MovieChat Forums > Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975) Discussion > Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne

posted 18 years ago by TerranceCrooms
8 replies | jump to latest

I watched the making of Apocalypse Now and I thought they began shooting that around the time this movie was made. If so Mr. Fishburne really sprouted up quick!

[–] Devans00 18 years ago

Actually there is at least 4 years between Cornbread, Earl and Me & Apocalypse Now. Teenage boys do tend to sprout up during the high school years, around the age Larry was, 14-18 years old. They start out as shrimpy runts and turn out tall string beans. Plus, sometimes a movie is released years after it was filmed, so Mr. Fishburne could have been as young as 12 or 13 when the movie was filmed.

Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.

[–] TerranceCrooms 18 years ago

Thats what I figured. I assumed Apocalypse began filming around the same time as Cornbread.

[–] Xcalat3 15 years ago

yeah he grew up super fast

When there's no more room in hell, The dead will walk the earth...

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

Even though it was four years between this and "Apocalypse Now," the growth spurt is amazing. This is a strong film with an excellent cast, but Laurence Fishburne in particular makes this film worthwhile with the courtroom scene among the many other memorable moments.

Obviously the filmmakers knew they had a major talent on their hands. It's unfortunate the rest of the cast didn't become as well known (though of course Anthony Fargas played much the same role on "Starsky & Hutch.")

[–] stones78 13 years ago

I think Fishburne's reactions in the courtroom was kinda pretentious, as no teen would be that cool and calm.

[–] prettyD2368 12 years ago

Cornbread Earl and Me was filmed in 1974. Apocalypse Now began filming in 1976. I know this because Kevin Hooks said this in a interview because he on a plane and auditioned for the movie. He said Fishburne was on the same plane and Hooks knew Fishburne was only about 15. He said Fishburne talked alot of *beep* on the plane and Hooks knew Fishburne would get the part because of his boldness and arrogance. Plus he was the right height(6'0) and Hooks was only 5'6. Fishburne told Coppola and the rest of the crew he was 18 and they believed him. I guess they never saw Cornbread or saw Fishburne on One Life To Live.

[–] Kelea7 11 years ago

I guess they never saw Cornbread or saw Fishburne on One Life To Live.

Probably not but I wouldn't put it past them to play along and not let on that they knew. Or not really question him much about it. Willful ignorance, haha.

[–] necoleman 8 years ago

I am formerly known as HillieBoliday....Member since May 2006

I beg to differ......6 years later. May be not all teenagers....but they are out there! I have associated with quite a few teenagers whom I immensely admired because they were filled with self-confidence; and were able to be quite cool and articulate in the face of adversity and conflict.

I think Fishburne's performance in that court room came from a real, natural cool, calm place that I think he has always possessed.

Just look him now......40 years later....he's still in the game....and he's still cool, arrogant and full of self confidence!

"OOhhhooo....I'M GON' TELL MAMA!"