“We can’t hide what’s coming.
“This is a beautiful love story about these young people.
What drew you to this story?
Denzel Washington and Dana Canedy with ‘A Journal for Jordan’ leads Michael B. Jordan and Chanté Adams.Gotham/GC Images
DANA CANEDY:[Laughs] I was wondering, who do you ask?
WASHINGTON:Yeah I asked if I could, and here we are.
Dana, how involved were you in making the film?
Michael B. Jordan and Chanté Adams embrace in ‘A Journal for Jordan.'.David Lee/Columbia Pictures
Was that creative collaboration with Dana something you wanted as well, Denzel?
You find out about them from other people.
So for me, yes.
Denzel Washington directing ‘A Journal for Jordan.'.Glen Wilson/Columbia
How did you all figure out casting?
WASHINGTON:Well, Michael’s been connected for about eight years.
It was a matter of scheduling.
Chanté Adams and Michael B. Jordan in ‘A Journal for Jordan’.David Lee/Columbia Pictures
I know that I only need one, and I know it when I see it.
And when Chante walked in, I knew it.
Their chemistry was just so great.
Michael B. Jordan and Chanté Adams as Charles and Dana in ‘A Journal for Jordan.'.David Lee/Columbia Pictures
And here she comes.
It’s her turn.
She’s a strong actress, now on her way to Broadway.
Michael B. Jordan and Denzel Washington at the premiere of ‘A Journal for Jordan.'.Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Dana, what were your conversations with Chante like while making this film?
CANEDY:She asked a lot of questions, which told me that she was taking this seriously.
And then as our relationship developed, she said “I just wanna get this right for you.
I wanna ensure I do the story justice.”
I trust you, make it your own now.”
One element of romance movies, especially Black romance movies, that tends to shine through is the soundtrack.
How did you all figure out what music to use?
Dana, did you give Denzel a playlist for inspiration?
But it was a reflection of the old man music Charles used to listen to.
Would you all classify this as a New York film?
WASHINGTON:Yes, absolutely.
That was a great day.
CANEDY:That’s right.
It was Jordan’s birthday.
WASHINGTON:That’s right.
A love letter to New York.
And as we cut [the Met scene], we kept trimming it back and forth.
And we got it Hughes Winborne is a great editor she’s happy to see his joy.
We stay on them, and she’s just looking.
I mean, where do you meet a guy like Charles?
CANEDY:In my living room.
[Laughs]
There’s comedy in the film too.
Especially Dana saying “Did my sister see him yet?”
Were those humorous moments true to life?
CANEDY:Oh my gosh.
Those things really happened.
And I’ll never forget standing in the Met with him and watching his face.
There are moments where I still see his face.
The first time he saw Jordan, I’ll never forget that.
I’ll never forget those things for the rest of my life.
To what degree was Jordan involved in making this movie?
Has he seen this movie already?
CANEDY:He has, and he loves it.
He’s very proud.
And Denzel may not remember this moment, but this is also something I’ll never forget.
Do you remember that?
And Denzel said, “Hmm, you’re absolutely right.”
And he may not remember that, but the humor does come through in the movie.
WASHINGTON:No, not the only time.
I can’t tell you everything, mom’s here.
I’m joking, I’m joking.
But mom was there, and she was protecting her baby, as she should.
And I was an open book for him.
He’s just like his dad.
I gotta have to call him a gentleman.
He’s not a gentle young man anymore.
He’s a gentleman.
We’ll go to set.”
And he says, “Mom, I don’t wanna miss algebra.
We have a test coming up.”
And I said, “Jordan, come on you nerd” [Laughs].
I said, “Come to the set.”
And so he literally would not do it.
He came only for one hour, and that was on his lunch break.
Wow, did he do well on the test?
CANEDY:He did.
He has a 98 average in trigonometry, I think.
WASHINGTON:What happened to you and me?
[Laughs] 90-something?Westayed on the set all day.
That was our problem.
Do you remember any directing advice you might have given him?
WASHINGTON:Just to be prepared.
I know he’s doing something he’s passionate about.
It’s too hard a job to not love it, and I know he loves it.
Were you all always trying to capture that nuance, sort of the beauty in the flaws?
WASHINGTON:I think it’s also relationships havewhere am I going?
[To Dana] You know what I’m saying?
CANEDY:Ebbs and flows.
Ebbs and flows and disappointments.
CANEDY:Yes, there are difficult moments in any long term relationship.
And I think the beauty of our story is that you find your way back to each other.
And so, Charles was so loyal, and he was always there.
We broke up a couple times, I’d break up with him, he’d come back.
And every woman should have a Charles.
Anything to add to that, Denzel?
WASHINGTON:[Snaps in a Z formation] That’s all I’ve got to add.
A Journal for Jordancomes to theaters on Dec. 25.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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