Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.
Denzel Washington
American actor and filmmaker Denzel Washington has been on our screens for over four decades. This month, I take a look and review more of his hit films…
The Mighty Quinn (1989)
Director: Carl Schenkel
One of Denzel’s earliest films in his career, The Mighty Quinn is a comedic mystery thriller in which Chief of Police, Xavier Quinn (Washington), must solve a murder mystery when his childhood friend, Maubee (Robert Townsend), becomes the prime suspect.
The film overall is a highly enjoyable, entertaining and funny watch, and well paced at just over an hour and a half. The authentic Caribbean setting immediately gives the audience a relaxed and calm vibe, with the sleepy tourist town filled with (mostly) friendly locals enjoying their reggae music and dance all day and night. Thus it shocks all the locals when the town’s millionaire hotel owner is murdered in his own room.
Denzel’s charisma shines throughout the film as the police chief, with some well crafted lines of dialogue, a nice wardrobe, and an effective action man and detective. The supporting cast are great too. Robert Townsend shines as town crook and Xavier’s childhood friend Maubee, always seeming ahead of the police. Mimi Rogers is sizzling and gorgeous as Hadley Elgin, the wife of a political fixer for the Governor. But it is M. Emmett Walsh who truly shines, who seems like a friendly businessman/tourist but has far more sinister motives.
The highlight of the film for me is a brilliant musical scene where Denzel plays the piano and sings along with the locals at the town bar. Plus the scene with Mimi Rogers in her home at night ain’t too bad either 😉
The Mighty Quinn is excellent and comedic entertainment, and an indication of Denzel Washington’s rising status and charisma as an actor.
Rating: 7/10
Malcolm X (1992)
Director: Spike Lee
An incredible biopic of the African American civil rights activist Malcolm X. Denzel Washington gives a towering and outstanding performance as Malcolm, playing him in 3 different stages of his life with an incredible variety of character development and growth throughout the film (His speeches are magnificient). At over 3 hours, the film is long but there isn’t a minute wasted in the depiction of Malcolm’s life from cradle to grave. The change in Malcolm’s personality and character throughout the film is incredible as he ages and experiences the reality of a bitterly violent and divided America during the 1950s and 60s. His change of faith to Islam and his pilgrimage to Mecca for the hajj are simply astonishing to watch. Given the production was beset by creative and budgetary restrictions from Warner Bros, it is remarkable that the finished film is a triumphant and magnificient biopic of one of America’s most important (and controversial) political figures of the 20th century.
Without a doubt, this is one of Spike Lee’s finest films that is still relevent America today with its omnipresent themes of poverty, racism and inequality.
Rating: 10/10.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
An outstanding and brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Kenneth Branagh’s best films. The cast list is superb throughout, with Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton, and Kate Beckinsale in her film debut. The overall story concerns the marriage of Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard), and the overall chaos and deception that they must navigate before they can be wedded.
Complementing this is Shakespeare’s witty and brilliant dialogue sprinkled throughout the film, especially with the love-hate relationship of Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh), who have both sworn never to marry. Their chemistry together is absolute dynamite and their scenes are arguably the highlight of the film. Denzel Washington, as ever, is brilliant as the majestic Don Pedro, as he plays the matchmaker with some quirky and amusing lines.
The overall setting in an Italian estate and garden is also excellent, giving the film a joyous tone as the characters indulge in pleasures of eating, drinking, dancing and love. Its optimistic and cheerful tone also makes it readily accessible for the general audience – no prior knowledge of Shakespeare or the play is required. Yay!
Hugely enjoyable and entertaining throughout, Much Ado About Nothing is a shining example of a Shakespeare film adaptation (and comedy) at its finest.
Rating: 9/10
“I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.”
Philadelphia (1993)
Director: Jonathan Demme
The best and most acclaimed films are sometimes ones that inspire important and positive social, political or cultural changes in our societies. One of these quintessential examples is Philadelphia, a brilliant and poignant courtroom drama telling the story of lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), who asks attorney Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) to sue his employers, after he is dismissed because he is gay and has HIV/AIDS.
Denzel Washington’s acting (and films) are often at their peak when he has another superb lead actor to collaborate with. Notable examples include Glory with Morgan Freeman, Crimson Tide with Gene Hackman (see below), and Training Day with Ethan Hawke. Philadelphia is another prime example, and the acting and relationship with Tom Hanks in this film is brilliant cinema.
Firstly, Tom Hanks’ portrayal of lawyer Andrew Beckett is subtle but profound, as a brilliant and distinguished rising star and lawyer at his firm who is unforunately dismissed as a result of his infection. It is a humble and and gentle performance, and his acting truly shines as a man who just wants to be treated equally and respectfully like everyone else. Hanks won the Best Actor Oscar in 1993 for his performance in this role, and his character’s journey throughout the film is a moving, poignant and compelling watch (particularly in the courtroom, and a pivotal scene in a library).
Washington’s portrayal as personal injury lawyer (and marketing guru) Joe Miller is also excellent as he turns from a homophobic and conservative individual to one who establishes a genuine partnership and friendship with Beckett. His defence of Beckett’s personal rights under the law is riveting viewing, particularly in the courtoom scenes. There is a confident and warm charisma in his portrayal that is immediately likeable, particularly as his character undergoes significant change and development throughout.
At its core, however, the film’s powerful themes about equality, justice and care towards others is inspiring and compelling viewing. Its touching message that LGBT people are just the same as others in society and shouldn’t be treated differently is particularly effective, especially in a time when stigma and discrimination against people with AIDS was rife in the 1980s and 90s. Filmed entirely in the ‘city of brotherly love’, Philadelphia, the film’s production is also excellent throughout, with the city brilliantly brought to life vividly. Particular credit should be given to director Jonathan Demme, writer Ron Nyswaner and cinematographer Tak Fujimoto, who all decided to take a creative risk (after the critical success of The Silence of the Lambs) to create the first major Hollywood to tackle HIV/AIDS and portray LGBT people in a positive light.
Philadelphia is a compelling and touching courtroom drama that rises above its difficult subject with humility and grace to convey its powerful message.
Rating: 8/10
“This is the essence of discrimination: formulating opinions about others not based on their individual merits, but rather on their membership in a group with the same characteristics.“
Crimson Tide (1995)
Director: Tony Scott
The first of five film collaborations between director Tony Scott and Denzel Washington, Crimson Tide is a masterful Cold War-esque action thriller with the cast and crew at their creative and technical peaks (at the time). Taking place in a world of heightened geopolitical tensions with nuclear war imminent, the film depicts the clashing personalities and wills of the captain of a US nuclear submarine (Gene Hackman) and his new executive officer (XO) (Denzel Washington), which eventually leads to mutiny and rebellion…
From a technical, creative and atmospheric viewpoint, this is arguably the best film of the five made by Tony Scott starring Denzel Washington. This is an intense, immersive, intelligent and impressive film with seriously high stakes, tension, danger and thrills throughout. At its core is the relationship between the captain and his executive officer, with Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington electrifying, commanding and dominant in their roles as the two protagonists. Their relationship, which changes and deteriorates as the film progresses, is engrossing viewing, especially when they are both onscreen. The film’s core themes are about power, control, and people’s choices – posing questions about the validitity and actions taken under extemely difficult and challenging circumstances. Its refusal to support either viewpoint from the captain or the XO gives it a cerebral and stimulating tone for audiences to discuss, and is a major highlight.
Complementing the brilliant acting performances are some excellent production values throughout. There are some brilliant one-liners, witty dialogue and cultural references from uncredited additional writer Quentin Tarantino. The orchestral score by Hans Zimmer is a masterpiece of instrumentation, choir and synth, creating a hugely atmosphetic and patriotic sound. Director Tony Scott also ramps up the tension and danger with his visceral shots and angles of the submarine and the sea, with the fast editing and close ups of actors throughout being particularly effective.
Crimson Tide is a brilliant and intense action thriller film, and is a fine example of Tony Scott and Denzel Washington at their creative peaks.
Rating: 8/10
“We’re here to preserve democracy, not to practice it.”
Out of Time (2003)
Director: Carl Franklin
Like an ice cold lemonade or Corona on a hot summers day, Out of Time is a hugely enjoyable, underrated and funny mystery thriller filled with slick dialogue. The film depicts the tropical resort town of Banyan Key, where Chief of Police Matt Whitlock (Denzel Washington) must solve a double homicide on his own before he himself falls under suspicion in the case…
The highlight by far of the film (and one which is immediately noticeable throughout) is the location filming around Florida. The quiet, sleepy and relaxing town of Banyan Key truly shines as the audience is taken across its wonderful houses, restaurants and seaside locations. There are some gorgeous long take scenes of the landscapes and beachside houses which look magnificient.
The cast is also excellent, with Washington and Eva Mendes shining in their respective roles. His charisma, confidence and charm is on full display as Chief of Police Whitlock and is immediately likeable. Mendes is also on fire and fine as hell as his extranged wife and detective Alex Diaz-Whitlock, who is determined to solve the case with some excellent investigative skills throughout. My favourite character, however, by far is the medical examiner Chae (John Billingsley), who is mainly used as comic relief with hilarious results, and is definately a friend you’d want around for a good time.
The script and storyline is somewhat derivative and predictable, but the production crew (and Denzel) execute it well and keep it interesting and enjoyable throughout that most audiences probably won’t notice.
Whilst not quite a peak Denzel Washington movie, Out of Time is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining watch filled with good humour.
Rating: 7/10
“A beer in the hand is worth two in the fridge.”
The Great Debaters (2007)
Director: Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington steps behind the camera for his second directed film, The Great Debaters, a brilliant inspirational and uplifting historical drama. Taking place in 1930s America, it recounts the story of professor Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington), who inspired his students to form the first debate team at Wiley University, Texas, and go on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
The Great Debaters is a film that works on two main levels – not only as a profound and captivating drama centred on its protagonists and their challenges, but also as an effective social portrait of the American South during the 1930s, where segregation, racism and Jim Crow laws were still widespread in society. It is a film that effectively tackles serious themes of racism and hatred with care, restraint and hope.
As always, Denzel Washington is the highlight of the film, starring as teacher and debate coach Melvin B. Tolson – a complex character who seems educated, inspiring and caring towards his students but who must mask his political sympathies with communism and the trade union movement. Throughout the film he shines as a beacon of light and hope towards a better future for his students, and his character is engrossing every time he is on screen. The supporting cast of students are brilliant as well – Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker and Jurnee Smollett – who all face personal challenges as they delve deeper into the debating campaign and the deep scars of the segregated and racial American South.
While the film takes some historical liberties (e.g. the debating team at Wiley never challenged Harvard), the film overall is an inspiring and effective historical drama with some great acting performances.
Rating: 8/10
“We do what we have to do in order to do what we want to do.”
American Gangster (2007)
Director: Ridley Scott
Corruption. It permeates throughout the crime film American Gangster, seeping throughout the grimy and filthy streets of New York City in the 1970s. Almost every character in the film is a slave to capitalist greed and corrupted by money in an American society increasing divided by the Vietnam War. Into this cesspool of shit are tossed our two protagonists – Harlem crime boss Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), and the man sent to catch him, scruffy Detective Ritchie Roberts (Russell Crowe), one of the few ‘honest’ cops in New Jersey.
The film is carried by its two lead actors – Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, both who portray characters who are infinitely complex and more than what they seem. Washington isn’t generally known for starring in crime films, so it is a little surprising to see him here as a mobster, compared to his other action or drama roles. His portrayal of crime boss Frank Lucas, whilst not one of his best, is still excellent, switching from a virtuous and benevolent family and community gentleman, into a psychopathic murderer within seconds (several scenes throughout highlight this). The way he stands up for his personal values in business and with his family is engrossing viewing. Crowe’s portrayal as Detective Roberts is more traditional – the average Joe or Bob cop who is trying to stay true to his values in a city filled with corrupt cops and officials, but is also in the midst of a family breakdown and divorce and desperately needs a way out to solve his personal troubles. His entire motivation and goal is to shut down the drug trade and knock off Lucas – at any cost, even if the whole of New York and America hates him for it.
Perhaps the most surprising and interesting aspect of American Gangster is that is a superb character study and drama. Almost all of the characters – even the ones that appear for 5 minutes or less – have interesting stories, motivations, and feel like real life people you’d meet on the street. Complementing this is the authentic production and set design of 1970s New York, a society cripped by drugs, war, greed and desperation where its every man woman and child for themselves, and the rich and powerful who rule. It is also an effective portrait of American society and history during the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. In particular, Josh Brolin as Detective Trupo is one of the most dirtiest and insufferable corrupt cops of all time. Also of note is that this is far more a drama film than an action film, with Scott and screenwriter Steven Zaillian meticulously showing every aspect of Lucas’ mega drug trade, and Roberts’ detective work in trying to catch him.
The only major problem with the film, however, is that most of the story written has been done before in other crime films – The Godfather, Scarface, Goodfellas, Serpico to name a few. Plus the story does become predictable after the first hour and a half, with little in terms of plot twists or shockers (unlike L.A. Confidential – brilliant movie).
Whilst not in the league of outstanding top-tier crime films, American Gangster is still an entertaining and enjoyable 2.5 hr ride into 1970s Harlem, filled with $100 bills and LOTS of heroin.
Rating: 7/10
“The most important thing in business is honesty, integrity, hardwork… family… never forgetting where we came from.”
The Book of Eli (2010)
Directors: The Hughes Brothers
This post-apocalyptic dystopian action film involves Eli (Denzel Washington), a traveller who seeks to protect and deliver a book to the US West Coast.
Whilst the production design and cinematography to create a post-apocalyptic United States is excellent and realistic, the story overall is a tad undercooked and weak with little development of the story, the background of the world, or the magical book (and why it is so important).
Nonetheless the action sequences and acting overall are excellent with Denzel Washington being confident, wise and calm throughout. Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis also settle into their roles well as supporting characters. The action is what really keeps the film moving along, with a particular highlight being a shootout in a rural homestead. The ending is also unexpected and uplifting.
Rating: 5/10
Andrew Reviews 