Tracy Morgan has come up from stand-up to become one of the most popular comedians on TV and now – movies.
In his first starring role, he’s opposite none other than Bruce Willis in “Cop Out”, directed by Kevin Smith. The film is in theaters February 26. there’s been a lot of talk about a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with the movie in recent days, so we wanted to get back on track. Tracy talked to the press today, and we sat in to see what he had to say about the movie.
At first glance, “Cop Out” looks like a formulaic Black Cop/White Cop movie. The original title was “A Couple Of Dicks”, and was changed for obvious reasons. We were curious about what would bring a cast and director like this together.
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When you look at the trailer, it sort of looks like Bruce might have had to work hard to hold it together during filming. Tracy says:
“Bruce is totally professional. He’s worked with Chris Tucker, he’s worked with Mos Def. He’s worked with everybody, so he was able to stay focused and just get the job done. We mixed it up with fun too, though. We had a lot of fun behind the scenes.
This seems to be the latest in a long line of Black Cop/White Cop movies. Tracy has favorites, but in his opnion, “The KING is Eddie Murphy! That’s who I had in mind when I was doing this movie. I wanted to live up to those standards. I remember watching “48 Hours” with him and Nick Nolte and that was what made me want to do COMEDY!”
Tracy says what drew him to this role was primarily the director. “I worked with him before on “Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back“, so I knew him…and he gets it. I walked away from this movie with an understanding of Kevin as this really down to Earth guy. And we work well together. He knows how to give me a look, and I know from that look exactly what to give him. That’s why I love working with him! he’s my man in Amsterdam!”
Thinking a moment, he reflects on the other reason he jumped at the chance to take the role.
“But also…Bruce Willis!! I mean, I watched the whole Die Hard franchise – how could I resist?! This was a dream come true! Just for them to offer me the role was just a dream come true.”
“Cop Out” is different from his other work in a couple of ways. For example, there’s a physicality that he hasn’t had to pull off on “30 Rock” or SNL. There’s also some actual acting that had to happen. He says he is channeling a cop he used to know in Brooklyn for the character. He also did some of his own stunts. “Not the dangerous ones”, he says. Of course. But the main difference from his other work is: “They put the gun in my hand!! (laughs) They put the gun in my hand this time!!”
Tracy is obviously very happy to be doing what he’s doing, and now that he’s comfortably arrived in three arenas: stage, TV, and screen – onr would imagine he’s chosen a favorite. After all, the movies are a major goal for most performers.
“TV makes you a household name. Doing TV helps me with my filter. Because where I’m from – there WAS no filter. You know? I heard “m-fer” all day! Standup keeps you honest, it helps me keep my edge – and it’s the only place in show business where there’s justice. there’s nothing like live entertainment! Movies? Doing movies give you freedom. Freedom to do what you do. And movies help with my confidence. You have to still be funny when there’s nothing but a key grip in the room with you. I have no intention on leaving TV, though. I loved SNL, I love “30 Rock”, but I want to do every aspect of show business. Try directing, producing…Doing all these other things helps me creatively.”
So what about the criticism of his role, based on the trailer?
“I think we take ourselves a little too serious. We need to relax. And laugh. It’s okay. That’s what we do — sometimes. Every time we wanna laugh and act crazy, it’s our own people who call out the “buffoonery”. But who’s gonna make us laugh? I never said I could be the next Sidney Poitier. We can’t make fun of ourselves? We gotta be serious?”
Tracy’s got no desire to do a dramatic role but he’s not afraid to take on a challenge like that. When asked if his new-found leading man status leads to being a role model, he believes he’s a work in progress. “I’m still working on my discipline and my focus on a daily basis. My dad always said ‘You have to be better than me.’ My mother gave me the stubbornness to ‘refuse to lose’. She raised 5 kids and refused to lose any of us to the streets.”
So, what’s next for Tracy?
On the future: “I can’t call it, I might spoil it. I like to leave it all in God’s hands I don’t know what tomorrow holds. That’s none of my business. I’m enjoying the moment. Right now I’m feeling the buzz of “Cop Out”.
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