THE ROBERTSON TREATMENT - Five Questions with Djimon Honsou

(Sep. 24, 2002) The Soulful Essence of A Rising Star: Like a beautiful African sculpture come to life, actor Djimon Honsou registers a highly visceral connect with film audiences that's hard to resist. Perhaps that is why Hollywood has consistently cast the tall, dark and extremely handsome West African native to play the moral center in films ranging from "Amistad," "Gladiator" to the newly released epic "The Four Feathers."

Beginning his career in Paris working as a model for Thierry Mugler, Herb Ritts and others, Djimon moved to Los Angeles in 1992, where he began his acting career with small roles in films like "Without You, I'm Nothing," "Unlawful Entry," and Stargate." In 1997, he made a career breakthrough when Steven Spielberg personally picked him to play the lead in "Amistad." Since then, the 38-year old actor has enjoyed a steady climb towards stardom via a combination of introspective roles on both the small and big screen. The Robertson Treatment recently with the actor in his suite at the Four Seasons Hotel for a candid chat about his career in films.

Robertson Treatment: What made you pursue a career in films?

Djimon Housou: Well I'd already spent a few years modeling all over the world and acting seemed like the next natural direction for me to pursue. I wanted to be apart of this art form because I have always been fascinated by the images that I grew up seeing on screen. Cinema carries a weight of influence throughout the world and I knew that I could offer something to it's message.

RT: Tell us about your role in "The Four Feathers."

DH: I play Abou Fatma, a noble warrior who comes to the aid of Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger) in his search to find some friends who have gone missing in Africa. The guy that I play in this film is very mysterious, but he plays a very pivotal role in the movie. It was a very physical part, as we spent several months in the Sahara filming most of my scenes.

RT: Your role in "The Four Feathers" is very similar to other roles that you've played in films. Do you have any concerns about being typecast in your work as an actor?

DH: That was a concern of mine particularly after "Amistad" when everything that I was offered was all the same. Then came "Gladiator," which was a big challenge for me, but the character was still very similar to Cinque (his role in "Amistad"). Now with "The Four Feathers" once again I am playing a noble character---which is fine with me---I just want to get the chance to play a broader range of characters.

RT: Tell us about "Biker Boyz"

DH: Finally I'm in a film that allows me to present a contemporary portrait of myself as an actor. "Biker Boyz" takes a look at the biker sub-culture within the African American community. I'm really excited about this film because it marks the first time that I have worked with a largely African American cast and director. The film stars Laurence Fishburn, Larenz Tate and many others. I play a club owner... which is really a departure for me.

RT: What makes you happy?

DH: I know that this is going to sound cliche, especially coming from me, but what really makes me happy is being free to explore new things in my life and pursue the things that allow me to grow and be productive.

Elswhere....

a.. Actor Wesley Jonathan is blowing up the scene. This fall the former "City Guys" star will be seen opposite Amanda Bynes, Jennie Garth and Simon Rex in the WB sitcom "What I Like About You." The handsome young actor will also unveil a signature collection of sunglasses early next year. For more on Wesley, you can check out his website at www.Wesleyjonathan.net

b.. Congratulations to my good friend actress Carla Williams, who took a break from her "Lion King" duties to mount a production called "Duets" to raise money for the fight against AIDS. The song and dance show features special appearances from Dawn Lewis ("A Different World") and TC Carter ("Living Single"). You go girl!!!

c.. New out on video is the rich and imaginative drama from director John Sayles entitled "Sunshine State." Starring Angela Bassett, Edie Falco, Miquel Ferrer, Timothy Hutton and James McDaniel, the film set during a week long celebration in Florida, where a group of developers are trying to uproot the long time residents of a modest beachside resort. It's a good bet for a slow night.

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