Static Media
In Spike Lee’s thriller “Inside Man,” he pays heartfelt tribute to New York City while echoing Sidney Lumet’s classic “Dog Day Afternoon.” The film blends the tension of a post-9/11 world with a diverse cast and surprising plot developments. This high-energy movie centers on a strategic battle of wits between police officers and bank robbers as they endeavor to secure the hostages’ safe release. The plot is set against a background of Wall Street corruption and a bank owner with a dark past.
Keith Frazier, aspiring to be promoted to detective first grade after being wrongfully implicated in a drug bust theft, finds himself in a tense stand-off with Dalton Russell, a robber who plans to pull off “the perfect bank robbery.” Spike Lee extended the invitation to Denzel Washington, a regular in his films including “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” and “He Got Game,” to play either of these lead roles. Spike Lee, speaking to GamesRadar+ (formerly Total Film), said, “When you’re dealing with someone like Denzel, you don’t dictate what role he’s going to have.” Given the respect and rapport between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, the choice was up to Washington – would he play the bank robber or the hero?
The other guy’s face is covered
Universal Pictures
Spike Lee recounts how Denzel Washington decided to play the cop, arguing, “I’ve gotta play the cop because the other guy’s face is covered for the whole movie!” (via GamesRadar+). Clive Owen, who was offered the role of Dalton Russell, had similar reservations due to his character being hidden behind a mask and sunglasses for most of the script. Owen revealed in a GQ interview that adjustments were made to the script to allow for moments where his face was visible. These rare glimpses of his face, including a captivating opening scene where he addresses the audience directly with his cunning plan and Shakespearean quips, became some of the film’s highlights.
In his GQ interview, Clive Owen recounts Spike Lee’s words, stating that he needed an actor who could “go toe to toe with Denzel because he’s so strong.” Owen’s composed, unflappable persona counterbalances Washington’s dynamic charm perfectly. Washington’s trademark boldness and assertiveness were a natural fit for the role of Frazier, enhancing the urgency of his quick-thinking and relentless quest to crack the case. Clive Owen, renowned for his quietly intense roles, contrasts with Washington’s flamboyance. While both actors could have convincingly switched roles, their unique acting styles were a perfect match for their characters, making the ensuing cat-and-mouse chase even more gripping.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
