Andre 3000 of Outkast played several different characters in his video for “Hey Ya,” but his latest acting role might be a little more challenging.
According to MTV.com, Andre is working with the Hughes Brothers to play Jimi Hendrix in an as yet untitled film of his life.
Andre told MTV.com on the set of “Be Cool,” the sequel to 1995’s “Get Shorty” in which he plays a thug rapper, that he has been working on the Hendrix role for some time.
“I’ve actually been trying to do this for four or five years,” Andre said. “So, I’ve read biographies, seen every documentary, seen every performance.”
Both roles have Andre cast as a musician.
Psychology sophomore Daniel Wells said he thinks already being a musician helps actors in their portrayal of a musician.
“Actors would have to do research to know the music industry,” Wells said. “But, a musician is accustomed to the ins and outs.”
But, Wells said the project depends on Andre’s acting ability.
Amanda Gustavson, an English and women’s and gender studies senior, said she believes Andre will do a good job as Hendrix, not only because he is a musician, but because of the specific music he plays.
“I think he will do a better job because he is playing music that’s revolutionary from other African American artists, just like Hendrix did,” Gustavson said.
Andre 3000 is not the only musician who is planning to try out acting by playing a musical icon.
Pink is currently being linked in movie industry trade papers to a film about the life of Janis Joplin, reportedly called “The Gospel According to Janis.”
MTV.com also reported that Pink had signed on to play the movie to be directed by Penelope Spheeris.
However, according to a publicist for Jive records, the company was not ready to comment on Pink’s possible role in the film.
But Pink is not the only actress planning to portray the late raspy-voiced 1960s singer.
A representative from Lakeshore Entertainment confirmed that she is working to develop “Pieces of My Heart” a movie about the life of Janis Joplin, with Renee Zellweger as producer and possible star.
According to Elizabeth French, the curator and archivist of the Museum of the Gulf Coast which hosts a Janis Joplin exhibit, last year Paramount informed her that Zellweger along with Lakeshore Entertainment was planning to develop a film about Joplin’s life.
French said she had not been informed of Pink’s Joplin project.
“I would be surprised if the family signed off for two movies” French said. “They are protective of people doing things concerning Janis.”
French said that in the case of Joplin, as well as any other deceased musician, any reproduction of the artist must be approved by the family.
Personally, French said she believed Zellweger would do a better job portraying the singer.
“Pink can sing, but Renee can do both,” French said. “She’s a chameleon.”
Zellweger gained her musical abilities while filming “Chicago,” which garnered her an Oscar nomination.
Currently, a Paramount representative said the company does not have the movie on their list of movies in production.
If both movies do come to fruition, the two actresses will face off to see who does a better job of channeling Joplin’s persona.
Gustavson said she believes Pink will do a better job.
“Pink has such theatre to what she does,” Gustavson said. “She gets so into the characters in her videos. Renee Zellweger is not raw enough to play Janis.”
Tia Tucker, an international studies senior, disagreed citing Zellweger’s ability to channel a character.
“She is so talented, and she has done so many things,” Tucker said. “Look at ‘Chicago’ or ‘Cold Mountain.’ Pink has no experience.”
Daniel Aucoin, a education freshman, has his own theory about musicians who decide to act.
“Just because you are famous does not mean you can act,” Aucoin said.