Tonight on TV: What if it was Will Smith's best role? – Cinema News

It was already more than 20 years ago. Will Smith caused a sensation by lending his features to Muhammad Ali, who became an American boxing legend by demonstrating determination, physical endurance, aggressiveness and intelligence. Directed by Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral), the brilliant biopic Ali allowed us to discover the brilliant and eventful career of this great name in the sport, both in and out of the ring.

The ambitious one Ali stands out for the quality of its staging, with notably impressive fight scenes, but what is most striking is the incredible performance of Will Smith (the best of his career?) in the role of Mohamed Ali. The Hollywood actor, a monster of charisma, gives muscle and soul to this fascinating character.

To have the build of this American hero, Will Smith had to gain 17.5 kilos, thus joining the list of actors who have gained a lot of weight for a role. However, it was not this physical transformation that was the most difficult aspect of the preparation, but, according to him, the fact of being able to capture the mentality and the intensity of one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Will Smith's performance praised by Muhammad Ali's former trainer

Angelo Dundee, former trainer of Muhammad Ali and technical advisor on the set of the film Michael Mannensures that during certain training sessions of Will Smithhe thought he was seeing Ali himself, so much had the actor gotten into the skin of the famous boxer. One could not dream of a better compliment…

The powerful and poignant Ali allowed toWill Smith to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor (how is it possible that he didn't get the statuette??), while Jon Voight was in the running for Best Supporting Actor. The feature film, which attracted over a million spectators in French theaters, arrives in your living room tonight. Ready to put on your gloves?

Tonight on Arte at 9:05 p.m.

Will Smith recently starred in “Bad Boys Ride or Die”: