 |
| Denzel Washington |
I almost always go to see his work (yes, I even sat through 2 Guns) and although lately he's been doing a lot more junk for a paycheck (Safe House anyone?), he still occasionally takes a role that makes him stretch, and when he does, the results (Flight, for instance) can be riveting.
At 59, his former flawless matinee idol looks are fading. He's put on more than a few pounds too, but that hasn't stopped audiences from embracing him as an action star.
He is no longer Denzel Washington the accomplished actor. He is Denzel, the icon. And you know what? He's earned it.
Ever since his breakthrough, Oscar-winning performance in Glory, Denzel has been one of the most exciting and charismatic leading men of his generation, and miraculously he has become one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood as he has gotten older. Only Liam Neeson can claim a similar rise in stature. Even if he never gives another legendary performance on the level of Malcolm X or his role in Training Day, he will always be The Man.
So what are my favorite Denzel performances? I have never been a fan of his more sappy mainstream hits like Remember the Titans and John Q. He's terrific in them but they're so predictable it hurts. I'm also not a fan of some of his more low-IQ action films, sorry Man on Fire fans. I like my Denzel fierce and funny, with an edge and hopefully, some depth. But listen, I even liked The Pelican Brief, so nobody's perfect.
 |
| American Gangster |
9) Crimson Tide (1995) - Denzel is in peak movie star mode here. The role he plays, as a thoughtful, dove-ish executive officer of a submarine, was written and conceived for a white actor. Washington creates real fireworks opposite Gene Hackman, who plays the ship's stubborn captain. A thriller which is as much about character as it is driven by special effects, it was a big hit back in '95 but would probably be deemed too "talky" now.
8) Antwone Fisher (2002) - This heartbreaking biopic was Denzel's first directing effort and he knocks it right out of the park. He plays a supporting role here, as a father figure/therapist to the titular hero, a young man who is haunted by an incredibly abusive and tragic childhood. Washington makes an assured tearjerker and gives a very moving and grounded performance as the man who gets through to Fisher and persuades him that his life has value.
7) Flight (2012) - This drama about an alcohol and drug-addicted pilot who miraculously lands a malfunctioning plane was a real return-to-form for Washington. He scored a well-deserved Oscar nomination for a difficult role that was at times unflattering and unlikable. We've seen plenty of films about addiction but this one is easily one the best. This movie is yet another testament to audiences' willingness to follow Denzel on a journey, even if its a rocky road to the destination.
6) Inside Man (2006) - Spike Lee made a big comeback with this fun and inventive heist movie. Denzel and Lee have made from a great combo in the past, and their winning streak continued with this box office hit. Denzel has played plenty of cops but his character here is just enough of a wild card that you're never sure what he is going to say or do next. The clever plot keeps the twists coming and Denzel has a ball playing off wily veterans like Clive Owen and Jodie Foster.
5) The Hurricane (1999) - This retelling of the life of falsely accused boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter seems to have plenty of detractors, but no one can dispute the power of Washington's performance in the title role. He believably ages (and boxes) in this film and conveys the strength and wisdom of an uncompromising man. Washington was robbed of the Academy Award that year, for a performance that elevated what would have been a cliched feel-good movie into something far greater.
4) Training Day (2001) - Denzel revitalized his career and finally won the best actor Oscar by playing his first outright villainous role. His performance as Alonzo Harris, an incredibly quotable corrupt cop, is the stuff of legend. Previously Denzel was boxed in as the "new Sidney Poitier" but once he started using his innate charm to be menacing the game changed. Instead of just going over-the-top, he makes Harris insidious. You want to trust him until you realize can't.
 |
| Glory |
2) American Gangster (2007) - Denzel's amazing performance in this crime epic about real-life Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas was so compelling Jay-Z decided to make a whole album about it. His performance is as smooth and silky as his Alonzo Harris was combustible. When Lucas executes a rival in broad daylight for showing him casual disrespect and then, unphased, goes back to his meal -- it's one of the most badass moments in cinema history. Another excellent entry that should have earned an Oscar nomination. This remains Denzel's most commercially successful film to date.
1) Malcolm X (1992) - When people talk about an actor becoming someone they play, this is exactly the kind of performance they have in mind. Director Spike Lee claims that Denzel would go on a tear improvising as the slain civil rights hero long after the cameras stopped rolling. When asked how, Washington would say he simply caught "the spirit." Although Denzel doesn't really resemble Malcolm X he beautifully captures his voice, mannerisms and mystique. This is one of my favorite performances of all time in one of the greatest biopics of all time. 'Nuff said.
No comments:
Post a Comment