Michael Jai White Talks 'The Dark Knight' And Working With Heath Ledger

Long known for his role as 'Spawn' in the live action film, which was based on the comic book character, Michael Jai White has taken various roles since then from 'Undisputed 2' to most recently, the blockbuster hit 'Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?'. While still actively involved in the Spawn franchise with his work in the animated series, White has also done voicework on Justice League and Static Shock. He will also be featured in another comic book film as he's set to play the role of Gamble in 'The Dark Knight', the sequel to 'Batman Begins'.

According to producers, Gamble is the head of one of the competing gangs trying to fill the void in Gotham's criminal underworld since the demise of Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) in ' Batman Begins'.

White spoke to me recently about his role in the film, and working with Heath Ledger and Eric Roberts.

What interested you in taking the role of Gamble?

Michael Jai White: Well, they contacted me actually, and if Batman and his people are contacting you, you have to take it serious.

What's Gamble's role in the film?

MJW: He's an underworld figure who basically vying for control of the underworld, along with some other folks. There seems to be a vacancy from the last film after Falcone's demise.

Did you see 'Batman Begins' before or after you got the part?

MJW: I saw it when it was in theaters.

Are you a huge Batman fan?

MJW: Most definitely a fan of the franchise. When Christian Bale got attached to 'Batman Begins', I knew that (Chris) Nolan got it right because that's a guy I knew would be as Batman. I was excited from that point. when they match actor and character well, everything else follows.

How was working with Eric Roberts?

MJW: Working with Eric was a lot of fun. Despite what anything looks like on screen, no one knows how many laughs were going on with Eric once 'Cut' is yelled.

How was working with Heath Ledger?

MJW: He was incredible. He was a really nice guy. In certain elements of how much of a nice guy was, I discovered gradually. I noticed one day he was in his full Joker gear and he wasn't going to be filmed that entire day. It was all on the other guys. Heath could have came in dressed in jeans and a t-shirt if he wanted to, but he dressed like that for the benefit of the other actors to play off of him. Here's a guy who was very successful, and puts himself through hours of prosthetics and wearing uncomfortable clothes just to help out other actors; and no one would have blamed him if he just wore jeans and a t-shirt, but he wasn't opposed to it as at all. I had to ask the director, 'Is he going to be filmed at all today?' Once half the day was gone, the director said no.

In watching you in the opening seconds of the trailer, there's a scene where Heath (as the Joker ) says, 'Why So Serious?' What's he referring to?

MJW: He's asking me, 'Why so serious?', and he recounts the story of his dad, who said to him those same words, and he's reciting that to me with 'Why am I so serious?'

From doing these comic book films and animation work, where did the love for this genre come from?

MJW: There's a kid in me that always like those heroes. I think that I'm a natural fit in that genre. A lot of it is also about who reaches out to me as well. I'm more pursued in that genre than me chasing it down.

What did you learn from director Chris Nolan on this film?

MJW: I learned a genius filmmaker doesn't have to be eccentric. Chris Nolan is one of the most normal guys you ever want to meet. I thought that after watching 'The Prestige' and 'Batman Begins' that this might be one of those eccentric guys whose such an artist that he's in his own world. To come on set and ask him a question, and he says to me, 'I don't know, what do you think Mike?' He was so incredibly easygoing and fun to work with. It's another one of those laughfest, and I'm saying to myself, 'Is this the guy who did The Prestige?' Wow, it was such a relaxed set. Although the project was so hush-hush and people had to be secretive about any information that goes out, it was surprisingly relaxed on set. I didn't get a chance to work on screen with Christian Bale on screen but while on the set, I saw him with the suit on and I laughed a bit and he was a little surprised as to why and I said to him that if there's anybody who deserves to laugh, it's me.

Did you give yourself a background as to Gamble got to be in his position as a leader of a gang?

MJW: Oh yeah, I always give a background to the characters I play, but with this film, it was tight. I only could read my scenes. I never read a script. I haven't seen a finished product so I don't know how much I'm in the film. It's all a mystery.

You had mentioned before about Heath wearing the prosthetic mask and over ten years ago, you were in the same position having played 'Spawn' as the lead of a film. What is that feeling like when you are the center of attention playing a comic book character?

MJW: For me, it was really hot. I took it all in stride because I knew it had nothing to do with me because if someone else were cast in my place, they would be in the same situation. It's sort of uncomfortable, but it's not really about the attention, I was just trying to do the best job I can because I'm my harshest critic.

Why should anyone see 'The Dark Knight'?

MJW: Well, if they didn't see the first movie, then they are probably not fans of good movies and good action movies. I don't think anyone can argue that 'Batman Begins' was one of the best films of its type. I don't need to read a script. I know that 'Dark Knight' will be a great film just because of the people involved. I'm very careful to be as honest as I can possibly be at all times. My word is my word so I'm very protective of that. I can't say with any confidence because I haven't seen or read anything, but I just know the caliber of the people working. 'Batman Begins' changed the whole game. That movie was incredible, and so will this one.

Black Music Notes June 26

6/26/08: Jill Scott
Jill Scott's latest album 'The Real Thing' is coming to a television screen near you. And it's going to be a sight for your eyes and a pleasure to your ears. On June 29, TV One will premiere an original music concert special featuring the neo-soul high priestess in all of her glory. Titled 'Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly),' the one-hour special features the two-time Grammy Award winning wunderkind performing a mix of her classic hits such as 'A Long Walk' and 'The Way,' juxtaposed with material from her newer projects, including the inspirational anthem 'Golden' and the tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-prisoners 'Hate On Me.' The special (Scott's very first) was filmed in March 2008 at the Liacouris Center in Philadelphia. Encore airings of the show are scheduled to air on July 3, July 5, and July 11.

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6/26/08: D'Angelo
Despite going through legal woes over the past few years, neo-soul originator D'Angelo is back in the studio working on a new album. According to 'Billboard,' the singer is expected to release his new as-yet-untitled album next year on J Records. The company bought out his contract in 2005 from Virgin Records (who released his first two albums). Fans can expect the man legally known as Michael D'Angelo Archer to hook up with Raphael Saadiq once again, the two previously worked together on Saadiq's 2002 hit 'Be Here.' Although the album is still in its early stages, the 'Brown Sugar' crooner has plans to also land John Mayer on the opus, with a single to hit the airwaves by the end of the year. Until that time comes, fans can catch some of D'Angelo in his former glory with the recently released compilation, 'The Best So Far,' featuring hits, rarities and previously unreleased videos.

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6/26/08: Gerald Albright
This week, one of the most sought after saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright, will release his eleventh solo project titled, 'Sax for Stax.' The set features eight covers from the Stax Records catalog , in addition to three originals written by Albright. The multi-talented sax player reached out to vocalists Will Downing, Ledisi, and Philip Bailey to help recapture classic music such as Issac Hayes' top five hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and the Staple Singers' hit 'Respect Yourself.' "I went through two box sets with over 20 CDs to pick songs that felt good and would work well melodically for the saxophone," Albright said.

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6/26/08: Swizz Beatz
Just last year super-producer Swizz Beatz was hospitalized for exhaustion, and by the looks of it hasn't slowed him down a bit. The hip-hop hit-maker has been in the studio crafting hits for Jay-Z, G-Unit, Ludacris, T.I. , Alicia Keys, and surprisingly the icon himself Michael Jackson. The Bronx native (legally known as Kasseem Dean) recently revealed his plans to not only produce some music for the King of Pop, but produce his tour as well. "I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything," he explained to 'MTV.' "I'm designing planes for Gulf Stream and everything. They called me. I'm around different people. I'm around billionaires. I'm around people like that." This October Swizz Beatz plans to release his new studio opus entitled, 'Life After the Party.'

Film Magic

6/26/08: Erykah Badu
This fall, Erykah Badu is planning on bringing some of her voodoo experiences on the road the neo-soul diva was recently added to the tenth annual "Voodoo Experience Festival," held October 24-26 in New Orleans. In addition to Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and Lupe Fiasco are among the other acts on board to join alternative rock headliners R.E.M. , Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are priced at $115, while a three-day VIP pass will available for a whopping $450.

6/26/08: Ludacris
Trying to maintain a successful career in the music industry as well as Hollywood can be a bit strenuous for some rappers. But not Ludacris! Luda (as he is also known as) not only has his new album, 'Theater of the Mind' slated to hit stores in September, he's also in the process of filming a few movies. On Halloween, the actor/rapper will be appearing in Guy Ritchie's new film 'RocknRolla.' He also recently finished shooting 'Max Payne,' a crime thriller fronted by Mark Wahlberg. When asked which profession he likes most, he simply replied: "Music is still my number-one love. I just balance a lot of different things now." Hollywood is still calling him, though. To date, Ludacris has starred in the Academy Award winning movie 'Crash,' the John Singleton-produced 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Fred Clause,' alongside Vince Vaughan.

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6/26/08: Ne-Yo/Keyshia Cole
The 2008 Reggae Sumfest is guaranteed to kick off with a bang! On July 18, new-school R&B superstars Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole are tapped to headline this year's international night at the Montego Bay festival, which takes place from July 13-19. Reggae Sumfest will also showcase the best of the best in Dancehall and Reggae music including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and Lady Saw, among many others.

Film Magic

6/26/08: Will.I.Am
Crafting hit music for The Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake can only inspire an artist/producer such as Will.I.Am (born William James Adams Jr.)to go beyond the music industry. Fans can expect to see the Black Eyed Peas front-man in the forthcoming X-Men movie, 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' playing a role opposite of Hugh Jackman. Will.I.Am recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the character he'll be playing is a teleporter by the name of John Wraith. In addition to 'X-Men,' the producer also landed a role in the 'Madagascar' sequel. "With 'Madagascar 2,' I think there has to be an angel or something or my grandma's prayers guiding that," he says. "It's pretty, pretty dope. And I'm grateful and happy about it all." 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is expected to hit theaters in May 2009.

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6/26/08: Mashonda
After releasing her debut album 'January Joy' internationally, Mashonda returns with two new singles 'All or Nothing' and 'No Panties' from her forthcoming untitled album. The Harlem reared singer describes her first single 'No Panties' as being "all about giving your man whatever he desires; no limits." In addition to her new music hitting the radio airwaves, the ex Mrs. Swizz Beatz (real name: Mashonda Tifrere-Dean) is the creative director and model for an upcoming coffee table book entitled, 'Alter Ego Revealed.' Mashonda's new album is set to drop in early next year.

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6/26/08: Lauryn Hill/Kanye West
'Entertainment Weekly' magazine recently unveiled its 'New Classics' list in which they ranked the best in music, movies, TV shows, and books from over the past 25 years. Lauryn Hill's mega-selling solo debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' landed at number two slot behind Prince's timeless classic 'Purple Rain,' which held down the top spot. Other artist that made the list included Kanye West (No. 4), Jay-Z (No. 7), Outkast (No. 12), Beyonce (No. 19), Mariah Carey (No. 21), Nas (No. 28), and The Notorious B.I.G (No. 40), among many others.

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