'The Fire Inside' Tells the Story of Gold Medal Boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields

Summary

All Of It: Episode Summary – 'The Fire Inside' Tells the Story of Gold Medal Boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields

Introduction

In this compelling episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are invited into the world of The Fire Inside, a new biopic that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, a gold medal-winning boxer. The episode seamlessly blends in-depth discussions with the film’s director, Rachel Morrison, and the lead actress, Ryan Destiny, providing a multifaceted exploration of the film's creation, themes, and the real-life inspiration behind it.

Overview of The Fire Inside

Alison Stewart opens the show by introducing The Fire Inside, highlighting Claressa Shields' remarkable achievement of winning a gold medal at the age of 17 during the 2012 Olympics. Despite her success, Shields faced significant personal and financial challenges, which the film portrays through Destiny's portrayal of her struggles both inside and outside the ring.

“The Fire Inside has a little more going on under the hood than your average sports movie.” (02:30)

Interview with Director Rachel Morrison

Rachel Morrison, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer known for her work on Mudbound, joins the conversation to delve into her motivation for directing the film.

“Boxing is this incredibly immersive experience. It’s inspirational inside and outside the ring.” (03:04)

Morrison emphasizes the communal impact of boxing and how the sport serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming adversity. She discusses the film’s departure from traditional sports narratives by focusing on Shields' life post-Olympics, exploring the complexities and vulnerabilities that follow her triumphant victory.

Insights from Actress Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny, who portrays Claressa Shields, shares her personal connection to the character and the challenges she faced during the production.

“I knew it was something that I would love to do, was a dream to do.” (07:32)

Destiny speaks candidly about the physical and emotional demands of the role, including performing her own stunts. She reflects on the fear and excitement that came with embodying a real, living athlete, and the responsibility of portraying Shields authentically.

“I was scared, which I don't think was a bad thing.” (08:45)

Unique Aspects of the Film

Morrison and Destiny highlight what sets The Fire Inside apart from typical sports films. Morrison points out the film’s focus on the aftermath of a championship win, addressing themes of recognition, financial struggle, and personal growth.

“It’s not just an inspirational sports movie, it’s an inspirational life movie.” (04:44)

Destiny adds that the film delves into Shields' personal life, including her relationships and the societal pressures she faces, making it relatable to a broader audience beyond sports enthusiasts.

Behind the Scenes: Stunts and Directing Challenges

The episode provides an insider look at the filmmaking process. Destiny discusses performing her own boxing stunts and the meticulous training required to authentically portray Shields.

“Being able to be there throughout every second really keeps you in the space that you need to be in.” (16:28)

Morrison recounts the technical challenges of filming intense boxing scenes, including a pivotal one-take fight sequence that nearly derailed the production due to equipment issues.

“We had one scene that I had always intended to be a one-take, and I’d never imagined it any other way.” (19:06)

Character Development and Chemistry

The dynamic between Shields and her coach, Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry, is a focal point of the film. Morrison praises Henry's portrayal, emphasizing the authentic chemistry between the actors.

“Brian and Ryan were making each other laugh and just that chemistry was palpable.” (10:05)

Destiny reflects on Henry's influence on set, noting how his energy and mentorship enriched her performance and the overall environment of the production.

“Having the right energy really goes a long way.” (13:15)

Emotional and Thematic Depth

The film's exploration of Shields' vulnerability and resilience is a recurring theme. Destiny discusses how understanding Shields’ personal struggles was crucial to delivering a truthful and impactful performance.

“I wanted it to be as honest and truthful as possible.” (22:42)

Morrison adds that the immersive filming style was designed to make the audience feel like participants in Shields' journey, enhancing the emotional resonance of her story.

“I wanted the audience to leave feeling like they walked a mile in Clarissa’s shoes.” (14:53)

Selected Clips and Commentary

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to exclusive clips from the film, providing a glimpse into key moments that showcase the film's emotional and narrative depth. These segments are thoughtfully analyzed by Morrison and Destiny, offering insights into the characters' motivations and the film’s overarching messages.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of The Fire Inside as both a sports and life narrative that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The conversation underscores the film's commitment to portraying Claressa Shields' multifaceted journey with authenticity and emotional depth.

“She really knocks it out of the park.” (05:00)

The Fire Inside is now playing in theaters, inviting audiences to witness the inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Rachel Morrison on Boxing’s Impact: “Boxing is this incredibly immersive experience. It’s inspirational inside and outside the ring.” (03:04)
• Ryan Destiny on Taking the Role: “I knew it was something that I would love to do, was a dream to do.” (07:32)
• Morrison on Film’s Unique Angle: “It’s not just an inspirational sports movie, it’s an inspirational life movie.” (04:44)
• Destiny on Performing Stunts: “Being able to be there throughout every second really keeps you in the space that you need to be in.” (16:28)
• Morrison on Directing Challenge: “We had one scene that I had always intended to be a one-take, and I’d never imagined it any other way.” (19:06)
• Destiny on Character Understanding: “I wanted it to be as honest and truthful as possible.” (22:42)
• Morrison on Audience Experience: “I wanted the audience to leave feeling like they walked a mile in Clarissa’s shoes.” (14:53)

Timestamp Guide

For reference, key moments in the podcast are marked with timestamps as indicated in brackets next to each quote.

Transcript

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[WNYC Studios]

Listener Supported WNYC Studios.

[Alison Stewart]

This is all of It. I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC Studios in soho. Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. I'm really grateful you're here. On today's show, we'll learn about the new documentary Minted, which covers the rise and fall of how NFTs work and how they've transformed the art world. And we'll devote the second hour of today's show to our our favorite topic here at all of It Books. What are you looking forward to reading? Get Lit. Producer Jordan Loff is here to share her list and we want to hear yours. That is our plan. So let's get this started with the new film the fire inside. In 2012, 17 year old Clarissa T. Rex Shields won a gold medal for boxing at the Olympics. Have you heard of her? Was she on a box of Wheaties? No. No she wasn't. Despite her talent, she went back to school and struggled to make ends meet. A new biopic starring my next guest actor Ryan Destiny, tells her story. It's called the Fire Inside. In the film, we're introduced to a young Clarissa who is eager to get in the ring. There's just one obstacle, girls really aren't allowed to train with the boys. However, the coach, Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry, makes an exception and agrees to be her coach. And he sort of becomes a father figure to as she's struggling with some issues, including her mother's guests at home, the two of them form a partnership which leads them all the way to the London Olympics. But even after an epic win, life isn't as glorious on the other side. The New York Times gave the film a rave review, stating at first you might be tricked into thinking it's a standard issue inspirational sports movie, the young athlete with the rough background beating the odds and more coming out on top. But the Fire Inside has a little more going on under the hood than your average sports movie. The Fire Inside is playing at theaters now. The film's director, Rachel Morrison, is here with me to discuss. She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on Mudbound in 2018. Rachel, welcome.

[Rachel Morrison]

Thank you. Good to be here.

[Alison Stewart]

Also Joining me is actor Ryan Destiny, who has been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and an NAACP Image Award for her portrayal as Shields. It's nice to meet you, Ryan.

[WNYC Studios]

Nice to meet you too.

[Alison Stewart]

So, Rachel, what does Clarissa Shields story? Why does it feel right for the big screen?

[Rachel Morrison]

Ooh, well, start. Starts with why the big screen? I think boxing is this incredibly immersive experience. You have two people hand to hand combat in a ring. I think the fact that it is so inspirational, not just inside the ring, but outside of it is, you know, especially in this day and age and with everything going on, I feel like those are the kind of stories that can really bring people together and it's, you know, to be in a communal experience sharing that kind of inspiration, Tears, cheers. And everything in between in the movie theater. I think that, that and more.

[Ryan Destiny]

What was compelling to you, Ryan, about Clarissa Shields story?

[WNYC Studios]

Ooh, so many things. She is just like, so many things about her inspirational, you know, besides the fact that she's like the superhuman that is like one of the best out of, you know, out of the. That are out there doing that. But she's also just a fighter, you know, in real life. And she's someone who's so inspirational and she's really beat the odds. And growing up in Flint, Michigan is, you know, no easy feat. And I think that there were a lot of layers to that and so many layers to her as a person. So it was so many things that I think just made me really connect with it and want to learn more about it and just want to be a part of this little piece of just telling that story.

[Ryan Destiny]

Rachel, the script was written by Barry Jenkins, but what was different about his script for the Fire Inside than your typical sports movie?

[Rachel Morrison]

Yeah, I mean, you alluded to it when you were describing the film. It's this very unique opportunity to completely upend the sports biopic. Actually, like, it's, you know, where films have a pretty. Most sports inspirational sports movies have a pretty traditional format. You know, things start hard, you work, you know, you work really hard. You have a setback, you double down, and then you win. That's really like, what happens after the win is the heart of our film. And to not end where you would expect to. To test sort of at the very moment that most films cut to the credits and you're cheering is really when ours, you know, sort of doubles down ourselves and it becomes about so much more. I mean, I say it's not just an inspirational sports movie, it's an inspirational life movie. And the Life, part of it, the human part of it is so incredibly both, you know, relatable and inspiring. And, you know, not everyone, Nobody really gets to stay on top forever, actually. So I think there's something almost, you know, more. More aspirational about the version where you have to pick yourself back up off the ground. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

I was gonna ask, like, what's in this movie for people who aren't particularly interested in the athletics?

[Rachel Morrison]

Yeah, I mean, I think a lot of people. I mean, I've. Even now that the movie's out and we're starting to sort of hear from some of the audience, you hear from people who said, I never thought I would like a boxing movie, but I loved this. And I think it's because it is so much more than a boxing movie. You know, it really delves into some of the relationships, like a lot of interesting, complex, dynamic, nuanced relationships where you have characters who are well intentioned but flawed, you know, And I think there's an authenticity to it that people can really find their way into. And then Clarissa as this just incredibly, you know, inspiring. I know we both keep saying inspiring, but like, her resilience is astounding. And the amount of times she has to sort of pick herself up again and again, the amount of obstacles she faces and just won't sit out. And so, yeah, I think there's a lot of humanity to it that people. And also, look, she's a 17 year old high school senior. Junior, actually. 16 year old high school junior into 17 year old high school senior. And so you also have love interests and proms. You know, like all the things that a teenage girl are going, you know, go. Go through. And at the same time, she's like the vulnerability outside of the ring and then this dominant fierce fighter inside the ring. So really so much for, you know, for Ryan to expl. And she really, you know, knocks it out of the park. Pun intended.

[Ryan Destiny]

Ryan, you know, people know you from Starr, from grown.

[Alison Stewart]

Ish.

[Ryan Destiny]

What do you consider when you talk to your people and say, hey, I'm going to audition for this role.

[Alison Stewart]

What is the.

[Ryan Destiny]

What does it need to have? What do you consider when you're auditioning?

[WNYC Studios]

Well, I think with this project and in particular, it really didn't take any convincing from any parts. Like, not for my team, not for me. It was more so just really hoping for the best. I knew it was something that I would love to do, was a dream to do, you know, to not only work with who I got to work with, but also have a Story like this one, where it. It's bigger than me and also would challenge me in a lot of. A lot of different ways from physically to emotionally. And, you know, that excited me. It scared me, which I don't think was a bad thing. I think that, you know, sometimes is really good for it to scare you a little bit and still just go for it. So I think initially it was just me hoping for the best, not really knowing what was going to happen and how, but definitely going for it because I knew it was just too rare of an opportunity to not to.

[Ryan Destiny]

So what was scary?

[WNYC Studios]

Oh, my God, all of it. I think it was, you know, knowing that I've never boxed in my life, that was one aspect of it. Playing a real person who is alive and well and still creating history, that was scary also, you know, stripping completely down and playing something that no one's ever seen, you know, this side of me before. So it was going to be completely different and a shock to how people normally perceive me. So I think there were so many, you know, moving parts and why I was scared. So it was kind of just everything. Also working with people that I, you know, look up to and have accomplished so much of. I didn't want to let them down or. Or, you know, not perform my best. And, you know, that. That can be a little daunting in itself, too.

[Ryan Destiny]

So I speak with director Rachel Morrison and actor Ryan Destiny, who plays Olympic gold medalist Clarissa Shields in the new biopic the Fire Inside. All right. Brian Tyree Henry. He just makes everything better. Can I just say that out loud?

[Rachel Morrison]

He really does.

[Ryan Destiny]

He plays Jason Crutchfield. He plays. Would you describe this character for me, Rachel?

[Rachel Morrison]

Yeah. I mean, one of the things I think that was so, like, Brian does make everything better, truly, often it's these, like, he plays these very charismatic, you know, sort of leaps off the page kind of roles. And I think what was so unique here is to see him play sort of a grounded everyman, but the best version of that. Like, he is a good father, a good human, a good coach. Again, not without flaws. Like, I think, you know, I care very much about, you know, a reality where people have all kinds of layers to them. And I think. I mean, Brian talk about nuance. Like, he has. He has layers coming out of his layers, but. But, you know, in this case, he really gets to be human and a good husband. So I think, yeah, I mean, I think that relationship takes on the. The father, father, daughter qualities and also meant, you know, mentor, coach, quote, trainer, trainee, and sometimes that Line gets. Gets fuzzy. Right. Like, I think. And these are based on real people. And this was actually the, you know, Clarissa's real experience with. With Jason Crutchfield is that at some point, you know, he was very concerned about the boyfriend and kind of no dating in the gym and not wanting her to be distracted by. By some of the things that could easily, you know, make sure you get good grades, like finding these. Really? Yeah. This sort of where father and teacher overlap and how sometimes they can be pulling in different directions. So. Yeah. But at the same time, they make each other laugh. I mean, there's so much chemistry both between real Jason and real Clarissa and then, you know, between Brian and Ryan that both leaps off, you know, again, leaps off the screen. But also, for me as a director, it was such a gift because that was from, you know, practically day one on set, like Brian and Ryan were, you know, making each other laugh and just that chemistry was like, palpable.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's listen to a clip from the Fire Inside. This is Jason Crutchfield speaking to his wife about Clarissa wanting to box. Let's listen.

[Clarissa Shields]

What you think about girls boxing?

[Rachel Morrison]

Nuh.

[WNYC Studios]

You ain't fitting to have my baby up in no jam. I can fight. See? Watch my hands.

[Alison Stewart]

Pow, pow, pow, pow, pow.

[WNYC Studios]

You can.

[Rachel Morrison]

All right.

[WNYC Studios]

Cory, Keisha should.

[Clarissa Shields]

Hey, look, I'm not talking about our. I'm talking about this little girl named Claressa. Yeah, she come down to the gym. She from over there in Frog Town.

[WNYC Studios]

Jackie's little girl?

[Clarissa Shields]

Uh huh.

[WNYC Studios]

What's she doing all the way over at Burster?

[Clarissa Shields]

She want to fight, I guess. She went all the way there most days, man.

[WNYC Studios]

Probably trying to get away from that messed up house. Don't see no reason why she can't. She got hands.

[Clarissa Shields]

Yeah. Yes, she do. She do. I don't know, I just. It's never.

[WNYC Studios]

You ain't never what?

[Clarissa Shields]

I just ain't never thought about no girls boxing.

[Alison Stewart]

And why is that, Ryan?

[Ryan Destiny]

What is something you learned from Brian Tyree Henry that you'll take forward with you to the next film or the next film?

[WNYC Studios]

Mm. It's hard to pinpoint one thing. I. I know for me, I really respected the energy that he brought onto set. And I think that that's something that means a lot to everyone and really sets a tone for the cast, the crew. And it's just something that's really important because they are very long days. And so having the right energy, I think, really goes a long way. So, I mean, I think that's one of the things out of the hundreds of things that he's really instilled in me, and also, naturally, he's become a brother. And I think having that sort of mentorship, naturally, outside of, you know, all of the craziness in the industry and work, is something that I think is also very important. And I would love to be that for somebody else, you know, when the time is right and, you know, in the future, whenever that happens, because I think that is also very important because it just can get very crazy. So to have this sort of different perspective of somebody that's, you know, done a lot and accomplished a lot is just very, very special and very helpful, you know, So I think those two things I. I'll say let's talk boxing.

[Alison Stewart]

Rachel, what is something you learned about boxing that you had no clue about before this film?

[Rachel Morrison]

I mean, I started. I started training, actually. I. I felt like it would be important to understand what it felt like to hit and be hit and really mind of the game, you know, this. This film. And so I. I started training now, like, three, four years ago. And, you know, I think it's actually a quite simple sport. It's not an easy sport, but in terms of, like, there are only so many ways you can throw a punch or duck a punch. And so I think it really informed the way that we shot, being able to really understand that and what it's like to. To feel the claustrophobia of being up against the ropes or whatever that is. You know, I made a decision to really try to shoot this in an immersive way that would help the audience feel like they were in the ring with Clarissa or even that they were Clarissa. Right. Like, I think for me, it was really important to not feel like we were spectators in the audience watching something through the ropes, but, like, we were in the ring fighting. I think that was sort of my goal for the whole film, is that I want the audience to leave feeling like they walked a mile in Clarissa's shoes. And in this case, they're boxing shoes, and she's in a ring and she's getting punched or she's punching. And so I was really committed to trying to, like, get that experience right. And, you know, I think nothing was more nerve wracking than showing Clarissa arguably the greatest boxer, you know, female boxer of all time, our boxing movie. And, you know, not only did she love Ryan's performance and everything about the film, but. But the boxing. I think she was really pleasantly surprised to feel like we did justice to it and, like, that meant everything to Us?

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Now, Ryan, you did your own stunts.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, I did.

[Alison Stewart]

Hats off to you. But what did that do for you.

[Ryan Destiny]

As an actor by doing your own stunts?

[WNYC Studios]

I mean, I think naturally, it really puts you in that head space a lot more. Especially when I did have to do the scenes in the ring and for the Olympics in particular. I think being able to be there throughout every second really keeps you in the space that you need to be in for all of the little nuances and the movements and the emotion. And so I think it was really helpful without, I guess, realizing it. It wasn't something that I think me or Rachel, we didn't say, like, you're gonna do your own stunts. And that's just it. Like, it wasn't something that we were like, okay, this is what's gonna happen. It just kind of naturally, really, I think, happened that way. And I think, you know, me kind of, I guess, trusting myself more as the process went on too. I knew what I wanted things to look like. I knew when I could do something better. And I think, you know, being able to do my own stunts, I guess, is really important with that sort of perfectionist outlook that I have on a lot of things. So, yeah, I think overall, it really challenged me and. And helped me with the overall performance.

[Alison Stewart]

Did you ever get hurt? You're like, yo, time out enough.

[WNYC Studios]

I did, but I don't think I did. I did because I was actually doing the stunts with real boxers. They weren't, like, professional stunt people. They were boxers first. So it was new for both of us and having to learn about space and distance and. And making sure that we were close enough but far away enough. And sometimes it would make contact. And I think the adrenaline is also still there. So I didn't necessarily am like, oh, God, we gotta stop. We gotta keep going, actually, because, you know, you never know. That could be, like, a really good shot that they got. But, yeah, so it was a little painful, but it was good. I think it was all for good reason.

[Alison Stewart]

Rachel. Every director I've ever spoken to has said a big part of being director is making decisions. You make decision after decision after decision, and sometimes the decisions are hard. When was a time that it was hard? On the Fire inside.

[Rachel Morrison]

I mean, I think you're right to speak to the quantity of them. It's like it's 1000 micro decisions a day. And that at some point, the weight of the thousand micro decisions starts to feel heavy. When was a single time it was hard? And we only had our shoot actually, once we Started shooting went really smoothly, thank. You know, thank God. But we had one scene that I had always intended to be a oner, and I'd never imagined it any other way. And we were a oner, meaning, like, a single uninterrupted shot for almost a minute. And it was a full fight scene. So, again, speaking to, like, Ryan was gonna have to get every punch right. That space, facial, distance relationship was gonna have to sell. Like. And I had an operator climbing through the ropes to sort of take the camera was going on a crane through the ropes while the operator climbed in, and then dismounting the camera from the crane and moving, you know, around the ring with our fighters. And the first, like, five or six takes, the camera. We felt the camera pull off the crane. And it was like, there was that moment where you're just like, wait, this isn't. This isn't what I had in mind. Like, I don't have a backup plan. And I think that decision was like, do we quickly abandon mission and, like, come up with some other plan in the very few hours we have left, or do we, you know, kind of keep. Keep working through this? And in the end, we worked through it and figured out that it was just the magnet was actually too strong. And I think it was, like. It was a very simple fix to get, but. But. But, yeah, I mean, I. Ultimately, I would say it's the quantity of decisions, not any one specific decision.

[Alison Stewart]

I'm speaking with director Rachel Morrison and actor Ryan Destiny. We are talking about their new film, the Fire Inside. Let's listen to one more clip. This is Clarissa in a meeting with representatives from the U.S. olympic team. We'll listen to it and talk about it on the other side.

[Clarissa Shields]

Well, I don't. I don't have the connections, the contacts. You feel me? I mean, at first, it was, look.

[WNYC Studios]

All these other people getting these endorsements and sponsorships. Meanwhile, I can barely pay my mama rent.

[Ryan Destiny]

Well, when it comes to someone getting behind Clarissa, for someone to say, you know, I want this girl to represent.

[WNYC Studios]

My brand, I've been wearing lip gloss and girly clothes just like y'all said.

[Ryan Destiny]

And that is helpful, Clarissa. It really is. But, for example, we would love you to stop saying that you like hating people and making them cry.

[Alison Stewart]

Why?

[Ryan Destiny]

Because you seem like a bully.

[WNYC Studios]

I bought. I am a bully. Floyd a bully. Ward a bully. Hell, even Ali was a bully.

[Ryan Destiny]

Yeah, we understand that.

[WNYC Studios]

So I can't be a bully. Cause I'm a girl.

[Clarissa Shields]

I get what y'all saying. I get what you're saying it's the perception thing, right?

[WNYC Studios]

Oh, so it's my fault now?

[Clarissa Shields]

Wrestling? Come on, now. They trying to help us.

[Rachel Morrison]

Okay.

[WNYC Studios]

What happened to staying true to who you are? I won that gold medal by being me and not to get endorsements, and y'all saying I gotta be somebody else.

[Ryan Destiny]

I know that you're disappointed. So are we. You deserve so much more recognition.

[WNYC Studios]

Nah, I don't deserve it. I earned it, all right? I earned that gold medal. It's a big difference.

[Clarissa Shields]

She just wound up right now, y'all.

[Alison Stewart]

She's real. What?

[Rachel Morrison]

What is it, Clarissa?

[Ryan Destiny]

Is it the money?

[Rachel Morrison]

Is it the recognition?

[WNYC Studios]

Money is recognition.

[Ryan Destiny]

Boom. Money is recognition. When you're playing these this part, there are times when it's really, really tense. How did you approach playing this really multidimensional, this difficult, tense character, but then also showing her vulnerability?

[WNYC Studios]

I think a lot of it for me was about understanding Clarissa, you know, as deep as I possibly could, and just who she was to the core. And a lot of that was very helpful from having conversations with her. A lot of that was really helpful from her documentary T Rex, which really gave a front row seat into who she was with her family, with her coach, with her friends. And I think being able to see who she was also at that age was really, really important for me. You know, it's one thing to talk to the person currently and who they are now, but it's another to understand, you know, that sort of headspace. And so I think that just having an understanding of how she felt in that moment was really important to me and something that I tried to stay present for also, just because, you know, I just wanted it to be as honest and truthful as possible, but also make sure that it is true to who she was. So I think it was just a balance in trying to make sure I was taking all those elements and putting them in, I guess, in the right amount as possible. But, yeah, I guess it's just always a few different things and ways that you just try to make sure that you're executing it as honest as possible. So I think the honesty was the biggest part.

[Ryan Destiny]

I've been speaking with filmmaker Rachel Morrison and actor Ryan Destaney about their new film the Fire Inside, which is in theaters now. Thanks for making time today.

[Rachel Morrison]

Thanks for having us.

[WNYC Studios]

Thank you. We appreciate it.

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[Alison Stewart]

Here'S.

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