Benjamin Bratt as Piñero

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"Piñero"
With Benjamin Bratt
Actor
Thursday, Jan.. 17, 2002; 3 p.m. EST

"Piñero" tells the story of Latino icon and Puerto Rican poet-playwright-actor Miguel Piñero who burst onto the literary scene and made news in the artistic community with his interpretations of the world around him through experimental poetry, prose and plays. He did time in Sing Sing for drug dealing and petty theft and turned his prison experiences into the 1974 Tony Award-winning play, "Short Eyes."

Bratt established himself on NBC's "Law and Order" as Detective Reynaldo Curtis for which he was nominated for an Emmy. His other television credits include "Exiled," the "Law and Order" telefilm, "Woman Undone" and the NBC mini-series "James A. Michener's Texas."

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Fairfax, Va.: How did you get the part and why were you interested in doing this movie?

Benjamin Bratt: The script came to me in the usual way. It was submitted to me by my agent. What was different was the reaction I had to this particular story compared to most scripts I receive. I was knocked out and perhaps most impressed and in awe of really the power and beauty of Miguel Piñero's poetry.

New York, N.Y.: How would you characterize your acting style?

Benjamin Bratt: I don't really consider myself to be an actor of any particular style. My aim with every role I undertake is to be truthful and honest in that particular portrayal. I don't have a particular methodology from any one school of thought or training. I try not to intellectualize a role too much and mainly create a characterization from instinct.

Washington, D.C.: Have any of Miguel Piñero's relatives seen the movie and if so, what did they think?

Benjamin Bratt: Over a dozen family member were in attendance at the New York premiere of Piñero and many of them were actually used as extras in the final eulogy scene of the film. And their response to the film and to my portrayal of their brother remains the ultimate compliment. For much of the film they expressed that they felt like they were actually watching their brother: the style of walking and talking and gesticulating with hands and most especially the reciting of the poetry made their hair stand on end and brought tear to their eyes. I was extremely humbled by that response.

Charlottesville, Va.: Mr. Bratt:

I love your work, and I look forward to seeing this movie.

In researching your character, did you come to any conclusions about Miguel Pinero? Is he someone you would have liked? Is he someone for whom you would feel compassion?

Thank you.

Benjamin Bratt: Good question. In portraying any character, whether a fictional one or not, as an actor you must be able to empathize with his disposition. While certainly there were many dark aspects to Miguel's life and while his dangerous lifestyle ultimately did him in at an early age, he was after all a man with a huge heart and a particular genius when it came to writing poetry. In my approach to understanding him I was careful not to judge him.

From many different sources I gathered that Piñero was an irascible charmer and despite his downfalls and "get-over" mentality, he was immensely seductive and likeable. I think I would've been fascinated by him while at the same time maintaining a hand over my wallet.

Washington, D.C.: I had read in the recent issue of "Bomb" magazine, in an interview with the director, Ichaso, that at first he'd not considered you for the role of Piñero because he thought you were just "too nice" to play such a character. And yet by all accounts you've done an incredible job, which to me seems the high point of the craft of acting? I mean, to be able to "be" that diametrically different person. So, then, how did you prepare for the role. Thanks.

Benjamin Bratt: All of the answers to the questions of what compelled this man to be the way that he was were found in his texts; both his poetry and his playwriting reflected the dark elements that he knew best. Obviously adept at working in these classical forms of poetry and playwriting he created something new by infusing these old forms with an urban and ethnocentric slant. His particular New York experience, that of a New York Puerto Rican or Nuyorican, in all of its aspects was emblematic of his work.

Benjamin Bratt: Beyond that, to complete the transformation I concentrated on the physical components that were reminiscent of Miguel. I lost upwards of twenty pounds, let the hair grow and the beard and the mustache and became a huge fan of polyester and bell bottoms. Additionally I became a fixture during the research process in his various haunts down in the Lower East Side.

Los Angeles: Benjamin, what is your ethnic heritage? What is the origin of "Bratt"?

Benjamin Bratt: Like many millions of Americans, I am a bi-cultural person. My mother was born in Lima, Peru and my father is American of primarily German and English descent. And as I understand it, Bratt is of English origin. People often ask me if it's a stage name. In fact, it is not.

Largo, Md.: I think I read that you would be performing on HBO's Def Poetry. What is that about? ... and when will your episode air?

Benjamin Bratt: Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam is an extension of the success he enjoyed with his Def Comedy jams. Recognizing the influence and importance of poetry not only in the historical context but also in current times, he rather smartly put together a show to showcase the very intelligent and savvy young spoken word artists of the day. I was honored to participate in the first episode reading "A Lower East Side Poem" which is the eulogy poem written by Miguel Pinero himself. That episode was the first in a series of four and should still be playing in reruns, usually at midnight.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. Bratt: I enjoy your movies, but miss your weekly appearances on "Law and Order." Would you consider another TV series (or at least a guest appearance on "L&O")?

Benjamin Bratt: A resounding yes. It is clear there is a lot of good work being done on television and I most certainly have much to be thankful for based on the influence of Law and Order in my professional life and am happy to see there is no longer a TV bias against actors. I have always been of the mind that good work is good work, whether performed on stage, on television or in film and, like any reasonable actor, I keep my options open.

Benjamin Bratt: Unfortunately I've gotta run. More interviews await but thank you all for your time and your intelligent questions and thank you for your support for such an unusual and challenging film.