Known for her cinematography in "Fruitvale Station" and "Black Panther", Rachel Morrison chose a script by "Moonlight" director Barry Jenkins for her directorial debut in the film "The Fire Inside". Based on the true story of champion boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, the production faced significant hurdles including a global pandemic, the departure of lead actor Ice Cube, and industry-wide strikes impacting the film's premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
Built on the unconventional narrative structure of life after achieving a dream, "The Fire Inside" presents a fresh take on the sports movie genre. It portrays the journey of Claressa, who motivates her coach to overlook social prejudices and equip her for the boxing ring. The film combines Morrison’s visual storytelling prowess and Jenkins’ groundbreaking script.
Challenging typical sports movie conventions, "The Fire Inside" doesn’t define victory by winning an Olympic gold medal. Instead, it explores the realistic aftermath - what life looks like for those who have accomplished their dreams and what lies ahead.
In addition to overcoming production challenges, Morrison also shared her thought process behind picking a director of photography for the film. Despite her initial inclination to assume the role herself, she ultimately chose Rina Yang, who she felt would help balance the naturalistic and slightly elevated visual aspects of the project. Besides, Yang's flexibility allowed Morrison to operate scenes without causing discomfort, indicating a strong working relationship.
Morrison acknowledged the film's release delay, attributing it to fate. The extra time allowed her actors extended training and promotional opportunities they would not have previously had. Expressing satisfaction with the film's Christmas release, Morrison believes "The Fire Inside" is an inspirational sports movie that truly deserves this timing.
In conclusion, the process of making "The Fire Inside" mirrored Claressa's journey - full of trials but ultimately triumphant. Reflecting on the challenges, Morrison remains upbeat, believing everything happened for a reason and led the film to its deserved glory.
