Smits reaches out in family drama

By Elizabeth Blair Daily Bruin Contributor

While millions of fans tuned in last year to watch Jimmy Smits’
character die on "NYPD Blue," with the new film "Price of Glory"
Smits proves that he is still alive and kicking. Or punching, that
is.

In "Price of Glory," which opened nationwide Friday, Smits takes
the big screen by storm. After being primarily known for his
television work on "NYPD Blue" and "L.A. Law," Smits now embarks on
his movie career with full force. In his role as a father and
former boxer who tries to push his obsession with the sport onto
his three sons, the Golden Globe-winning actor seeks to illuminate
the American dream through the prism of boxing.

At a recent press interview at the Four Seasons Hotel, Smits was
genuinely candid and warm in discussing his career goals, his hopes
for a Latin explosion in movies and his role as a father.

While Smits and director Carlos Alvila were drawn to the film
largely because of its complex familial relationships, they felt
that the emphasis on boxing related to the American experience as a
whole.

Smits spoke about how the movie parallels American cinema’s
history with boxing. He explained that boxing tells the story of
the immigrant and speaks to the American experience.

"In the’40s, there were stories of the Irish-American boxers,
then the Italian-American boxers came later on. Because that ring
speaks of the underdog trying to overcome … through brawn and
brain," Smits said.

The film centers around a Latin American family in Arizona,
headed by Smits’ character, Arturo Ortega. Yet, as Smits points
out, this film isn’t a niche movie aimed specifically at Latino
audiences.

"I don’t want people to think, ‘Oh, it’s just another Latin
American film. I’m going to have to sit and listen to half of this
film in Spanish or read subtitles.’ This is as American (a) story
as any other."

Alvila added that "Price of Glory" can be compared to "The
Godfather." While "The Godfather" was set in the very specific
Italian-American community, audiences could extrapolate aspects
which were very human: family bonds, loyalty and betrayal.

Likewise, at the heart of "Price of Glory" is the story of
family, and it is the dark father figure that intrigued Smits. The
actor discussed why the character of Arturo intrigued him.

"After doing the television show, the audience has seen me as
idealistic and heroic," Smits said. "This guy appealed to me
because his emotional (state) was a little bit more obscure."

While the role proved a challenge for the actor, he drew on his
own experiences as a father of two children. Like Arturo, he too
has questioned himself when it comes to parenting. One issue Smits
still grapples with is how his divorce affected his relationship
with his kids, now adults themselves.

"In this role of an overbearing father, the audience will stay
with Jimmy and forgive him when he comes around because he is such
a likeable character," said Moctesuma Esparza, the film’s producer.
"And besides, he’s a star! People love him."

Yet Smits seems more than just another star. He balances his
social conscience with his needs as an artist.

While an accomplished actor, Smits realizes his responsibility
to be a role-model and representative not only to the world, but to
his cultural community. Thus, he is very aware of the lack of
Latino representation in the film and television industry, and
openly shares his hope for a Latin explosion in film just as there
is currently in music.

This year, Smits presented at the Grammy Awards,

"It was very encouraging to see Latin American artists
(nominated) in every category. It was like, ‘We are part of
America.’ I hope some that of that rubs off in the industry that
I’m involved in, where I think the steps have been much, much
slower."

While Smits isn’t on a mission to push the issue of ethnicity,
he deeply admires those actors who cross ethnic boundaries. Smits
looked up to legendary actor Raul Julia, because he was from the
same island that his mother was from.

"He had an accent and was able to do Shakespeare and Shaw and
… seemingly cross boundaries, and James Earl Jones also," Smits
said. "They weren’t bounded by what their ethnicity was."

As a young boy studying drama, Smits watched them on stage and
felt that they could do anything.

Smits especially admires the versatility that these actors have
shown in their work. And though Smits says that he still misses his
partners on "NYPD Blue,’" he is following in the footsteps of his
acting heroes who succeeded in many different genres. After playing
a lawyer on "L.A. Law" for six years, and a police detective on
"NYPD Blue" for four years, Smits felt ready to tackle other
projects.

With a play in New York this summer and feature films starring
Kim Basinger and Mel Gibson in the can, Jimmy Smits may continue to
be a contender in the ring of entertainment.

FILM: "Price of Glory" is currently playing in theaters
nationwide.