Contemplative Reasoning through Chess - The Unifying Capacity of the Game
In the pulsating heart of Miami, 1988, poverty, family strife, and a system prejudiced against its own pushed young minds to the brink. Amidst the chaos, the magnetic Mr. "T" Martinez, a fervent chess evangelist, taught a group of street-smart teens that the prowess of Critical Thinking wasn't just for kings on a board, but for their very lives.
The gripping biographical drama "Critical Thinking" (2020) is John Leguizamo's directorial and acting vision, inspired by the true tales of the Miami Jackson High School chess team, the first inner-city group to triumph at the U.S. National Chess Championship.
Producer Carla Berkowitz shares, "Sunday, March 17, 1998, almost 22 years ago to the day, I woke up and saw an article in the Miami Herald's Tropic magazine about the Miami Jackson Senior High School chess team. They had just won the U.S. National Championships in Los Angeles."
Berkowitz and her partner Harvey R. Chaplin have been in the game for 30 years, developing "Critical Thinking" from story to script to film. With a passion for edifying projects, her company, NRSP, is at the helm of the movie, spearheading other ambitious ventures. Berkowitz's journey began in the Fitness Video sector, producing over a dozen internationally exported titles from 1991 to 2005. Besides being a skilled audio engineer, she graduated from SAE and mastered "Demos in a Day." In 1999, she spearheaded the integration of hip-hop, rap, and indie rock into yoga classes, abandoning traditional meditative music.
Berkowitz was captivated by the chess prodigies—Latinx teens from a struggling community—who defied stereotypes and used their intellect as a tool to triumph over adversity. She spent the next 20 years transforming their story from concept to reality.
Five players emerged as the focal points from Berkowitz's extensive interviews. Each possessed a unique approach to chess, from playing blindfolded to employing cunning strategies. Their lives were arguably a film waiting to be made. Berkowitz marveled, "When these guys are triumphing over these prestigious competitions, vanquishing kids from the most esteemed schools in America, I wondered, how many parents would hesitate to cross the street if they encountered one of these boys on the corner?"
The world ignored these young titans until they caused troubles. They taunted the status quo, proving they were more than their environment allowed, employing their intellect to solve their own problems, not just within the confines of a chess board.
Securing life rights and funding was manageable, but the real feat was making the movie. Over two decades, many came and went from the project. Leguizamo and producers Scott Rosenfelt and Jason Mandl kick-started the film in 2016. With Leguizamo confirmed to star and direct, principal photography began in November 2018, wrapping up in December.
Leguizamo's career defies categorization. A multifaceted performer, he has graced the screen, stage, and literary world, spanning various genres while constantly pushing boundaries. An actor, stand-up comedian, producer, playwright, and screenwriter, Leguizamo's breakthrough came with a co-starring role in "Super Mario Bros" (1993), followed by roles in "Carlito's Way" (1993) and numerous other films. He has lent his voice to the animated "Ice Age" series and the sitcom "The Brothers García." More recently, he was seen in "The Infiltrator," "The Hollow Point," and "Chef." In 2020, he wrapped up production on the third season of "Bloodline," where he played "Ozzy Delvecchio."
As the director and star of "Critical Thinking," could you discuss how you became involved in the film?
Producer Carla Berkowitz approached me with the script, and I thought it was fantastic. It was a natural progression for me to wear the director's hat as well. I collaborated with Dito Montiel (an exceptional screenwriter) to focus on the cerebral aspects of chess, elevating them to the forefront.
What drew you to this film?
I was struck by the story—it demonstrates that Latinx and Black Americans can triumph in any intellectual challenge, even when handed significant obstacles. They overcame the greatest odds, thriving through sheer perseverance, showcasing their intelligence and potential.
How has your acting experience influenced your directing career?
Being an actor helped me empathize with directors I've worked for, understanding how they handle different situations. As a director, I knew how to communicate with actors, appreciating their craft and fostering a positive working environment.
Can you talk about the pre-production process? What was the casting process like?
We dedicated a lot of time to rehearsals and practicing chess. We were effectively becoming a real chess team, with the players mentoring us through the actual games they played at regionals, state, and national championships. I encouraged young actors to improvise and suggest ways to deepen their characters' development.
What difficulties did you face while filming?
Funding and time constraints were constant challenges, especially considering the complexities of recreating a high school setting and capturing the intricacies of chess. Assembling the large cast and managing to shoot each move accurately while maintaining the film's overarching beauty required careful planning and teamwork.
What message do you hope the audience walks away with after watching the film?
I hope the audience leaves the theater with the belief that anything is possible. The film demonstrates the significance of determination, the brilliance of teacher Mario Martinez, and his unwavering support for his students to reach their highest aspirations. These youngsters won the National Championship not only because of their talent but also through their audacity to dream and their willingness to work hard to achieve those dreams.
The gripping biographical drama "Critical Thinking" showcases how education and self-development, particularly in the form of chess, can lead to personal growth and lifelong learning. Inspired by the true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team, this film demonstrates the potential for sports to be a conduit for intellectual triumph in the face of adversity. Carla Berkowitz, the producer of the film, was captivated by the young chess prodigies and spent over two decades transforming their story into a reality, emphasizing the importance of learning and critical thinking not just within the confines of a chess board, but in one's overall life.
