Tyrese Gibson Reflects on Los Angeles Riots in New Film ‘1992’

Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the ‘Fast and the Furious‘ franchise, is drawing from his personal experiences during the 1992 Los Angeles riots in his latest film, ‘1992.’ The film premiered on August 30, 2023, and explores themes of crime and family amidst the backdrop of social upheaval.

Gibson, who was just 14 years old during the riots triggered by the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King, recalls being confined to his home in Compton. He describes the atmosphere at the time as oppressive and dangerous, marked by smoke and chaos in the streets.

In the film ‘1992,’ Gibson portrays Mercer, an ex-convict striving to reconnect with his teenage son while navigating a perilous environment. Concurrently, Ray Liotta’s character, Lowell, and his son Riggin, played by Scott Eastwood, plan a heist at the same factory where Mercer works, coinciding with the riots.

The film’s narrative intertwines a heist plot with a father-son dynamic, leading to unexpected consequences. Gibson emphasizes that while the trailer suggests a straightforward portrayal of the riots, the film is fundamentally a layered crime thriller.

Liotta’s final performance, before his passing in May 2022, added a layer of intensity to the film. Gibson describes their on-set interaction as strained but purposeful, adhering to Liotta’s method acting approach, which demanded authentic tension between their characters.

Gibson expresses pride in ‘1992,’ which he believes represents a significant achievement in diversity within film. Originally intended for direct-to-streaming release, the film was given a theatrical distribution by Lionsgate following positive audience interest.

Reflecting on the real-life implications of the film’s events, Gibson acknowledges the ongoing relevance of issues such as police brutality and racism in America, emphasizing the complexity of portraying these topics on screen.

Despite the serious themes, Gibson maintains a light-hearted perspective, sharing his affinity for romance films, specifically ‘The Notebook,’ which he claims has resonated with his personal life experiences.