Post by Totems4jt on Jul 4, 2008 18:21:27 GMT -5
Author
Singlemom
Like most of Jay's fans, my first encounter with Jay happened one night while channel surfing and I ran across this western on the Western Channel called "Unbowed". But, there was something "odd" about this western. As I watched a little more -- what grabbed my attention was that the whole cast was "Black". Hmmm ... -- I thought -- something new -- something different -- this is the movie for me! Smile The intrigue captivated me and then I was greatly surprised when the Native American cast entered in with the soldiers. "Wow, I said -- Look at that -- They got them all roped together -- obviously taking them someplace they don't want to go, but they don't have a choice in the matter." This reminded me of my ancestors who were brought to America from Africa and who were bond together by metal shackles. My sorrow welled - and my heart grew heavy there for a minute. BUT, then out of nowhere comes this fiesty "good looking" Chief Waka Mani (played by Jay) who came on the scene like "gunbusters". He was rebellious and even "against the odds" he was assertive and taking a stand for his people with much pride. Understanding his circumstances he very quickly learned to play the game with lots of humility -- I said, "Wow -- who is this guy -- never seen him before"? I was not so much asking who Waka Mani was, but who was the actor who was playing such a dynamic and convincing role which seemed to flow from him with such naturalness? Waka Mani has to be my favorite "Jay Character" and it is not so much what he says, but Jay has the ability to let his "facial expressions" speak for him.
It is obvious that Jay takes each of his characters very seriously. In order to BECOME the character, he has said that he relies on various tools and resources that are necessary for him to accomplish his task. He studies, researchs and even suggests a "thing or two" to the Director that may be revelant regarding Native American culture that may have been overlooked otherwise. The end-product speaks for itself.
Hopefully, one day "Unbowed" will be released on DVD. It is a beautiful film based on a very true and love story. I applaud (1) Director Nanci Rossov/Filmanthropic's vision to "step out" on unchartered territory and using Mildred Inez Lewis' screenplay to glean from to pull this film together using minorities and on top of that the "limited budget". (2) The uniqueness of the musical arrangement was fantastic which intertwined some Negro spirituals and Native American songs. (3) The well-known cast was brillant and talented in their own right which further solidified the success of the movie. And, last but not least -- Jay Tavare -- speaks for himself who won Best Actor for his protrayal of Waka Mani at the American Indian Film Festival and "Unbowed" won Best Film.
Jay is a very gifted talent, much overlooked by the Hollywood moguls. As the "Master Chameleon" although his roots are Native American, he has a rare "blendability factor" and can portray just about anyone from any ethnic group with natural sincerity and very convincingly.
HOLLYWOOD BRASS, if you are listening: Each day an aspiring actor or actress arrives in the "Big City" following their dreams looking for fame and the "glamorous life". There are plenty of good /O.K. actors -- but, they come a "dime a dozen" and some are "here today and gone tomorrow". Jay is a phenomenal actor who has "staying power" (his filmography is his testament) and hopefully, one day -- HOLLYWOOD will see the light.
Peace,
~Singlemom~
Singlemom
Like most of Jay's fans, my first encounter with Jay happened one night while channel surfing and I ran across this western on the Western Channel called "Unbowed". But, there was something "odd" about this western. As I watched a little more -- what grabbed my attention was that the whole cast was "Black". Hmmm ... -- I thought -- something new -- something different -- this is the movie for me! Smile The intrigue captivated me and then I was greatly surprised when the Native American cast entered in with the soldiers. "Wow, I said -- Look at that -- They got them all roped together -- obviously taking them someplace they don't want to go, but they don't have a choice in the matter." This reminded me of my ancestors who were brought to America from Africa and who were bond together by metal shackles. My sorrow welled - and my heart grew heavy there for a minute. BUT, then out of nowhere comes this fiesty "good looking" Chief Waka Mani (played by Jay) who came on the scene like "gunbusters". He was rebellious and even "against the odds" he was assertive and taking a stand for his people with much pride. Understanding his circumstances he very quickly learned to play the game with lots of humility -- I said, "Wow -- who is this guy -- never seen him before"? I was not so much asking who Waka Mani was, but who was the actor who was playing such a dynamic and convincing role which seemed to flow from him with such naturalness? Waka Mani has to be my favorite "Jay Character" and it is not so much what he says, but Jay has the ability to let his "facial expressions" speak for him.
It is obvious that Jay takes each of his characters very seriously. In order to BECOME the character, he has said that he relies on various tools and resources that are necessary for him to accomplish his task. He studies, researchs and even suggests a "thing or two" to the Director that may be revelant regarding Native American culture that may have been overlooked otherwise. The end-product speaks for itself.
Hopefully, one day "Unbowed" will be released on DVD. It is a beautiful film based on a very true and love story. I applaud (1) Director Nanci Rossov/Filmanthropic's vision to "step out" on unchartered territory and using Mildred Inez Lewis' screenplay to glean from to pull this film together using minorities and on top of that the "limited budget". (2) The uniqueness of the musical arrangement was fantastic which intertwined some Negro spirituals and Native American songs. (3) The well-known cast was brillant and talented in their own right which further solidified the success of the movie. And, last but not least -- Jay Tavare -- speaks for himself who won Best Actor for his protrayal of Waka Mani at the American Indian Film Festival and "Unbowed" won Best Film.
Jay is a very gifted talent, much overlooked by the Hollywood moguls. As the "Master Chameleon" although his roots are Native American, he has a rare "blendability factor" and can portray just about anyone from any ethnic group with natural sincerity and very convincingly.
HOLLYWOOD BRASS, if you are listening: Each day an aspiring actor or actress arrives in the "Big City" following their dreams looking for fame and the "glamorous life". There are plenty of good /O.K. actors -- but, they come a "dime a dozen" and some are "here today and gone tomorrow". Jay is a phenomenal actor who has "staying power" (his filmography is his testament) and hopefully, one day -- HOLLYWOOD will see the light.
Peace,
~Singlemom~