Movies News Talk
Kerry Washington recently discussed the emotional toll of playing Hildi, a slave held by Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), while filming Quentin Tarantino's 2012 Oscar-nominated Western, Django Unchained. Washington's involvement was especially difficult since it forced her to face the brutal reality of pre-Civil War slavery. Set on actual plantations in New Orleans, the film recounts the journey of Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave who turns into a bounty hunter to save his wife, therefore generating an immersive and intensely emotional environment.
Working with a superb cast—Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, and the rest of the Django Unchained ensemble—Washington spoke of the great experience she had. Given the emotional depth and violence of the narrative, she underlined the value of their common dedication to the project. As the cast negotiated the challenging material, their solidarity gave one support and understanding. Washington said she loved Samuel L. Jackson's performance, noting its impact and depth.
Washington's calendar throughout the Django Unchained production was especially rigorous. She was juggling the first two seasons of her hit TV series, Scandal, even while she was filming the movie. She had to so alternate between Hildi, a woman deprived of agency and authority under slavery, and Olivia Pope, a strong and autonomous political fixer. For Washington, the opposing roles presented an emotional and psychological challenge requiring her to negotiate between rather distinct worlds and experiences.
Although the whole Django Unchained cast had outstanding performances, Washington's Hildi interpretation is especially moving. Hildi's suffering under Calvin Candie drives Django's rescue effort, so she is an essential component of his character arc. Her hardships and tenacity give the narrative emotional weight and depth, so reminding us of the terrible effects of slavery on people and societies. Her performance emphasizes the significance of her participation to the narrative development of the film, therefore accentuating the whole influence of the entire cast.
Beyond mere entertainment value, Washington's portrayal in Django Unchained reminds us powerfully of a sad episode in American history. She gives the movie a vital historical depth by showing a woman caught in the terrible realities of slavery. Her performance emphasizes the need of remembering and appreciating the agony suffered by enslaved people since her will to face this terrible past with honesty and sensitivity makes it even more relevant.