June 2009 | blackfilm.com | IMAGINE THAT | An Interview with Nicole Ari Parker

June 2009

IMAGINE THAT | An Interview with Nicole Ari Parker

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IMAGINE THAT
An Interview with Nicole Ari Parker
By Wilson Morales

June 8, 2009

With Father’s Day looming around the corner, Eddie Murphy has a film coming out that should attract not only fathers, but an entire family, ‘ImagineThat.’ Co-starring in the film are Yara Shahidi, Nicole Ari Parker Thomas Haden Church, Ronnie Cox, Vanessa Williams, DeRay Davis, Bobb'e J. Thompson.

A financial executive (Murphy) who can't stop his career downspiral is invited into his daughter's (Shahidi) imaginary world, where solutions to his problems await. Parker plays Murphy’s separated wife.

For Parker, this is her first film since she had 2 children with husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, where the issues and come close to home.

In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Parker talks about working with Eddie Murphy, how topics in the film relate to her personally, and her upcoming theater project with Robin Givens.

How was attending the premiere?

Nicole Ari Parker: I was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised. We shot the film in 2007 so it was almost a faded memory and then it all came back to me and seeing Eddie and everything. It was just great.

What initially got you interested to doing this film?

NAP: Eddie Murphy. I also loved the theme of the film. I appreciated what the writers were trying to convey about fatherhood and parenting and being a mom with little kids and that kind of precious time when it’s so important. I just loved the emphasis on that. Especially with Father’s Day coming up, it shows what it takes to be a good dad. It’s not that hard. All kids want from their dad is for them to be around; and to show up when they say they’re going to show up. Giving kids that time is the greatest gifts they can give.

You played a mom with Denzel Washington back in 2000 with ‘Remember the Titans,’ but this around you actually a mom in real life. How was that feeling when doing this film? Do any of your kids have a craving for their blanket or imaginary friends?

NAP: My daughter has a vivid imagination and so does my son. He has a Linus attachment to his blanket right now. It’s quite adorable to watch.

Are you ready to have them let go of the attachment?

NAP: I get right down with them and play. It goes by so fast; they will not even this time. I just enjoy it while I have it. I just found out my son will be 6’6. They did the calculation at the doctor’s office, so I will be enjoying this 2 ½ year old I have with me now.

Did you give yourself a back-story as to why your character and Eddie’s character were separated in the film?

NAP: These are two people who loved each other, but fundamentally, their priorities were in different places and it starts off where you respect your partner’s ambition, but it’s up to that person to prioritize what’s important. If you had to work 14 hour days, Mondays to Fridays, then you have to keep Saturdays and Sundays sacred. I could imagine the arguments that this couple probably had, and letdowns they had between each other. It wasn’t hard to figure out where the rift began.

How was working with Yara (Shahidi)?

NAP: She was a dream. It was so easy working with her. Her mom was present on set, that this was a little girl who felt safe and confident. She was never nervous and overworked. It was really a well balance working environment.

After seeing what Olivia (Shahidi) goes through, are you ready to see your kids go through the same thing (the sleepovers, school plays, etc.)?

NAP: I know. I got all choked up.

How was working with Eddie (Murphy)?

NAP: That was a dream come true. He was a hero to me as a teenager and to be playing opposite him in a movie was likea blessing that dropped out of the sky. He was so funny and it was hard to keep a straight face. I really understand why he’s a huge movie star. I wanted to make sure I kept our scenes light. I wanted to give those moms’ voice.

There’s also a reunion of sorts with your Soul Food castmate Vanessa Williams in the film?

NAP: Yep! My Soul Food sister. We see each other quite often, but it was nice to be on-screen with her. Hopefully we can do something together where we can sink our teeth into.

With family, films, and other projects, how do you balance your life?

NAP: Boris and I really try to balance it out together. The priorities are the children and each other. We went into this marriage knowing the levels of our ambition. You shouldn’t marry unless the both of you are on the same page on a lot of things. Life is going to deal you blows and you have to be together. Your values and priorities have to be on the same page, otherwise it won’t work. Both Boris and I wanted to be together and we wanted to be husband and wife to each other and we wanted to be parents. We knew what that meant; and it meant not working at the same time, not moving around a lot while they are young, and making sacrifices. We’re learning as we go but at the same time we’re doing it together. So we don’t panic.

You also have a film with another Soul Food member, Rockmond Dunbar in ‘Pastor Brown.’ What’s your role in that movie?

NAP: Salli Richardson and I play sisters, and it’s like the prodigal daughter. She goes off and leads a life of debauchery. I’m the good daughter and she comes back into town because our father is dying and he’s debating who will handle the church end.

How was working with Rockmond as a director?

NAP: He wassurprisingly brilliant. He really brought his acting skills to his directing technique. He got the best performances out of all of us.

What’s next on your plate?

NAP: I’m going to be directed by Jasmine Guy in a play in Atlanta this summer, ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.’ Robin Givens is joining the cast as well. I will play Lady in Purple. It will be quite an adventure. I haven’t been on stage in a long time I’m really excited. It opens in July.

Why should anyone see ‘Imagine That?’

NAP: It touches something deep in your heart about the importance of being present with your children and really appreciating the gift of childhood and the precious time that you have with them to really milk it because it goes away quicker than you know it.

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