“He is the most heroic character that I have ever portrayed”: Denzel Washington Had High Regards of His $130.3M Film Role Despite Getting Complaints for His Violent Nature
The Academy Award recipient Denzel Washington needs no introduction to the world of entertainment. He has been critically acclaimed as well as professionally lauded for his acting prowess and choice of projects. The American actor has smoothly transitioned from television to movies and an illustrious career in Hollywood is a testimonial to this.
With an exceptionally great filmography that spans a period of four decades, Denzel Washington’s name comes under the list of one of the most influential actors. He is not only a great actor, but also wears the hat of a director and producer too.
Denzel Washington On Doing One Of Most Violent Scenes In His Acting Career
Denzel Washington‘s 2004 released Man On Fire revolves around John Creasy, an alcoholic former CIA officer turned bodyguard, who goes on to take revenge after a nine-year-old Lupita Ramos in his care played by actor Dakota Fanning, is kidnapped by a group of criminals in Mexico City in order to extort money.
While talking about the Tony Scott-directed movie. Denzel Washington spoke about one of the most thrilling scenes from the movie where he is seen torturing the corrupt cop and the kidnapper. The Equalizer actor cuts off some parts of the fingers of the kidnapper and later tries to cauterize the wound with a cigarette lighter. Denzel Washington told Phase 9 Entertainment-
“Well, at test screenings, a lot of men complained about the scene with the fingers being chopped off, but surprisingly almost no women complained at all.”
He further went on to say-
“That scene was originally much longer and more gruesome. I think that the subject matter of the film makes it unavoidable. It is a ‘what would you do if that happened to you?’ kind of movie. He is the most heroic character that I have ever portrayed.”
The movie went on to work wonders at the box office, but the critics and audience were divided over the violent scenes. The Man On Fire was critically slammed for the insensitive portrayal of the scene.
Denzel Washington On What Drew Him Towards The Story Of American Gangster
Denzel Washington is coming back together with one of the most iconic pairs in Hollywood. He would be seen in the Russell Crowe starrer Gladiator 2. The movie is directed by the legendary director Ridley Scott. Previously, Denzel Washington collaborated with A Beautiful Mind actor and Ridley Scott for the 2007 biographical crime drama American Gangster.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Denzel Washington was asked about what drew him towards the character of the drug dealer Frank Lucas. The Malcolm X actor said-
“Actually, it was as much about the two characters. That one man who appears to be so straight and honest in his police work is so dishonest in his private life. Another man who seems to be so dishonest in his work life is so honest in his private life. And how these two guys came together and actually, to this day, are still friends. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to work with a great actor again and, actually, a great filmmaker. To be in my hometown!’
Denzel Washington in American GangsterRead Also: ‘King Kong ain’t got nothing on me’: Bruce Willis Refused To Star in This $100M Cult-Classic Movie, Denzel Washington Then Took up the Gig and Immortalized the Role
On working again with the Gladiator actor Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington said-
” Well, he’s a bit more famous now! He was very eager then and he still is; still intense. He’s a family man now; he has a beautiful wife and children. And just his life experience had grown, you know, he’s been through a lot. Professionally, you’re so in the work that none of that matters. You just get on with it.”
Denzel Washington has devoted almost 43 years of his life to the world of entertainment. The 68-year-old actor has earned recognition and a massive fan following around the world with his great acting skills.
Denzel Washington’s Man On Fire is currently available on Netflix.
Source: Phase 9 Entertainment
