Quentin Tarantino’s Western Django Unchained ignited controversy for its pervasive use of the N-word, uttered over 100 times by stars like Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson. But lead actor Foxx recently revealed he was more unsettled by the film’s dangerous stunts than reciting the racially-charged dialogue. Despite the script’s edginess, Foxx was more wary of injuring himself on set.
In a new interview, Foxx discussed his experience making the 2012 film, which saw him portray vengeance-seeking former slave Django Freeman. He admitted that having to perform perilous action sequences intimidated him far more than simply reciting Tarantino’s cavalier use of the N-word repeatedly. Foxx’s comments offer interesting insight into what really challenged him as he took on the role of the gun-slinging Django.
Jamie Foxx Was More Concerned by Stunts Than Script’s Racially-charged Dialogue
In the Western film, Jamie Foxx portrays Django, a freed slave out for revenge. Tarantino’s script was criticized for its gratuitous inclusion of the N-word, uttered over 100 times. However, Foxx claims reciting such explosive dialogue didn’t faze him.
“Being called the N-word over and over didn’t really bother me,” Foxx said, noting he had experience with racially charged language from his stand-up career. The controversial verbiage was familiar territory for the veteran comedian and actor.
Learning Complex Choreography Amped Anxiety
In contrast, Foxx pointed to the stunts and action sequences as the real challenge of the shoot. “I was more afraid of having to ride the horse bareback…and do the fight scenes,” he revealed. Having little riding experience, Foxx feared falling and sustaining an injury. Unlike the dialogue, mistakes in high-intensity stunts could lead to broken bones or serious harm. So while Tarantino’s script didn’t scare Foxx, the action choreography was genuinely daunting.
Foxx also cited difficulties with picking up the specific moves and choreography for the stunts, as he didn’t have extensive experience. “My coordination wasn’t up to par,” he admitted, which added to his trepidation about filming the sequences safely. Having to concentrate intently just to execute the physical moves correctly made Foxx even more apprehensive about getting injured. The stunts required skills that felt unfamiliar to the actor.
N-word Dialogue Ignited Social Controversy After Release
Although the repetitive use of the racial slur didn’t make Foxx flinch during filming, it became a major point of contention when the film was released. Critics accused Tarantino of insensitivity, while some defended him as deliberately invoking the horrors of slavery. Either way, the film’s flippant use of the N-word clearly sparked intense social debate.
For Jamie Foxx, potential injury during filming risky stunts eclipsed any concerns about inflammatory dialogue. While Django Unchained’s excessive use of the N-word made headlines, Foxx was focused on getting through action sequences safely. His comments reveal interesting priorities and insights into the making of Tarantino’s Oscar-winning but controversial film. Above all, Foxx’s main goal was protecting his physical well-being on set.
Django Unchained is available for rent on Apple TV.
Source: Hollywood
