CITY Issue 52

INTERVIEW: TY JONES Breaking the Silence When veteran director Brian de Palma (Scarface, The Untouchables) premiered his film Redacted at the Venice Film Festival in September it left audiences stunned. With a wave of films focusing on the war in Iraq what makes de Palma’s low-budget film focusing on a small group of restless U.S. soldiers so shocking? Maybe it’s because the film’s subjects, like rape and murder, are all based on true events. Redacted will be released theatrically this December, so CITY’s Kira Coplin sat down with actor Ty Jones, who stars as Msgt. Jim Sweet, to get the behind-the-scenes scoop. CITY: What can audiences expect from this film? TY JONES: This is the type of movie that will hit you in the gut. It will, without question, have impact and promote discussion. Essentially what makes this film attractive is that it makes a statement, it makes people feel something. It’s an extraordinary feeling, like theater on film—a visceral experience that leaves audiences with a powerful feeling. How did you prepare for your role as Msgt. Jim Sweet? I wanted to make sure the character wasn’t twodimensional. I had to have that discipline but also be sensitive and caring. I wanted to make sure that my character was a man that could be J O N E S : P H OTO B Y G R E G G D E L M A N . paternal. I brought pictures of my 9-month-old son and a onesie with his scent on it to the set to lend genuine authenticity to the role. De Palma made sure we were prepared—we learned handto-hand combat—there was 10 days of boot camp at a Jordanian base. We wore authentic gear and were trained with weapons by a 12-year ranger in the Army’s special forces. Were you close with the subject matter? Yes, definitely. My mother is a 22-year veteran in the Air Force and I have a cousin that was in Iraq from 2004-2005. I have an intimate relationship with the military aspect. What was it like to work with a seasoned professional like de Palma? One day I was shooting a scene where I had to run up a 30-foot hill. And I’m having a good time, and after each take de Palma keeps saying, “Okay, good job, again….” So after a while I ask him if there’s anything else I should be doing, and he replied, “Yeah, how ‘bout doing something we can put on film?” We were all laughing at his little dig—I mean that’s what military guys do with each other. It was a great experience. [De Palma] also gave me the freedom in making the language real. I mean, guys in the military have filthy mouths! Next up, the Classical Theater of Harlem is putting on your play Emancipation, based on the 1831 Nat Turner Rebellion. Tell us a little about that. I originally wrote it as a screenplay and it received acclaim at the Sundance Feature Film Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Screenwriters Association. It also won an award at the San Francisco Black Film Festival. When the Alabama Film Commission looked at it, they said, “This is a story that needs to be told.” But there’s no money for the film right now so I’ve adapted a theatrical version. What do you want your work to say about you? There’s a distinction between an actor and a personality. An actor promotes a project while a personality promotes themselves. An actor will sacrifice the “personality” for a project. I want to respond to the world—the unstable theater—in which we live. Back in the days of Greek theater they used it as an outlet, as satire in which to address those in power. They promoted discussion that way. I want to contribute in a way that promotes thought. W ATLANTA – PERIMETER CENTER Who’s ready for the weekend? Come by Friday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a live jazz band on the Savu patio or groove to the music from the DJs of Lethal Rhythms in the Living Room. Tempt your taste buds at Savu with the W’s Socialite Bites and indulge yourself with Tiny ‘tinis while you coast into the weekend. To RSVP, email rsvp.01114@ whotels.com. 111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, (770) 396-6800. & SPONSORED EDITORIAL W CHICAGO – LAKESHORE Join the W Chicago – Lakeshore and Wave for yummy bites and sips you’ll savor every Friday night from 5 to 11 p.m. Gather your gal pals for a four-course meal featuring small plates to share and Wave’s signature sangrias for $25 per lady. Call (312) 943-9200 to RSVP. 644 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. W SEATTLE Join DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) for a city-wide commemoration Nov. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Seattle-based HIV/AIDS supporters, local businesses, and friends are welcome to attend. A $25 suggested donation includes two cool cocktails and yummy bites. All proceeds benefit DIFFA. To RSVP, email wseattle. rsvpevents@whotels.com. 1112 4th Ave., Seattle, (206) 264-6000. CITY 21

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of CITY Issue 52

CITY Issue 52 Contents Letter from CITY Our Friends Action Wanted City Moment In Rogue Fit The Amused Bouche Fast Food Must Haves Hot Wheels Idol Handlers Design Public Affairs Pluck of the Draw Novel Ideas Monster's Belle Not Guilty The Understudies The Hunger Elastique Where to Buy It Socials Icon

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