Thursday, March 28, 2024

Adrian Martinez Focuses on Comedy in Will Smith’s ‘Focus’

adrian martines - focus

*Adrian Martinez is a modest character actor that has crept into many high quality films such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” 2 (2013), American Hustle (2013), “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013), and “Kick-Ass” (2010).

Martinez started off doing television, appearing on several series such as “The Sopranos” (2000), “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (2003-2006), and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2008).

Known as the ‘sidekick to the stars,’ Martinez has played second fiddle to some of the best actors performing today such as Will Smith in his latest and #1 box office hit film, “Focus,” Ben Stiller’s sidekick in Stiller’s Fox remake of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and Will Ferrell’s sidekick in Lionsgate’s “Casa de mi Padre.”

In “Focus,” Martinez plays Farhad,” a computer tech and hacker that works with Smith’s character as the brains behind their multi-million dollar schemes.  Martinez shows his flair for comedy with several one-liner jokes that move the plot forward.

Smith, who played ‘Nicki,’ in the film, is a slick former pickpocket, turned professional con artist, relies on Farhad on every turn that he makes.

“He is so magnanimous,” said Martinez about Smith.  “He let me come in, do my thing, be the clown or the butt of the joke.”

Glenn Ficarra, one of the writer’s for ‘Focus’ said, “I thought we had written a really funny character, but Adrian put together a full character.”

“Think about all the times in your life you’re thinking about something while doing something else,” adds Martinez.  “Where is your focus, and where should it be?  That is what these guys do.  They just have the ability to earn millions doing it.”

“These guys,” as Martinez describes them as includes Apollo Robins and his wife.  Robins, who is known as the Gentleman Thief, conceived and choreographed original sleight of hand maneuvers and taught Smith and the other actors of ‘Focus’ his various pickpocketing techniques.

“It’s hard to photograph pick pocketing,” John Requa, the second part of the ‘Focus’ writing team suggests.  “The skills that pickpockets have developed over the centuries have been specifically designed so that you don’t see what they are doing.”

“I’ve spent my life studying deception and human behavior in a rather untraditional way…by stealing from people,” Robbins admits, “Rather than diverting their eyes, you must occupy their minds.  Their attention is controlled by their dreams, desires and fears.  People often see what they want to believe rather than what is really there.  So if you can control their focus, you control their reality.”

Robbins’ quick fingers and sharp mind has earned him a reputation of one of the best street hustlers and magicians in the world, causing the production team of ‘Focus’ to seek him out.

Rounding out the team of actors, is veteran actor Gerald McRaney who plays ‘Owens’  the security chief to a rich motorsports tycoon, brings his years of experience to the cast of the ‘Focus.’  McRaney, who got his first starring role on TV staring as ‘Rick Simon’ on Simon & Simon (1981) which aired on CBS for eight seasons.

“Focus” is in theaters now.  For more information, go to https://focusmovie.com/.

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

YOU MAY LIKE

SEARCH

- Advertisement -

TRENDING