projects were abandoned, mildewed, destroyed. The extras, the
crew, the local hires all had experienced some kind of loss. I feel
like the connection between the real story we were telling and being in
an environment where that is the experience, where everyone is feeling
kind of disenfranchised, taught me what it means to have to move on and
to navigate this life that we're living.
What did you learn on this film?
Besides all the technical stuff of just being on set, I learned a
great deal about the prison system, especially as it relates to
African-American women. When you find out exactly how the quota system
works and how so many people just plead guilty because they think they
have no other options, it's just unbelievable.
How do you want people to be affected by your portrayal of Dee?
Hopefully when you hear that somebody has been incarcerated, you
might think twice about what they are going through and not be
judgmental. I still speak to and text the real Dee. She has a hard time
in the real world getting jobs. I wish other people could also me
et Dee and be encouraged to be courageous, confident, and step outside
the box like she did. Now her daughters have someone to look up to.
--Joyce Davis
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