Angela Bassett recently reflected on a significant moment she experienced while viewing one of her most iconic films, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” in a packed theater back in 1993. As an audience member in Pasadena, she recalled sneaking into the cinema, sitting at the back, and witnessing the lively engagement of the predominantly Black audience, known for their vocal reactions during movies.
The actress, best known for her role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” explained that while she appreciated the laughter shared in the theater, it was one scene in particular that truly struck a chord. In the film’s intense fish tank scene, where Laurence Fishburne‘s Ike Turner assaults her character, the raw reaction of a young man in the audience who loudly protested, “No! No!” left a lasting impression on Bassett.
Bassett described how witnessing such a visceral response moved her deeply. She confessed that she was more captivated by the audience member’s reaction than the scene itself, realizing that creating such an impact was the true purpose of her craft. “I’m looking at him — and that’s what you come to do. To affect. Oh, wow. Hallelujah,” she shared, highlighting her joy in evoking such powerful emotions.
Before taking on this leading role, Angela Bassett had been cast in secondary parts in major films like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Malcolm X.” Her portrayal in “What’s Love Got to Do With It” was a turning point in her career. “That was my first time being number one on the call sheet,” she mentioned in the recent documentary “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood.” She noted the significance of this opportunity, believing it would make her name and face familiar to audiences, regardless of the film’s outcome.
Bassett acknowledged Tina Turner’s significant contributions to the film, particularly in the musical scenes where Turner provided her own vocals. Admitting her own singing capabilities couldn’t match the legendary artist, Bassett noted, “I’m no singer, now. I’m no singer. I’m a hell of a lip-syncer.” Instead, she focused on capturing Turner’s essence through movement, dance, and emotion, bringing to life the complexity of this remarkable woman.
For those interested in more insights into the world of cinema, “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood” is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+. This documentary offers a closer look at the powerful experiences and contributions of Black actresses in the film industry.
