'Life is Hot in Cracktown' is like 'Crash' meets 'South Central' with a twist of 'Transamerica.' Based on the bestselling novel by the film's director Buddy Giovinazzo, the drama is told through four intertwining stories that cast a light on the dark shadows of drug-related crime and despair in the inner city.In her most provocative role yet, Kerry Washington is the stunning Marybeth, a pre-op transsexual prostitute living with her burglar boyfriend while saving money for a sex change. Last seen in the mediocre 'Lakeview Terrace,' and with a resume that alternates hits ('Ray') and misses ('Little Man'), Washington's turn as a transsexual in 'Cracktown' is far and away her boldest performance to date.
The actress is getting plenty of attention for the role. Washington appeared on 'The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien' Wednesday, where she said, "It is not a romantic comedy. I play a prostitute and a herion addict and I have a crackhead boyfriend, you know, it's a lot."
Joining Washington in 'Cracktown' is an intriguing young ensemble that includes Brandon Routh (aka 'Superman'), Victor Rasuk ('Raising Victor Vargas'), Shannyn Sossamon ('Rules of Attraction'), Mark Webber ('Bomb the System') and Wu-Tang Clan founder-turned-actor RZA. Also appearing is Diana Ross' son Evan, who follows up another urban drama, 'Gardens of the Night,' as a teenager who succumbs to the pressures of his gang.
Kerry Washington Photos
SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 22: Actress Kerry Washington speaks during the National Conference for Service and Volunteering June 22, 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images For Entertainment Industry Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Kerry Washington
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SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 22: Entertainment Industry Foundation Ambassador Jon Bon Jovi (L) talks with actress Kerry Washington backstage during the National Conference for Service and Volunteering June 22, 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images For Entertainment Industry Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Jon Bon Jovi;Kerry Washington
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SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 22: Entertainment Industry Foundation Ambassador Jon Bon Jovi (L) actress Kerry Washington (C) and actor Matthew McConaughey pose for a photo backstage during the National Conference for Service and Volunteering June 22, 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images For Entertainment Industry Foundation) *** Local Caption *** Jon Bon Jovi;Matthew McConaughey;Kerry Washington
Getty Images for Entertainment I
NEW YORK - JUNE 15: Actress Kerry Washington and designer Doo-Ri Chung attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June 15, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kerry Washington;Doo-Ri Chung
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From left, actress Diane Kruger, designer Jason Wu and actress Kerry Washington attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
AP
Actresses Diane Kruger, left, and Kerry Washington attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
AP
From left, actress Diane Kruger, designer Jason Wu and actress Kerry Washington attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
AP
NEW YORK - JUNE 15: Model Doutzen Kroes (L) and actress Kerry Washington attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center on June 15, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kerry Washington;Doutzen Kroes
Getty Images
NEW YORK - JUNE 15: Model Doutzen Kroes (L) and actress Kerry Washington attend the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center on June 15, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kerry Washington;Doutzen Kroes
Getty Images
Actress Kerry Washington arrives at the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York June 15, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Thayer (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
Reader Comments (24)
Albert at 2:49PM on Jun 27th 2009
This movie looks fantastic, wish I was able to see it on the big screen - and I live in New York!
marahnatha at 3:39PM on Jun 27th 2009
I am so sick of Hollywood pushing their immorality on us. I will never watch an actor play the part of a homosexual or any other part that actor plays after that role. It's an insult to homosexuals and to the general population.
At least finally "Emma," "Barbara," "Jennifer"
& whatever name she uses to post this exact same advertisement all over the messageboards and even stealing MySpace IDs is in the appropriate place.
Ageus at 6:58PM on Jun 27th 2009
Maranatha, a pre-op transexual is not a *homosexual*. These are real people, they don't have to be actual it's called "acting". The actor's sexual orientation makes no difference. Why is that an "insult" to gays? What's a real insult is to refer to gays as "homosexual", that's like calling an african american "colored" or "negro".
Merrisa at 7:37PM on Jun 27th 2009
Mara you dumbass, transsexuals are not homosexuals. Get your facts strait before you start spuing hate you ignorant biggot. There Now I feel better. Honestly, being a transsexual has NOTHING to do with homosexuality, cross dressing, dragqueens or transvestism. These individuals are hated and tortured every day because there is not cure for transsexuality, only hormone replacement theraphy or surgery. I am and attorney and have represented several clients who have had this problem and they are like everyone else. They cry, they love, the bleed red blood just like you. Then have fears and when they are attacked by insensitive morons who know nothing about their condition they hurt and that hurt is deep to the core. Get a life and learn something before you rant about something you have made up your mind about without knowing anything about it.
hookmrl at 4:01PM on Jun 27th 2009
this is why I dont go to movies anymore these sickos will do anything for a buck
chuck at 4:19PM on Jun 27th 2009
everyone has morals they just differ from person to person. i have homosexuals in my chruch they are great neighbors and great parents. judge people for who they are. this movie looks real good. you dont like it dont watch it
heather dawn wright at 4:55PM on Jun 27th 2009
Here is my thoughts about this"new Movie" and the actress.
WHY is it that the Director choose her????????????
WHY NOT find a TRUE PRE OP TRANSSEXUAL to play the part?????????????????
WHY is it that the MOVIE STUDIOS NOT do thier RESEARCH before they pick a actress?
I know that there are PRE OP TRANSEXUALS who would just LOVE to be involved with movies of this type!!!!!!!!!!!
There are more and more of us PRE OP TRANSEXUALS who are now feeling a lot better about comming out. A LOT of this has to do with the fact that WE have Started being reconized as FIRST CLASS CITZENS with allthe new laws being passed to PROTECT OUR RIGHTS FORM PERSCUTION/DISCRIMINATION of ANY TYPE
AS a RETIRED DISABLED GULF WAR ERA VETERAN and a PROUD PRE OP TRANSSEXUAL, i am PROUD of my service to MY COUNTRY.
EVERYONE deserves the fundenmental RIGHT to live thier LIVES as they choose! And, I fought and served to PROTECT THAT RIGHT!
Leslie at 6:47PM on Jun 27th 2009
You are so right I'm also Transsexual and I'm a Disabled Vet from Viet-Nam Era.
Leslie at 4:33PM on Jun 27th 2009
My problem with this is they always have a genetic female play the role of a Transsexual when there are many Transsexuals out there that could play the role and also beautiful. I know I'm also Transsexual and proud of it.
Lyn at 5:49PM on Jun 27th 2009
Love to all the transgender people...I'd like to see a movie that doesn't portray my brothers and sisters as prostitutes or drug addicted sad souls, though! I was blessed to have born the same on the outside as I know myself to be on the inside. I have many transgender friends and acquaintances. NEVER will you see a more courageous group of people.
Leslie at 4:35PM on Jun 27th 2009
The only sicko's I see are the ones with closed minds.
kashka at 4:39PM on Jun 27th 2009
Just watched the clip...OMG what happened to Lara Flynne Boyle's lips...another case of too mant injections>>>
Lou at 4:47PM on Jun 27th 2009
She is a good actress so she should do well.
Lou @ http://EarningFreeMoney.com
Candace House at 6:02PM on Jun 27th 2009
I think homosexuals & transsexuals are sick! I agree that they have the right to be whatever they want to be, but I can still have my opinions about it! I am a Christian girl, & I am deeply religious, so Im not going judge people, but there is a big difference between judging & having an opinion, & last time I checked, it is my constitutional right to speak my mind! So anybody who doesnt like my opinions, go ahead & call me closed minded, or whatever you want to, because I know in my heart that the way I feel is the right way! I also think that gay people should read the bible because it clearly states "MAN shall NOT lay with MAN" & the same goes for women too! Also, God never makes mistakes, so anybody that would change the gender he made them is really sick!!!!!! I hope this movie & all future movies that support homosexuality & transsexuality are disliked by many people!!! By the way, I am a teenager, & my parents raised me to speak my mind! Its sad that @ my age I am already smarter than people twice as old as me!!!!!
Christina at 7:28PM on Jun 27th 2009
Heh, heh, heh... I love how you think you are oh so intelligent, child. Open your eyes and see you have been blinded by the bible.
God does not make mistakes right? He made gays and lesbians the way they are. ;) Whatcha got to say to that, Candy?
JFontana709 at 7:34PM on Jun 27th 2009
Candace, you are right, you have the right to have your own opinion dear. By calling people "sick" because they are transgendered or homosexual, however, IS a judgement, not an opinion. It's wonderful that you love God. I do too. God gave me a transgendered child. This was NOT a choice. My daughter has had the toughest life of anyone I've ever known and I'm alot older than you are sweetie. I pray that God doesn't ever give you a child like this to open your eyes and treat people with a little more understanding and kindness. Be thankful your body is healthy and well, but please think before you trash people that you have no real understanding about. My child was a BABY when (she) started expressing to me that she wanted me to cut off her penis and glue on a girl part. We are not crazy people, I've always grown up knowing God, loving God and so does she. You may be a nice Christian girl, but I believe that God would be so much better served if people stopped judging others and started showing the same kind of unconditional love that He has for us.
chris J at 6:59PM on Jun 27th 2009
umm Candance i am guessing you have never met a transgenered person , never sat and talked to one. so i would say calling them sick twice in one statement is passing judgement on them
Chris
Leslie at 6:14PM on Jun 27th 2009
The only sick ones are the ones who have closed minds and hatred in their hearts.
Leslie at 6:17PM on Jun 27th 2009
The Bible gave you the opinions and your unable to think with a clear mind now.
glaurie at 7:04PM on Jun 27th 2009
Maranatha is scriptural ... and it means .... 'come Lord Jesus'