Paramount
Denzel Washington, a paragon of consistency, has had a career marked by a blend of critically acclaimed roles and commercial successes. His breakthrough role as South African activist Steve Biko in “Cry Freedom” earned him an Academy Award nomination, paving the way for a career that balanced prestigious and commercial roles. While there were occasional missteps, like the buddy comedy “Heart Condition,” his decisions were often driven by the opportunity to work with talented performers like Bob Hoskins. Despite the film’s shortcomings, both Washington and Hoskins delivered committed performances.
There was a perception in 1992 that Washington’s outstanding performance in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” would end his involvement in lighter films like “Heart Condition” and “Ricochet.” It’s interesting to speculate if the Academy’s decision to honor Al Pacino for his over-the-top performance in “Scent of a Woman” in 1992 influenced Washington’s subsequent career choices. Would he have continued to take on commercial roles had he won the Best Actor award he so rightly deserved?
Perhaps not, as Washington’s career strategy appears to consider the merit in each film he takes on.
Denzel Washington’s philosophy: Learn, earn, return
Universal
In a recent interview with The Times, Washington shared his philosophy of life and career, which revolves around learning, earning, and returning. He respects the value of a paycheck and understands the importance of giving back. According to him, if one’s life spans 90 years, the first 30 years should be dedicated to learning, followed by 30 years of earning.
For Washington, his earning period officially concluded in 2014, when he launched his first successful franchise “The Equalizer” (an earlier attempt at a franchise based on Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins novels in 1995 had failed). While he admits to making some less-than-stellar films after ‘Malcolm X,’ he refrains from naming them, suggesting a sense of regret about these decisions.
Despite these occasional misfires, Washington’s star power remains undiminished. Audiences do not flock to see films like “Virtuosity,” “Fallen,” or “The Bone Collector” expecting another “Malcolm X,” but to see Washington’s compelling performances. His ability to deliver an unapologetic star turn is a testament to his talent and an essential characteristic of a Hollywood star.
Moreover, “Virtuosity” and “Fallen” are not necessarily bad films. “Virtuosity” is an interesting blend of thought-provoking and mindless sci-fi action, featuring Washington against a young Russell Crowe. “Fallen” is a solid horror film with a few tense moments. “The Bone Collector,” however, falls short of expectations.
Regardless of past missteps, Washington continues to thrive and has no plans of slowing down. He reaffirmed this during the “Gladiator II” press tour, announcing that two more “Equalizer” films are in the pipeline. While these may not be Oscar contenders, they offer the audience a chance to enjoy Washington’s company — a pleasure worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Denzel Washington’s career take off?
Washington’s career officially took off after his Academy Award-nominated performance as South African activist Steve Biko in “Cry Freedom.”
What is Denzel Washington’s career philosophy?
Washington’s career philosophy revolves around learning, earning, and returning, representing periods of his life where he focused on personal growth, professional success, and giving back to the community.
What successful franchise did Denzel Washington launch?
Washington launched his first successful franchise “The Equalizer” in 2014.
What are some of Denzel Washington’s notable films from the ’90s?
Some of Washington’s notable films from the ’90s include “Malcolm X,” “Virtuosity,” “Fallen,” and “The Bone Collector.”
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
