It could be intimidating meeting the guy who’s not only “Chalky” of “Boardwalk Empire” fame but also President Barack Obama’s favorite character on “The Wire,” Omar Little. But in all honesty, Michael K. Williams is one of the most humble and charming people we’ve encountered from the Hollywood-sphere. In a moment, the man can go from being a menacing gangster or thug to a simple man who, with a smile, can turn your cold heart warm. Maybe it’s that alchemic ability that makes Williams’ one of the finest actors in America.
We had an opportunity to talk to him (again) about his upcoming movie, “The Gambler,” which opens Christmas Day.
“The Gambler” is a loose remake of 1974 film of the same name, this time starring Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, John Goodman and Williams, among other amazing cast members. Wahlberg is also one of the producers, probably motivated by the presence of his favorite screenwriter, William Monahan, on the project, along with director Rupert Wyatt.
The movie tells the story of addiction and redemption. Everyone in the story is a gambler in one way or another, using whatever they can as collateral. Wahlberg’s brilliant act is a genius stuck in mediocre world, making him a compulsive gambler. He has just the right mix of aggressiveness, subtlety, suffering, despair and sometimes joy. He’s almost in every scene of the movie and is as impressive when he’s talking or acting without words.
Goodman, as a gangster giving fatherly wisdom, is at his best. Larson manages to steal your heart with few words but true emotions. Finally, there is an excellent performance by Williams, who truly entertains you with his sarcasm, ruthlessness and a swag that only he can carry. He plays a successful businessman who likes to take risks and play, but he is looking for a change of his own, for, of all things, an avocado farm.
The following are excerpts from our chat with Williams:
AmNews: How did you approach the character and how much of yourself did you bring into the character?
Williams: Neville (Williams’ character) is a businessman who just wants to live and enjoy life, who’s really intrigued by Jim’s (Wahlberg’s character) brutal honesty. He understood that Jim wanted to break free. Neville has everything in life, just like Jim, but he wants to live on an avocado farm, because he also wants to break free. The grass is always greener on the other side, that’s why he says, “A man can always change.” Neville has seen lots of hard times, he pulled himself out of it. He lives in a fake world where people cannot be trusted easily. I relate to that a lot!
Talk to us about your charity and humanitarian work.
I remember as a kid the free community centers to go to, which were safe havens for youngster and kids. I’m going to bring those back.
What message do you want to share with New York about the current situation in country, with the recent incidents in Ferguson and New York?
I think the first step is unity. It’s sad that it took this situation to create this unity, but now you see Black, white, Asian, Indians and every nationality out in the streets marching and showing their support. There has to be a dialogue and communication. People need to know that it’s OK to speak up and speak out. We have been made to feel that our voice doesn’t matter for so long. There has to be respect and humanity has to be restored.
