The film “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” gained notoriety for its steamy scenes between protagonist Stella, played by Angela Bassett, and her young Jamaican love interest. At the Tribeca Festival, Bassett reflected on filming those intimate moments and shared an interesting insight into her co-star’s role: he had to fulfill a Black woman’s fantasy.
Bassett and the director, Kevin Sullivan, attended the festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the romance film based on Terry McMillan’s novel. As Bassett arrived at the SVA Theater in a vibrant suit and feathered top, the audience expressed their excitement with applause and cheers.
During the conversation moderated by Torell Shavone Taylor, Bassett acknowledged McMillan and praised the costume designs of Ruth Carter, emphasizing their collaboration on the “Black Panther” franchise.
Sullivan always had Bassett in mind to portray Stella. After a worldwide search, they cast Taye Diggs as Winston Shakespeare, Stella’s young lover. Sullivan had seen Diggs’s Broadway performance in “Rent” and even asked him to sing to Bassett during rehearsals to establish chemistry.
Sullivan clarified that the love scenes were intentionally portrayed from a woman’s point of view, as Stella’s story was the focus. The romantic comedy marked Sullivan’s directorial debut and went on to win multiple awards at the 1999 NAACP Image Awards.
Bassett, renowned for her powerful performances in films like “What’s Love Got to Do It” and “Waiting to Exhale,” aimed to strike a balance between boldness and emotional vulnerability in her portrayal of Stella. She emphasized the importance of presenting multidimensional black women characters.
Goldberg’s involvement as Delilah, Stella’s friend, was a priority for the filmmakers. Sullivan approached Goldberg personally, and their camaraderie and sisterhood extended beyond the screen. Bassett fondly recalled a scene in which they playfully jammed to Marvin Gaye in the hospital.
Despite initial plans to film in Mexico, Sullivan insisted on shooting in Jamaica to preserve the cultural connection. The production faced challenges due to poor infrastructure but managed to deliver the film on time and under budget. Interestingly, the movie’s popularity even boosted tourism in Jamaica, with people seeking their own Winston Shakespeare experiences.
Recently, Bassett earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and currently stars in the TV series “9-1-1” as a first responder. When asked about her legacy, Bassett expressed gratitude for portraying brilliant, courageous, and sensual characters that represent the multifaceted nature of Black women.
“I hope that I have shed light on the human experience,” Bassett concluded.
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