John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor

On April 23, 2014, director John Singleton reflected upon coming to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on his film “Poetic Justice,” and how Angelou influenced him and Tupac on the set of the film and in the years after. Interview conducted for Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (2017), directed by Rita Coburn and […]

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On April 23, 2014, director John Singleton reflected upon coming to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on his film “Poetic Justice,” and how Angelou influenced him and Tupac on the set of the film and in the years after. Interview conducted for Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (2017), directed by Rita Coburn and Bob Hercules.

Chapters:
00:00 Meeting Angelou and earning her respect through their collaboration in “Poetic Justice”
03:40 Singleton and Tupac finding humility in the wisdom of Angelou
04:48 Angelou employing her elder role to intervene with Tupac’s troubles and aspirations
07:27 The importance of earning Angelou’s approval for “Rosewood”
09:44 The reverence Singleton feels for Angelou as she takes on a familial role in his life
11:52 Angelou personifying a tradition of American and African storytelling

The post John Singleton on having Maya Angelou as a mentor appeared first on American Masters.