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CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: How difficult was it to play the roles? Cynthia, let me ask you about Harriet.
CYNTHIA ERIVO, ACTOR, “HARRIET”: You know, it was overwhelming. There was a lot of training that was needed. I started training before we got to set because I didn’t want to play catch up. You know, Harriet has a really wonderful connection to her faith. And so, I wanted to make sure that I also had a way in that way. So, I did some searching and looking into my own faith and getting a bit braver about talking about it so it felt more authentic. So, it took a lot but it’s nothing that I’m not grateful for.
AMANPOUR: Well, it’s an extraordinary performance. And from you, too, Leslie Odom Jr., obviously you come to public knowledge, if you like, from Hamilton. You were the first burr. And here you are playing this unbelievable role. What made you, you know, glom on to this story? It’s such an amazing story and it’s the first major film, I think, that’s been done.
LESLIE ODOM JR., ACTOR, “HARRIET”: Yes. I mean, you put your finger right on it. I mean, Cynthia Erivo, Casey Landman (ph), Debra Martin Chase, Harriet Tubman. You know, I was getting an invitation to the party to be a part of this first nation motion picture about Harriet Tubman. And growing up in Philadelphia, I knew about William Stills’ work very well. So, the chance to be part of this first. I don’t think it will be the last.
ERIVO: No.
ODOM JR.: You know, I think I think we’re see the first one. But, yes.
AMANPOUR: I watched it, obviously, and I was completely gripped from beginning to end because it’s also like — you know, it just has all those elements of, I don’t know, good versus evil excitement, drama. You — even though you know the history, you don’t really know how the story is going to unfold minute by minute. And here’s a wonderful part of the film, we’re going to play a little clip, where the two of you are talking. You first meet. Your character, Leslie, first meets Cynthia’s character as she sort of bursts through his door having made it to Philadelphia.
ODOM JR.: OK.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ODOM JR.: So, where are the others?
ERIVO: There are no others.
ODOM JR.: You can trust me. I’m a friend. Who did you make the journey with?
ERIVO: I left my husband and my family. It’s just me and the lord.
ODOM JR.: Well, I don’t know if you know how extraordinary this is. But by some miraculous means you have made 100 miles to freedom all by yourself.
About This Episode EXPAND
Norman Ornstein joins Christiane Amanpour to give a glimpse into the inner workings of Congress as the impeachment inquiry unfolds. Robert Reich examines PG&E’s role in the California fires. Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom, Jr. discuss their roles in the new film “Harriet.” Ocean Vuong sits down with Michel Martin to discuss race, sexuality and his new novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous.”
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