Denzel's Ability To Truly Capture The Character

You won’t see Denzel Washington in an American Pie or a Dumb and Dumber, not because he hasn’t been offered the positions but because he sticks to what he knows. The accomplished actor respects where he came from, and it shows through his acting. Cool, calm and collected, Denzel Washington has always been a model of poise. It is almost impossible to envision him out of control or nervous; he exudes such confidence. “Pay close attention to any character Washington has portrayed in his 20-year career, and you’ll see at all times a very proud black man: focused, strong and always in control”, Allison Samuels from Newsweek comments “Washington doesn’t stray far from those traits in real life"(qtd. in Samuels 2). Sure, it is easy for the prominent Washington to refuse roles now but even in the beginning struggles, Washington chose his roles carefully. Taking his mentor’s, Sidney Poitier, advice “son, your first three or four films will dictate how you are viewed your entire career. Choose wisely, follow your gut and wait it out if you can,” Washington turned down his first two starring role opportunities even though money was tight (Samuels 2). This proving vital as six months later he received the role of activist Steven Biko in Cry Freedom, which garnered him his first Oscar nod, for best supporting actor. He often portrays the roles of real history defining characters such has, Reuben Carter in Hurricane, Malcolm X in Malcolm X, Herbert Boone- Remember The Titans, Frank Lucas in American Gangster, Steve Biko in Cry Freedom and Melvin Tolson in Great Debaters. Although these characters range from a football coach to a drug lord to a boxer, they all have something in common. They all represent a notion or mean a great deal to Washington which allows him to become one with his character. “I definitely deal with my emotions through my roles,” Washington claims, “I work through things that bother me and let it all out on the screen (qtd. in Samuels 5). The majority of these characters deal with some time of racial conflict which Washington has had to deal with all his life. When he is on screen, you get the sensation his words are more than just scripted lines. His passion bleeds through with his ability to make his character come to life. Whether it be a slave or an under cover cop, Denzel Washington will have you eating out of the palm of his hand believing every word, must true, that comes out of his mouth.

Samuels, Allison. "Will It Be Denzel's Day?" Newsweek 25 Feb. 2002: 1-7. ProQuest. Academic Search Elite. Edmon Low Library, Stillwater. 11 Mar. 2008 .

Denzel's Movies Provide More Than Just Entertainment

Denzel Washington is well aware of his heritage and takes pride in his family roots. His motion pictures, while highly entertaining, provide much more than just a two hour time slot on a Friday night. They embody a cultural background of where America was to where America is today. His films allow for generations of our age and the generations to come to not forget the historic importance that prejudice played in our past. For example, in Glory in which Washington’s character, Tripp, is punished after being accused of trying to desert the army. The fury captured in Washington’s eyes as he doesn’t blink while taking the lashings or the one single tear that trickles from his hate-stricken left eye is much more vivid and meaningful than any history book you might read about slavery. Washington isn’t afraid to tackle the controversial topic head on either as he played Malcolm X in Malcolm X reliving the constant fight the civil activist went through seeking equality. It could be in Remember The Titans, when Coach Boone (Washington) leads a newly integrated football team to a state championship. Through the trials and tribulations, you see an entire town brought together, overcoming the color line, by the sole will and power of one dedicated coach with a desire far greater for equality than any conflict that arises. A much more memorable account of the struggle racism played than a three hour documentation on prohibition. Owen Gleiberman from Entertainment Weekly comments on The Great Debaters as a “sentimentally revved youth-sports team crowd pleaser” and “an inspirational true story.” A true story based on an English professor who leads an all black Wiley College Debate Team to victory. The all black “brainy gladiators” not only face conflict on the debate scene but also conflict due to their skin color (Gleiberman 1). Demonstrating another twist on portraying the growth America has had to experience to obtain the equality we express today. Whether it be hard hitting football players or quick and witty debaters, Denzel Washington will not only keep your eyes glued to the screen, he will leave a lasting impression that lives much longer than two hours.

Gleiberman, Owen. "Fighting Words." Entertainment Weekly 11 Jan. 2008: 1-2. ProQuest. Academic Search Elite. Edmon Low Library, Stillwater. 06 Mar. 2008.

Denzel's In It For The Right Reasons

Denzel Washington, a two time Academy Award winning actor, is no stranger to success. Golden Globes, top entertainer, even sexiest man alive are all in his arsenal while still keeping a modest standpoint but it wasn’t always this nice for Washington. He has been forced to deal with racial issues all his life even after he established himself as a star. His talent has never been a question. The man’s abilities far exceed most people’s highest expectations. Although his trophy case is over flowing with awards now, Hollywood didn’t always acknowledge Washington’s talent nor did he ask them to. Washington’s award winning performances in movies such as Hurricane and Malcolm X only went unnoticed in Hollywood’s eyes. Washington didn’t think twice, just continued to act. It’s what makes him truly happy. It was the actors and produces around him that were appalled by the lack of recognition. Early in Denzel’s career, accomplished producer Spike Lee questions the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences whether or not they will “do the right thing” and honor the intensity and intelligence of Washington’s performance (qtd. in Whitaker 4). In addition, Julia Roberts has been quoted, “I cannot absorb living in a world where I have an Oscar for best actress and Denzel doesn’t have one for best actor”(qtd. in Samuels 2). “The fact that until very recently (2000), he has had to campaign for practically every role or develop his own projects because quality scripts just weren’t sent his way” Charles Whitaker notes is just another obstacle Washington has had to hurdle (3). He’s not going to get the roles Russell Crowe or Tom Hanks are going to get. He can’t be in the Insider or Gladiator, which is very limiting to an actor. But it’s also what makes his career so astonishing, because he has done so remarkably well with those limitations. Moreover, Washington has been one of the industry’s most highly recognized stars for years but his salary has only just begun to match those of his white peers (Samuels 3). Maybe you don't like him but you atleast have to respect him.

Samuels, Allison. "Will It Be Denzel's Day?" Newsweek 25 Feb. 2002: 1-7. ProQuest. Academic Search Elite. Edmon Low Library, Stillwater. 11 Mar. 2008.

Whitaker, Charles. "The Hurricane of Denzel Washington." Ebony Apr. 2000: 1-6. ProQuest. Academic Search Elite. Edmon Low Library, Stillwater. 08 Mar. 2008.