Semiautobiographical film inspired by growing up between two cultures


Prince has often been cited as one of Lenny Kravitz's influences, so it should come as no surprise that Kravitz has decided to create and star in a semiautobiographical film in which he plays a musician searching for love and happiness. However, that's where the comparisons to "Purple Rain" end.
Kravitz's cinematic debut, "Barbecues and Bar Mitzvahs," will be a dramatic comedy the artist compares to the films of Woody Allen. "It's not a music movie, which is cool," Kravitz said. "There are no concert scenes or anything. It's about someone in my particular position growing up between two cultures. It's like 'Annie Hall' or 'Manhattan.' "
The son of a Jewish TV producer and black actress Roxie Roker (who played Helen Willis in the TV series "The Jeffersons"), Kravitz searched for identity as a child and found solace in music, which he felt embraced all ethnicities. His movie, due in 2005, will address this discovery.
"Barbecues and Bar Mitzvahs" will begin preproduction in the fall and will shoot next spring. Lenny will play the lead character, but the other roles are up for grabs. "I have some people in mind and people who have expressed interest, but nothing's on paper," he said.
Between pre-production and filming, Kravitz plans to tour for his upcoming album, Baptism, due May 18 (see "Lenny Kravitz Ditches Funk, Feels Reborn On Baptism"). On April 23 and 24 he'll play shows at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and on May 15 he'll play in Pasadena, California, at the KIIS-FM Wango Tango concert. At the end of May he'll begin a European tour, which runs through July 7 in London, then he'll launch his U.S. tour.
"I've got a lot going on," he said. "I'll be on the road for a while. But I'll take a break, make the movie, and then get back on the road again."
For Kravitz, "Barbecues and Bar Mitzvahs" isn't a money-making venture or an attempt to get a career rolling in Hollywood — it's more of a labor of love and personal expression. "If I make money from it, OK, but if I don't, it doesn't matter," he said. "Anything that I do from this point on is all about exercising the creative being within me."

this will be his "Graffiti Bridge"

DavidEye said:

You may be right Davideye, but you also have to admit that it will be better than any movie Madonna has ever starred in

As long as he doesn't try to initiate Mia Farrow by making her cleanse herself in the Hudson River, I'm good to go.

It sounds intentionally funny and might be good.

I love Lennys new look.

Tom said:

Me too Tom. He looks great! Nice to see a positive comment about Lenny on this site. There are so many haters and I don't get why. There are thousands of other singers/musicians worse than Lenny.

Oh good God

DavidEye said:

First of all, nothing can be as bad as Graffiti Bridge. He (Lenny) is serioius about this film. He spoke of this back in 1998. So, he is serious about doing it. I want to know what is going on with his record label that has been is existence since 'Circus' but he has never released anything on it (to my knowledge.) Roxie Records, dedicated and inspired by his mother.

Serveitupfrankie*

and what is the importance of Lenny these days?

kisscamille said:

LAWL!

kisscamille said:

better than "Evita"?

lenny looks like a fake ass pimp....is ya'll crazy....this is going to be awful. I feel it in my bones. I already super hate his new video and I hate the video so much, I can't even listen to the song objectively.

Rhondab said:

a movie about a racially mixed guy who discovers music.What a concept!

DavidEye said:

A woman and a very sexy man stranded on a desert island alone together?? What a concept

kisscamille said:

Hey,I wouldn't mind being trapped on a desert island alone with Madonna

So yeah,that IS a great concept...lol...

DavidEye said:

Yeah, I know you wouldn't Davideye, but watch out, she would probably chew you up and spit you out. I certainly wouldn't mind being stranded with Kravitz. He is so yummy!.

kisscamille said:

lenny with permed hair is scary....he lost some yummy points.

I hope this isn't another "tragic muletto" movie. I'm sure there are some sane biracial folks in the world.

Rhondab said:

I thought of "Glitter" when you made that comment

whoo! That was good.

mochalox said:

Did Prince realy answer this...?????

DavidEye said: