Deadline's Read the Screenplay series spotlights ‘The Fire Inside’ a boxing drama which was directed by Rachel Morrison an Oscar nominated cinematographer featuring a script from Barry Jenkins the Oscar winner writer of Moonlight. The Fire Inside a new boxing film from Amazon MGM Studios premiered on Christmas Day earning a 4.3 million gross during a 5 day holiday opening. This story follows professional boxer Claressa Shields rise to fame and professional career growth as a fighter.
‘The Fire Inside’ Highlights the Power Of Determination Through Olympic Boxer Claressa Shields Story
The movie focuses on the real life story of Claressa Shields who is portrayed by Ryan Destiny a high schooler from Flint Michigan rising in ranks with her coach Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry. The true story of how both individuals won Olympic gold medals and subsequent world titles to establish her position in boxing shows the strong nature of their relationship within sports and character development. Morrison highlighted that 'The Fire Inside' focuses equally on sports alongside the inspirational story in life by depicting his narrative and struggle.
Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry Gain Nominations for Portraying Boxing Champions on Screen
Ryan Destiny has gained recognition for her outstanding performance receiving nomination as Breakthrough Performer at the Gotham Awards and Best Lead Performance at the Independent Spirit Awards. Brian Tyree Henry a previous Academy Award nominee for Causeway has received recognition as Gotham nominee for Outstanding Supporting Performance following his portrayal as coach Jason Crutchfield. Brian Tyree Henry also holds an Emmy nomination for his television work on Atlanta.
Barry Jenkins’ Adaptation of Documentary 'T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold' Inspires Director Rachel Morrison
Barry Jenkins created the script after producer Elishia Holmes brought forth documentary T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold which showcased Shields and her unique challenges in fighting. Elishia Holmes tapped into Jenkins after knowing his ability to bring stories to life including work on Mufasa: The Lion King also produced this year to craft this story. Barry Jenkins together with help from Elishia Holmes chose to recruit Rachel Morrison after knowing her previous successes with cinematography including Mudbound leading her towards direction. Rachel Morrison is the director for 'The Fire Inside' while also having Oscar recognition in cinematography.
Intense Preparation for Roles By Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry in 'The Fire Inside'
Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry gave a combined interview about their experiences preparing for 'The Fire Inside' project showcasing the training schedule was intense. Destiny underwent 3 to 4 months of training sessions for boxing before stopping two years prior and recommencing to ensure the acting would feel legitimate. The time for character growth was helpful as Ryan was also working to fully understand the potential of her body and growth as a performer. Brian Tyree Henry jokes on the intensity of Destiny's training by playfully eating Cheetos and comparing that food with her strict brown rice meals for filming sessions. Henry clarified that he did not have to go to that rigorous training diet due to his acting portrayal as coach which had less physical demands.
Ryan Destiny Discovers The Intense Demands of Boxing And Provides Her Insights On Claressa Shields Story
Ryan Destiny had limited experience with boxing initially when she signed up for role as Claressa Shields. Destiny clarified her new respect after acting on screen for boxers adding that ‘the world is frightening’. Brian Tyree Henry acknowledged a personal experience as an avid boxing fan with past history of placing bets further cementing his enthusiasm for sport during preparation process. Ryan and Brian both spoke on their mutual passion for making the true life stories portrayed accurate and as respectful as possible towards real individuals in the project which include the central real figure Claressa Shields and her background as a black woman. Ryan highlights that through these roles it made clear why these kind of stories are often not discussed in general and it is therefore so essential to use her voice in a positive direction.
Responsibility and Preparation Taken by Actors to Respectfully Represent Real Life Characters
Ryan Destiny felt the weight of representing a vocal character like Claressa adding that she wanted to do the project accurately. Destiny also understood there were moments that she had to be respectful and acknowledge the challenges facing Claressa who has to be seen as a strong character for younger viewers to take cues from. Ryan explained these kinds of role require deeper meaning with long-lasting impact on actors while creating necessary connection to others during development. Ryan stated how roles like this that are meaningful provide positive challenges to her personal acting skills and growth in her profession overall during long working timeframes with multiple takes for production.
Detailed Preparation and Dedication By Actors To Portray The Demands Of Real Boxing
Brian Tyree Henry also mentions sparring with Ryan during filming of boxing scenes showcasing some true impact with minor injuries showing intense commitment to authenticity in the project. He joked about her intensity mentioning “you chill out, this is take two breathe”. He said that they appreciated the veracity that was demonstrated through Destiny's portrayal that showed the true moves of boxer Claressa Shields noting that a slip up would get the real Shields to call her out in streets further demonstrating the importance of their role portrayal. Brian also points out his support for both Ryan and Claressa. A moment where Ryan swiftly left a ring had him notice her smoothness to which Ryan had said that it had took many attempts and intense practices to execute as this added realism to her craft which was appreciated as being subtle and nuanced. Ryan Destiny’s ability to get these details exactly right required extra level of focus and skill within her process. Another important scene between Destiny and Henry highlights a coach-athlete relationship dynamic requiring Brian’s character to hit Destiny to refocus her actions in the ring highlighting the authenticity of those scenes.
Ryan Destiny Provides Perspective on Female Experience in Hollywood While Addressing Black Woman’s Struggles
A make up scene where Claressa Shields is applying make up demonstrated the different issues facing women with pressure of appearance. Ryan Destiny strongly agreed with this highlighting a similar experience. Ryan Destiny mentioned the importance of appearing to be a specific way to fit societal expectations even for opportunities that are sought out often. The experience she faces mirrors those in the film for character Claressa especially with both woman and Black woman also having added level of expectations often being projected onto both in the Hollywood landscape and industry. Destiny believes its also important for women of color to be shown as a beacon for hope so that there is positive visual portrayal for younger girls.
In a last question Brian Tyree Henry was asked on a tentative date for “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse”. Brian declined to provide a tentative date as it is still a work in progress however assured audiences that they ‘will have to conclude the project at some point and that no one will walk out of a theatre with dry eyes following that project' adding an assurance that there will be major impact when that series conclusion is released . Ryan joked about Brian's very busy schedule might affect completion times adding a light and playful element to the final portion of interview with the actor Brian Tyree Henry ending the important interviews of his and Destiny.