Aaliyah probably had the toughest part to play in our film, in that she was then a 21-year-old with one movie under her belt, asked to play a 4000-year-old Egyptian queen who was transformed into the most powerful vampire of all. I was most concerned as to whether Aaliyah would be able to command the respect that Akasha would certainly draw. Aaliyah arrived in Melbourne extremely well-prepared, and delivered a performance that will make everyone who loves her proud.Aaliyah was obviously a woman of many talents, and very much in command of them, despite her youth. She was also a very giving person who made everyone around her feel comfortable. I believe much of the credit for this goes to her terrific family, which was always with her, giving her support and a sense of home even when abroad. It's much easier to be an exemplary person and spread one's creative wings in such a nurturing environment. Aaliyah's work speaks most eloquently for itself, and I can only hope that the rest of our film does her justice. We will address how we feel about her life and her passing at the end of the film.
I wouldn't say that Aaliyah had a difficult time, but rather that her role was a very difficult one to play well. That she did play it exceedingly well is one of the lasting tributes we will have of her. Aaliyah was a wonderful, giving person who never complained about anything, including how long it took to dress and make her up.
Aaliyah never had a chance to see the finished film. However, I watched some of her scenes with her in dailies (rushes), and she was very happy with her performance... as she should have been.
I was blown away by Aaliyah's acting in the movie. She showed promise in ROMEO MUST DIE, but in QUEEN she pushed her talent much, much further.
Thank you for supporting our choice of Aaliyah to portray Akasha. We did indeed go in the direction of someone with African ancestry because of the historical reality. However, I can't argue with Anne Rice's choice of a non-African character in what is clearly a mythical time.
We're doing our best to have an Aaliyah song in the movie. I don't think it's right to rank actors, but I can easily say that Aaliyah's talent and potential blew away everyone on the set.
I looked into the Rashad story a little. You will never "hear" Rashad in the movie. If we use his voice at all, it's to provide clarity in the two scenes that take place by the seashore. But the effect will be subliminal.
You're absolutely right about the advantages of her sensuality. Probably the most difficult specific aspect of her performance was the accent that she herself developed for the role. From my perspective, it was generating a sense of command that befitted Akasha, the most powerful vampire of all. To me, this was her (Aaliyah's) greatest success.
Aaliyah's death has affected our movie in many ways... but I don't think that it will keep people away.
I would just add that she was also a devotee of Egyptian history, and liked vampires, too. In effect, she had every base covered. That she was an actor who became famous as a singer puts her in the same company as, for example, Frank Sinatra and Cher, who delivered more than one critically lauded performance.
The only vampire who has an accent that sounds like their country of origin (an accent they may well have lost over the centuries, in my opinion, especially when speaking English) is Akasha.
On Producing a Movie about Aaliyah's Life
Please remember that I am not producing a movie of Aaliyah's life. This is something that I would imagine her family will do, when they are ready. They are doing as well as could be expected, and the support of her fans definitely makes them feel better.
This will definitely be discussed at the right time, with my support, regardless of whether or not I wind up being involved.
