|
|
Article: Denzel makes the case for smarts in `Debaters'.(Arts and Lifestyle)
- Article from:
- The Boston Herald
- Article date:
- December 28, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Boston Herald. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: STEPHEN SCHAEFER
Denzel Washington didn't plan to play Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley College professor who coached the team that inspired "The Great Debaters." But as director, Washington wanted a budget of $25 million to make the 1930s period picture.
He wanted Forest Whitaker for Tolson and he planned to play professor James Farmer, whose son is one of the debaters.
"Forest really did me a favor," Washington said. "The powers that be basically backed me into a corner about the money. So I had to go back to Forest and say, `Look, this is what's going on.' He was gracious enough to say, `I'll play Farmer.' "
Washington reworked Farmer's role. "Because I ...