Falkenauge, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
By Geoff Carter
In the three and one-half decades since he’s been a screen actor, Denzel Washington has pretty much done it all. He’s known as one of the film industry’s most charismatic leading men, which is exceedingly evident in works like the titular role in Malcolm X or as the enterprising attorney in Philadelphia. He brings an incisive intelligence—or a street-level shrewdness—to his characters that imply manifold layers of emotional depth and intellectual complexity. His transformation in Malcolm X from the hustler Malcolm Little to visionary Malcolm X is simply extraordinary.
His characters always seem to be thinking, figuring things out. From Silas Trip in Glory to Alonzo Harris in Training Day to Jake Shuttlesworth in He Got Game, Washington’s characters are always thinking, figuring, even hustling. Coupled with his disarming smile and inherent charm, Washington’s screen persona is one of the most magnetic in the cinema today. His role as the litigator Joe Miller in Philadelphia showcases the best of Washington’s talents. In the courtroom, he is a shrewd, canny, charming, and penetrating cross-examiner. His line, “Explain it to me like I’m a six-year-old,” is pitch perfect for Miller’s courtroom persona. Yet, later in the film, when Miller sits down with his client Andy (who is dying from AIDS) and listens as he describes the action of an operatic aria they are listening to, Washington exposes an emotional depth in Miller’s character that is surprising—but believable—and therefore not completely unexpected.
Washington’s ability to surprise the audience is not only a testament to his skills as an actor but also to his intuitive grasp of the intricacies of human character. Much has been made of the fact that he is an African American and while many of his roles do explore the sensibilities of a Black man in America, Washington in first and foremost an actor most concerned with portraying the universal vagaries of the human condition. His Malcolm, his Shuttlesworth, and his Silas are all Black men, but—in Washington’s hands—the characters transcend race while still appreciating it.
So, without further ado, Denzel Washington’s ten best films.
The Ten Best Films of Denzel Washington
Malcolm X: In this epic Spike Lee biopic of the famous activist, Denzel Washington (who happens to bear a striking resemblance to X) portrayed Malcolm from his days as a thief and drug addict to his epiphany to Islam in prison, to his rise as an outspoken and leader of the African American community, and finally as an activist icon. The range shown by Washington as he grows from an angry opportunistic thug into an idealistic and dedicated idealogue is astounding. The scene in prison during which a fellow inmate, Baines (Albert Hall), starts educating Malcolm about the framing of blackness in white society, the dawning realization shown by Washington through expression, gesture, and inflection is amazing. Notable for a terrific—and huge—supporting cast including Delroy Lindo, Angela Bassett, Wendell Pierce, and a young Giancarlo Esposito.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman, Jr., Delroy Lindo, Wendell Pierce, and Spike Lee. Written by Spike Lee, Arnold Perl, and Alex Hailey (book).
Glory: In this Civil War epic based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first all African American volunteer fighting unit. Washington plays Silas Trip, an angry escaped slave whose only motivation for volunteering is revenge against slaveowners. Despite his vehement refusal to acknowledge his fellows, Trip proves himself to be a courageous and resourceful soldier. In the course of his performance, Washington slowly peels the sharp outer layers of Trip’s anger as he slowly begins to befriend and protect his fellow recruits. After going AWOL at one point, Colonel Shaw (Matthew Broderick), orders Trip flogged in front of the men. During the ordeal, Trip refuses to cry out or acknowledge his pain. Washington’s face during this scene is a miracle of repressed anger, fear, and courage. Notable for an outstanding ensemble cast.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Andre Braugher, Matthew Broderick, and Cary Elwes. Written by Kevin Jarre. Directed by Edward Zwick.
Fences: In this adaptation of August Wilson’s award-winning play, Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington), an African American garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh, lives with his wife Rose (Viola Davis), and son Cory (Jovan Adepo), in a small house bought with government funds provided because of his younger brother Gabriel’s (Mykelti Williamson) disability suffered during the war. The product of an abusive home, and thwarted in his dreams to become a professional baseball player, Troy has become a vindicative and bitter man, refusing to let Cory play football for fear he might fail like Troy did. He continually upbraids his son, eventually driving him from their home. When Cory returns, Troy instigates a fight with him. After Troy passes away, Cory comes home but refuses to attend his father’s funeral. His mother begs her son to forgive his father. Notable not only for Washington and Davis’ outstanding performances, but for Washington’s impressive direction.
Starring; Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, and Mykelti Williamson. Written by August Wilson. Directed by Denzel Washington.
Roman Israel, Esq.: In this legal drama, Washington portrays Roman Israel, an idealistic attorney who has minimal social skills, who works behind the scenes at a small law firm that handles mostly civil rights cases. After his partner dies unexpectedly, Israel realizes the firm must close. Gregory Pierce (Colin Farrell), one of his former students, offers him a job at his prestigious firm. Israel accepts the offer but finds it difficult working with clients. After messing up a plea deal with the D.A. and getting mugged, Frustrated and angry at these turns of events, Israel betrays the trust of one of his clients, eschewing his ideological views for monetary profit before he realizes he cannot afford to do so and be true to himself. Washington pulls no punches in his portrayal of the anti-social and caustic attorney. Many actors might have attempted to make the hero look good, but Washington depicts his character for what he is—an unattractive misanthrope. Notable for the great writing and Washington’s Oscar-caliber performance.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Amanda Warren, Hugo Armstrong, and Shelly Hennig. Written and directed by Dan Gilroy.
Inside Man: In this complex and sprawling caper movie, a prominent NYC bank is occupied by a group of masked criminals whose intent is not immediately apparent. They take all customers and employees hostage, mask and confine them, but do not make any immediate demands. Detective Keith Frazier (Washington) and his partner Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) try to puzzle through the gang’s intent. Through negotiations with Russell (Clive Owen), the leader, and Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), a mysterious fixer who appeals to Frazier on behalf of the bank’s CEO, he begins to smell a rat. His suspicions are confirmed after the hostages are released and the robbers escape with no apparent loot, but a set of clues that leads Frazier to the true intent of their endeavor. Notable for Denzel’s portrayal of Frazier as a consummate professional who—like your typical New Yorker—is not afraid to push the envelope in order to get what he needs.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, and Christopher Plummer. Written by Russell Gerwitz. Directed by Spike Lee.
He Got Game: In this Spike Lee production, Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen) is a top ranked high-school basketball prospect being recruited by numerous Division I colleges. His father, Jake (Denzel Washington), is a felon serving time at Attica for the accidental murder of his wife—Jesus’ mother. The governor, an alumnus at “Big State” offers to reduce Jake’s sentence if he can persuade his son to attend State. Jake is temporarily released to persuade his son help him. Jesus, blaming his father for the death of his mother, refuses to listen to him and continues to go to recruiting sessions where he is enticed by women, money, and other perks. Jake challenges Jesus to a game of one-on-one for Jesus’ commitment to Big State—and Jake’s freedom. In his portrayal of Jake, Washington maintains a delicate balance between the conflicting forces of self-loathing, paternal love, and anger battling within him, as a man finally coming to terms with his shattered dreams. Notable for NBA star Ray Allen’s outstanding debut acting performance.
Starring; Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Ned Beatty, Milla Jovovich, Rosario Dawson, John Turturro, and Bill Nunn. Written and directed by Spike Lee.
Mo’ Betta Blues: This Spike Lee drama focuses on the life of the very successful jazz trumpeter Bleek Gillem (Washington), who is trying balance his career demands, his friendships, inter-band rivalries, and his girlfriends. Bleek’s best friend Giant (Spike Lee), who is also the band’s manager, is in constant trouble for his gambling debts. His girlfriend Indigo (Joie Lee) is frustrated because Bleek won’t make a commitment to their relationship. His other girlfriend Clarke (Cynda Williams) thinks he should fire Giant as his manager. As the center of all these dynamics, Bleek finds himself torn in his loyalties and needs. Although inherently egotistical and selfish, he finally cannot turn his back on those he loves. Washington’s portrays Bleek as an overconfident, selfish, and sometimes smug man cocksure of himself and his talent but somehow also succeeds in making the man sympathetic and even likable. Notable for the performances of Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Wesley Snipes, and Jeff “Tain” Watts as the band.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Spike Lee, Joie Lee, Cynda Williams, Giancarlo Esposito, John and Nick Turturro, and Bill Nunn. Written and directed by Spike Lee.
Philadelphia: Allegedly based on a true story, this film describes the struggles of attorney Andy Beckett (Tom Hanks), who has been fired from his prestigious law firm on baseless grounds of incompetence. Beckett maintains he has been fired because he has AIDS and is a gay man. He asks Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), an ambulance-chasing attorney, to represent him. At first, learning Andy has AIDs, Joe refuses, but after seeing how the discrimination Andy is facing as a gay man parallels his own struggles as a minority, he takes on Andy’s case. Using unorthodox trial methods, Joe is able to demonstrate how Andy has been victimized by prejudice and hate. In the course of defending Andy and getting to know him and his family, Joe begins to overcome his own fear and loathing of gay people. Notable for Washington’s finely tuned portrayal of an astute and compelling litigator struggling to come to terms with his own prejudices.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Jason Robards, Joanne Woodward, Mary Steenburgen, Antonio Banderas, and Roger Corman. Written by Ron Nyswaner. Directed by Jonathan Demme.
Training Day: In this police thriller, rookie narcotics officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) is assigned to accompany decorated Detective Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) for a one-day evaluation. After busting some college kids, Harris forces Hoyt to smoke dope they’ve confiscated during a bust, telling him it’s necessary for his street creds. As the day goes on, Hoyt is drawn more and more deeply into Harris’ shady underworld connections, never quite sure if the senior officer has gone deep undercover or is actually corrupt. Things come to a head when Hoyt finds out Harris has framed him and left him to be killed by members of the Russian Mafia. After escaping, Hoyt returns to confront Harris. As the wildly corrupt and audacious Harris, Washington skillfully strings along his young cohort—along with the audience—with a convincing patter that turns out to be nothing but a pastiche of lies. But—somehow, at least for a while—he pulls it off.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Eva Mendes, Scott Glenn, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Charlotte Ayanna, and Tom Berenger. Written by David Ayer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
The Hurricane: In this sports biopic of the life of boxer Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter (Washington) who was wrongly convicted of triple murder in 1966, Washington gives one of his greatest performances. Carter never stopped proclaiming his innocence, stating he was convicted because of his race and his work as a civil rights activist. Meanwhile, Lesra Martin (Vicellous Reon Shannon), a young fan of Carter’s, convinces his foster family to take up Carter’s cause. They eventually succeed in convincing the courts to overturn Carter’s conviction. Washington’s performance as the proud, angry, and articulate Carter was praised as some of his best work. His portrayal of Carter’s tenacious fight for his freedom and the truth lend him an air of true nobility. Starring: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Liev Schreiber, John Hannah, Dan Hedaya, Clancy Brown, and Rod Steiger. Written by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon. Directed by Norman Jewison.
Honorable Mentions
Remember The Titans
Mississippi Masala
Much Ado About Nothing
Flight
American Gangster
The scene you mentioned from Philadelphia is one of those hair on rhe back of your neck rising scenes. Tom Hanks playing the outed gay executive, Washington the talented Attorney and the music was not only a memorable scene in a groundbreaking movie but directorial gam from Jonathan Demme. It was two of our best on the screen at the same time playing off of each other. While I remain a fan of both men, I note that from that point on Hanks played it safe while Washington played with fire. When Training Day was released many of my friends didn’t want to see Washington play the “bad guy”. The really missed something.
That’s a great point, Jeffrey. Not only Training Day, but Flight, Roman Israel, Esq., and now MacBeth are all cases of Mr. Washington pushing the boundaries. He has been–pardon the pun–a man on fire.