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The best Denzel Washington role is …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“American Gangster,” which opens Friday, isn’t the first time Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe have gone mano-a-mano in the movies.
Anybody remember 1995’s sci-fi thriller “Virtuosity” with Washington as a futuristic detective investigating Crowe’s virtual reality serial killer? Yes, it worked better on paper than on the big screen, though, in the battle of the superactors, I kind of side with Crowe as the victor. He had the juicier part.
Washington and Crowe also competed head-to-head twice for best actor at the Oscars - in 2000 with Washington’s “The Hurricane” versus Crowe’s “The Insider” (Kevin Spacey actually won for “American Beauty”) and in 2002 with Washington’s “Training Day” versus Crowe’s best picture-winning “A Beautiful Mind” (Washington was the victor).
While I think Washington is particularly good in “American Gangster,” it’s not my favorite of his performances.
I think these are where he’s been at his best:
1. “Malcolm X” (1992) - A biopic from Spike Lee sadly overlooked at the Oscars. At least Washington got a best actor nomination. But that he lost to Al Pacino for the outlandish “Scent of a Woman” is a travesty.
2. “Glory” (1989) - Matthew Broderick might have had the lead role, but Washington’s dynamite supporting performance stole the film and won him his first Oscar.
3. “The Hurricane” (1999) - I’ve always remembered the prison scene when the young boy walks into the waiting room to meet boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter for the first time, and without a word, Washington’s facial expression absorbs the entire scene.
4. “Philadelphia” (1993) - From start to finish it is Tom Hanks’ movie, but even Hanks told me he would steal ideas from Washington’s performance every single day on set.
5. “Remember the Titans” (2000) - The film’s almost too rah-rah, but I’ve met the real-life coach and Washington nailed his unending determination.
On Wednesday, I’ll blog about favorite Russell Crowe performances.
So, which Denzel Washington roles have you liked? “Training Day”? “Man on Fire”? “Devil in a Blue Dress”?
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By sharon
October 30, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Denzel excels in every role but he was outstanding in Malcolm X, John Q and the Hurricane.
By SharonH
October 30, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Malcolm X, Remember the Titans and Philadelphia were three of Denzel’s best roles and best movies. But let’s face it, he improves every movie he is in. I even enjoyed him in John Q. In the hands of a lesser actor that movie would have sucked.
BUT for me, nothing compares to his work in Devil in a Blue Dress. He was so sexy; I have never gotten past it! He was amazing. It may not have been Oscar-worthy but it was certainly memorable for me.
By Pam
October 30, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
Malcolm X was his absolute best! I actually didn’t think Training Day was even close to his best.
By V for Vendetta
October 30, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
I don’t think you can even mention Remember the Titans with a straight face, it’s far too “feel-good”, and basically nothing more than family-oriented pap. While Denzel was amazing in Malcolm X, sometimes I think actors tend to impersonate in biopics more than they act. For my money, Glory is Denzel at his best. My advice: play the scene where Denzel is being disciplined with the whip and just look at his face as it remains passive and expressionless, but the tears roll down his cheeks. Amazing! But that’s why he’s one of the best working today.
By carol
October 30, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Philadelphia, explain it to me like I was a 3 year old…
By Hotlanta
October 30, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Malcom X. Hands down. Did yall know that he portrayed Malcolm in the play “When the Chicken Comes Home to Roost.” It’s another film and I can’t think of it but I also read the book about him and some white guy in South Africa. Where the white guy got help but he didn’t. I know somebody knows the name of it.
By Bandit
October 30, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Has everyone forgotten about Cry Freedom in which Denzel played South African activist Steve Biko. I read the book and saw the movie. This is possibly IMHO Denzel’s finest work!
By Katie
October 30, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
I love anything that Denzel is in. He is my one of my favorite actors and the other is Tyler Perry. My favorite movies that he has been in is: Out of Time, John Q, and Training Day.
By nakia
October 30, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
i absolutley loved denzel in man on fire. the way he allowed the character to develop. The hurricane and glory are also great roles that washington played. every movie he is in he makes come alive with his presence. i can name all of them, he is an outstanding actor and he deserves aknowledgement for just his ability to transform himself into the storyline of every character he plays.
By Kayla
October 30, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
A Solider’s Story was one of his best. The already mentioned Malcolm X. Devil In A Blue Dress. He was robbed on the Oscar for Malcolm X.
By Lassiter
October 30, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
How can you leave out “Carbon Copy”?
By Just Me
October 30, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
I honestly love and I do mean LOVE Denzel in every movie he is in. Some of my earlier favorites are Glory, A Soldier Story, X, Mo Better Blues and Cry Freedom. My later favorites are Deja Vu, Inside Man, Training Day.
That man is just pure sexy!
By summer
October 30, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
ALL DENZEL’S MOVIES ARE GREAT..anything he does he takes it to another level.. PERFECTION.
By stefanie
October 30, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Denzel!!!!!!!!!!!!! everything he’s in i love it cause i love him. he is my favorite actor he is the best thing in hollywood right now.
By T-Mango
October 30, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
I love Denzel and that WALK he has…He never disappoints on screen and I’m looking forward to his work in American Gangster.
By DIRTY
October 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Danzel was on fire in Mo’ Better Blues as Bleek. Also he was great in Glory, me and my father went to see that on together.
He did nail it inMalcolm X*. It just to hard to pick one. I know many will hate to hear this but movie for movie, unlike some who get free passes as greats while often releasing bombs(ie. Pacino, Dinero, Hanks to name a few) Danzel never fails. BEST OF OUR TIME BY FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
By eje
October 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
My favorite Denzel movies are Malcolm X, A Soldiers Story, Glory.
By Stephanie
October 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Denzel Washington is an amazing actor. And he one of my favorites along with Sean Penn.
By Ronald Gillum
October 30, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Denzel is just one of the best!
By THE INFAMOUS DK
October 30, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey American Gangster is one of the best movies I have seen in a while and I am still going to support it at the theater.. In movies you know its a great actor when you dont even know its the actor in the movie for instance.. Like Malcolm X, Training day or American Gangster and these would be my top three in no specific order.. Denzel transforms himself into the person he is portraying and you forget its him.. I cant say what my favorite is because the list is too long.. Man on Fire, John Q, Antwone Fisher, Fallen, The Preacher’s Wife, Courage Under Fire, Ricochet, Mississippi Masala, Mo’ Better Blues.
By DLA
October 30, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Remember the TITANS Like the assist coach told Denz’s character in the movie, “I know football, but you were the right coach for this job…” Denz was the right actor for that role.
By Ms.Simon
October 30, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
I can’t really pick a favorite Denzel movie. He brings life to all of his roles.
But his “”WALK”” No one else like him. He’s in a class by himself.
Wheww!!! Denzel is the epitome of Manly, sexy, masculine, everything a man should be. Everything about him says MAN!!
By DWoods
October 30, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Without a doubt—Malcolm X. The movie was so surreal, it’s like Denzel was Malcolm’s lifetime shadow.
By Sharon
October 30, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I saw American Gangster, Denzel was good, however, I did not particularly like the story it was somewhat sad to me.
By HPE
October 30, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Oh come on…You can’t forget “MAN ON FIRE”
He was amazing in that role. My favorite of all.
By Hotlanta
October 30, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Chile I forgot aobut Bleek in Mo Better. The way he blew that horn. He could suck my lips like a vacumn cleaner anytime.
By Dandy Jones
October 30, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Quinn in The Mighty Quinn.
By Troy
October 30, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
I watch Denzel movies and the whole time I’m thinking he is brilliant. For instance, when I saw Malcolm X all I thought about was Malcolm X not Denzel playing the role of Malcolm X. He is one of the few actors that get lost in the character and you forget who the actor is until the movies is over.
By joe
October 30, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Training Day, Glory, and Philadelphia. I still remember his first move Carbon Copy which is still pretty funny.
By Cakey
October 30, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Definitely John Q and Training Day are my favorites but anything he’s in I’m looking at. He just gets better with age..ummmm
By myman
October 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
MALCOM X, no doubt about it. When the Oscar didn’t go to him they should have shut down the Academy.
By zebra
October 30, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
I love Denzel in everything but Training Days was my favorite movie for him.
By ljowers
October 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
"RICHOCHET"By bomerang
October 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
I love this man. He’s so smooth & absolutely gorgeous. When he’s on tv you just have to stop & look at him. He’s captivating.
By Smoke - Up Johnny!
October 30, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
*LASSITER… * LOVED CARBON COPY!!! GLAD YOU REKINDLED THE STORY. I AM A BLACK MAN WHO WAS ADOPTED BY A WHITE FAMILY, AND THEY HAVE BEEN A BLESSING TO ME. WE USED TO WATCH THAT OLD VHS OF GEORGE SEGAL AND DENZEL IN HIS FUNNIEST, WITTIEST ROLE TO DATE. A LITTLE DATED AND CORNY, BUT A FUN STORY NONE THE LESS, THAT TAUGHT PEOPLE SOMETHING ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY AND COMPASSION.
ALSO…”THE HURRICANE” WAS A CLASSIC, HE MADE ME FEEL THE PAIN THAT HE SUFFERED RIGHT THRU THE SCREEN AND INTO MY SEAT. I MET DENZEL SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT A BOYS CLUB FUNCTION, AND HE TOLD ME DOING THAT MOVIE MADE HIM BELIEVE HE COULD PLAY ANY PART, AND HE STATED IT MADE HIM A BETTER ACTOR EVERYDAY, JUST TRYING TO CONVEY THE THOUGHTS AND WORDS OF RUBEN CARTER.
By Amy
October 30, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
WHY HAS NO ONE SAID “THE BONE COLLECTOR”????? He didn’t even have to MOVE to be a good actor. He is my favorite actor, like someone said - he becomes the role.
By Reg Laurent
October 30, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm..I think many have forgotten about “A Soldier’s Story”. D was early in his career at this point, but he still loomed large on the screen. This movie also had a very surprising ending. D is just a class act, and the closest thing to Sidney Potier we will ever see. Malcolm and Training Day would be close 2nds….
By Rocket
October 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Crimson Tide
By S
October 30, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Well, I loved Training Day, The Bone Collector, Out of Time, De Ja Vu, Malcolm X, Glory. All of these are really great, but let’s not forget. The man can do some Shakespeare. Remember Much Ado About Nothing and the timeless Othello.
By S
October 30, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Well, I loved Training Day, The Bone Collector, Out of Time, De Ja Vu, Malcolm X, Glory. All of these are really great, but let’s not forget. The man can do some Shakespeare. Remember Much Ado About Nothing and the timeless Othello.
By Renee
October 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Love the man. Love the man. Love the man. His work is excellent every time. GLORY was his best work. I’ve seen it at least 20 times, know every line, every nuance and shade of meaning. But then again, Malcom X was a triumph for him also. I also saw him in Central Park one summer doing Richard III and he was fantastic. I usually rent movies, but I’m looking forward to Friday because I’m paying to see him in American Gangster. He gives people their money’s worth. Keep up the good work D!
Renee
By mamaj
October 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Denzel, Denzel, Denzel. What can I say.I first came to recognize him in “Glory” and have not taken my eyes off of him since. Though I can’t right off the bat think of a bad Denzel movie, three of my favorites are “Glory”’ “Philadelphia” and “Training Day”. The man is the greatest thing since “sliced bread”!!
By Makeda
October 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Mississippi Massla
By Precious
October 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Remember Mr. Washington in A Soldier’s Story. I even enjoyed him in The Preacher’s wife. I enjoy Denzel in most of his movies. I do not enjoy watching him play the “bad guy”. I will probably never watch Training Day because of his role. I feel he should have won an Academy Award for best actor, long before Training Day. Excellent work in Malcolm X and The Hurricane. Any movie he is in is bound to be successful. Looking forward to seeing what he does when he teams up with Oprah.
By CaptnCold
October 30, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Easy Rollins in Devil in a Blue Dress. My man had it going on! What a cool character! They should have done a sequel.
By webspinner
October 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
‘Man on Fire” has to be in the Top 5 somewhere.
By Sheryl Burton
October 30, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
How did Denzal get overlooked at the Oscars in his portrayal of Malcolm X, a Soldier’s Story. As soon as he plays a common criminal(who gets killed) they notice. Denzal brings me out to the movies in whatever he does because I like watching the talent.
By Lovely Libra
October 30, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Truly a travesty! Denzel was robbed of the Academy Award because the Academy voters would have to recognize and acknowledge Malcolm X and they were not willing to do that. But surely his acting was supreme and because they knew they blew it they give him an Oscar for being a rogue cop. Go figure!
By Towana
October 30, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
As a native of Mt.Vernon, NY, now living in the ATL. I am proud to say there is no other then the GREAT Mr. Denzel Washington, I love all that you do. Thanks for being an ACTOR…
By Monique
October 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
It’s hard to say which movie is Denzel’s best because he is exceptional in every role he plays. My three favorites are: Malcom X, John Q and Crimson Tide.
By dino
October 30, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
A Soilder’s Story
By CQ
October 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Malcolm X by far. He should have won an Oscar for that. That performace is just as good as Jamie Foxx in Ray
By Nilajah Alonzo
October 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
MMMMmmmmm Denzel. It has to be Malcolm X, Glory and Deil in a Blue Dress I saw him in chickens come home to roost in NY and when Spike Lee said he was doing the movie, the only person who could do it was Denzel. I just love him and that walk. Of Course he is from NY as I.
By Canderson
October 30, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I agree with the person who mentioned that you forget that Denzel is playing a role. You feel that he IS the person he is portraying. As much as I love Halle Berry, I never get lost in her portrayal of a character.
By jogger
October 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
You know what is funny? He wins his Best Actor Oscar as a corrupt policemean and nobody says anything. He should of won for Malcolm X. I mean-lets talk about portraying sterotypes.
By mrm
October 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I believe that Glory is the best film he has ever done.
By jj
October 30, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Wow! I love me some him! So many so little time who could pick just one. He was def robbed for “Malcolm X”. They will give a blind man, a slave or a gangsta an Oscar but not a freedom fighter(certainly not a Muslim one). I loved him in Mo Better, A Soldiers Story, even The Preacher’s Wife, Glory, Mississippi Masala……….Again Wow! Whadda man!!
By AggiePride
October 30, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Hands down……………Malcolm X…
Nothing has come close..
By AggiePride
October 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Hands down……………Malcolm X…
Nothing has come close..
By CeCe
October 30, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Give me a break!!!!! This sexy man could be in THE FLINSTONES and I’d LOVE IT!!! Every time I see him I joke “That’s my baby Daddy!” It’s the all around woman’s joke!! No disrespect intended to paulette his wife….it’s just a joke and truly a compliment!!!! I speak for many women…We JUST Love Him!!! Nevertheless…he is also a very talented Actor who has mastered his craft!
By Ju-c peach
October 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed all of the movies that Denzel played in, but I’d have to say that Training Day took him to another level. He had never before played this type of role!
By Dee
October 30, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Hands down….Malcolm X and John Q
By Carol Mitchell
October 30, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Denzel, a wonderful actor. Right now we are the same age - I’m so proud of him. He and Paulette are so blessed. They both look great!
By Muzak
October 30, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Denzel has amazing body of work. The brother knows how to read a script. All of his films are amazing. His broadway plays are amazing as well. The brother has paid his dues. He’s definetly worth the $20million dollars a film. He gets paid for. Denzel continues to get better. With every film he takes on. I have no doubt. He’ll do justice to “American Gangster”.
By Sully
October 31, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Nobody’s mentioned FALLEN, I think it was a good movie that’s be slept on.
By FyreStarrter
October 31, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
For me my Top 5 Denzel would have to go like this: Malcom X, Man on Fire, Training Day, The Manchurian Candidate (too many people slept on this movie & its importance in the modern day world), John Q, & Mo Better Blues!! The brother has only gotten better as he has gotten more seasoned. I cannot wait for American Gangster to start on Friday, I have been looking forward to it for nearly 2 months ever since I saw the trailer on the inrernet!! Everything Denzel does is golden & even though he was a Master Actor in Malcom X & didn’t get recognized for it we have to remember that at the time, the story of Malcom X was not one that many people who were not politically & socially aware knew or accepted. & YES I have to agree with the person who stated that he loses himself in the character no question. And to be able to do Shakespeare with such prowesss, REALLY says something about Denzel the actor & Denzel the person. American Gangster, here I come!!
By Money Earnin'
October 31, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
COURAGE UNDER FIRE and HE GOT GAME
By Trayjl
October 31, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
This is one is easy. Malcolm X! Nowadays when people think of brother Malcolm the first thing that comes to mind is Denzel Washington….it’s simply the best protrayal of an African American Hero ever to be played on the Big Screen. People Under 40 never got to see Malcolm X and to them the film brought him and that crazy time in American history back to life. LOL! This one was easy…..but all of his work is great! Man I’m still using some of the lines in MO’ Better Blues… they are timeless!
By Jack
October 31, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
I kinda like Devil in a blue dress.
By S
October 31, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Who said Tom Cruise was the most bankable actor in Hollywood? I’d take a Denzel Washington movie any day of the week.
By Debbie
October 31, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
My picks are 1. Glory 2. John Q and anything else after that all his movies are great
By add14jazz
October 31, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Malcolm X is far and away Denzel’s best work! Glory and Philadelphia are close behind…He was robbed of that 92 best actor Oscar for Malcolm X because the academy hated Spike Lee so much….and it’s a travesty to even put that lame tyler perry and his simpleton work in the same breath with a legend like Denzel….Oh, I really liked Denzel as Bleek Gilliam in Mo Better Blues too….
By Val
October 31, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
No.1 Man on Fire.#2.Malcolm X. #3.Philadelphia. Looking at list, I realized, I have seen ALL of his films. The man moves me.Just seeing the scene where he is being whipped and that one tear falls in Glory, moves me to tears every time I see it.You can’t but feel his full emotions in movies like John Q or Malcolm X. I desire him. He was too sexy in The Preachers Wife,Devil in a Blue Dress and Out of Time.I look forward to Friday, what a great way to start the weekend.
By flo
October 31, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hard to name just one. He is by far one of the best actors around. Glad to see conversation about a black man and no one mentions race, just ‘tell it like it is’ facts. If I had to name one fav, its Bleek in “Mo Better Blues!”
By Ty
October 31, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Devil in a Blue Dress, De Ja Vu and the he co-stars with Jennifer Melindez…
By Chele Belle
October 31, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
American Gangster is DENZEL. He’s charismatic, dangerous to know, powerful & thought provoking. My other preferred DENZEL roles are MO’BETTER BLUES, TRAINING DAY & MAN ON FIRE. Saw AMERICAN GANGSTER last night at a sneak preview….it is well worth 2 hours and 37 minutes of your time.
By Chele Belle
October 31, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
American Gangster is DENZEL. He’s charismatic, dangerous to know, powerful & thought provoking. My other preferred DENZEL roles are MO’BETTER BLUES, TRAINING DAY & MAN ON FIRE. Saw AMERICAN GANGSTER last night at a sneak preview….it is well worth 2 hours and 37 minutes of your time.
By Thomas
October 31, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
I am a big Denzel fan but his worse performance was in The Mighty Quinn.
By Dell
October 31, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
I think he will change a lot of minds after American Gangster hit the big screen but for now his best acting performances to me are Training Day,Crimson Tide and Malcolm X all tied for #1 with John Q,He Got Game,Glory and Mo’Better Blues. But let’s not forget folks, he has been putting out hits ever since A Soldiers Story