Rock, who won an Emmy Award for his 2009 Comedy special Kill the Messenger, has struck an incredibly positive chord with fans of all races and classes. And in his new movie Good Hair he again breaks through the racial and sexual stereotypes of weaves and relaxers.
In addition to the string of successful films and HBO specials, Rock is slated to revive an even more important role, that of remaining funny and irreverent about everything pertaining to the universe.
EBM: The world is experiencing difficult times; unemployment is at an all time high, people are facing foreclosure and family incomes are dismal. If you were the president, what would be the first thing you’d address?
Chris Rock: I would start selling stuff, mostly property. You know to raise money. That seems to be the biggest complaint - we don’t have enough money, but we got property. And I would start with New Mexico, what was wrong with Old Mexico any way? Get rid of New Mexico and South Carolina. (Laughter)
EBM: Why South Carolina?
Chris Rock: That’s where all of the “Good Ole Boys” meet. (Laughter) And if we aren’t invited to the meetings than no one should be able to go (more laughter).
EBM: You’ve scaled back from acting, but you’re directing more? Do you prefer directing over acting?
Chris Rock: It’s weird. Actually I enjoy both acting and directing but directing allows you more creative freedom. You know, when you write a movie and direct it, the entire movie is your vision from start to finish, and that part of it I enjoy the most.
EBM: Are you harder on yourself as a director more so than an actor?
Chris Rock: I think I’m more relaxed as a director, because to some degree you have the lens to hide behind. Whereas acting you’re essentially naked and exposed for all to critique. And usually I forget to do my push-ups so you know the look isn’t as good. (Laughter)
My best work is when I’m in control, developing and being a part of the creative process. I can chop and screw things just the way I choose. What I can deal without has to do with the studio executives and the politics that are involved, but it is their money.
EBM: In your new film (Good Hair) you broach one of the most taboo topics in the black community: black women’s hair. Why did you decide to do this film?
Chris Rock: Mostly because of how we obsess over hair. My youngest daughter who happens to be five is already struggling with hair issues. She thinks her white friend’s hair is better than hers. And as much as I tell her other wise she’s convinced that her hair isn’t as good. So I decided to address it on a larger scale and I learned several frightening statistics. Do you realize that Black women are the largest spending group on hair products? That’s crazy.
But even crazier is that they spend nearly $6 billion a year on hair alone and the movie goes deeper into that part of our spending habits. What I hope people walk away with from this movie is the freedom of choice. It’s your choice whether to go natural or not but you make the decision; don’t let society dictate our standard of beauty.
EBM: Interesting; but what’s even more impressive is how you made a tense subject funny and informative. The way you presented the information is at times hilarious, but you have several ah-ha moments as well. Can you tell me what goes into the thought process of writing a script like this?
Chris Rock: You try to write it light heartedly, and it was funny; fortunately it had an intelligent aspect to it as well, and we didn’t have to dumb it down in order for the audience to get the message. We wanted to simplify it, make it like a social issue while still being funny.
EBM: And that was done well. In the film you go to the Atlanta Hair show and some of the styles are over the top. Was there ever a moment when you were speechless?
Chris Rock: Yeah! There were so many different styles and I don’t know if you’ve ever gone but it’s an experience, an extravaganza. Probably one of the best [stage plays] you’ll ever see. The budget for the show had to be that of a Broadway play; it was huge. Fireworks, runway the whole bit.
EBM: On screen you have an intense energy, particularly doing your stand-up routine; you’re constantly pacing back and forth. Are you always turned up and being that you’re comedian do people expect you to be funny all the time?
Chris Rock: Yeap! That’s one of the hazards of my job. No matter where you are people expect you to be funny. I can be at a funeral and someone will ask me to tell them a joke, but I try to avoid those people and hang out with other comedians who can’t stand telling jokes off stage. (He laughs)
EBM: With all of the great comedians passing on; Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, Bernie Mack, George Carlin. Who inspires you comically?
Chris Rock: We still have Eddie, and as long as he’s around every comedian has inspiration. But aside from him there’s a lot of influences around. I’m a big fan of Jamie Foxx, although he’s gone “mainstream,” but his stand up is crazy, Jerry Seinfield, Dave Chappelle, Christian Finnegan, George Lopez, believe it or not Jay Leno still has a great show. And of course you have a slew of new talent; therefore I’m forced to work and stay on my game.
EBM: Now that you’ve had some success in the film business, how randomly do you receive scripts?
Chris Rock: All the time. People come up to me all the time with movie ideas or will just hand me a script. Just the other day on the subway a guy waited until I reached my exit and ran up on me like he was gonna rob me and handed me a script.
I thought he was pulling out a gun, and was gonna shoot me, but it was a script. It’s like they carry them around now. Times must really be tough. (Laughing)
EBM: What’s the best thing about being a comedian?
Chris Rock: The decency rules don’t apply. There is almost no inappropriate behavior. So in essence poor behavior is applauded; if I got caught in a public bathroom with my pants down I could make a joke about it and everyone would forget about it. (Laughing) You just have to be willing to write material about it, you’ll be fine.
EBM: Other than your daughter’s obsession with hair, how are your two girls doing?
Chris Rock: (Laughing) I wouldn’t necessarily call it an obsession, she’s only 4, it’s probably more like a phase. But they’re doing great! My oldest daughter is really coming in to her own. Her intelligence is starting to frighten me!
EBM: What do you mean?
Chris Rock: It’s just that she’s able to process things faster and better than I was able to at her age. I have to watch both what I say and what I do. I don’t know if it’s the Internet, but these kids sure do seem much smarter today then we were.
EBM: What’s next for you?
Chris Rock: Everybody Hates Chris is always a priority and we’re writing for the new season. We’re in post production for this film entitled Grown Ups. It’s a comedy and that’s pretty much all I can tell right now, but that should be coming out in June. Other than that I’ll be growing old in my rocking chair. (Laughter)
EBM: Gracefully I’m sure. We appreciate your time.
Chris Rock: Ok, so we’re done? That’s it?! No dirt?! You guy’s are too nice.
