Old Hollywood used to have such class. It was hardly ideal, but it had a certain dignified character embodied by its stars that was reminiscent of nobility. Thankfully, remnants of it are alive today within a few individuals, such as Denzel Washington. A force in the business for over 40 years, the man is counted among the most respected actors around. Far and away from the shallow concept of celebrity, he carries himself with the humble yet charismatic poise of an old-fashioned gentleman.
His extensive work on the screen has earned him two Academy Awards and innumerable other accolades and honors. He has also found success behind the camera as a director and producer. Naturally, with a career like Washington's, many films have garnered deserving recognition, but also several that have fallen below people's radar. Not every movie that Washington has made was Oscar bait, and they never had to be to merit our admiration, however small.
'The Bone Collector' (1999)
Based on a crime thriller novel, The Bone Collector stars Washington as Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic forensics specialist. Together with rookie cop Amelia Donaghy, played by Angelina Jolie, the two attempt to thwart a serial killer who leaves clues behind at his crime scenes, including pieces of bone taken from the victims.
The criticism surrounding the film focuses on its perplexing narrative: fair enough. But regardless, the cast is first-rate, the atmosphere is haunting, and many gruesome elements are not sanitized. Obviously, Jolie is the more active presence, and she delivers stellar work. However, even though he's mostly bed-bound, Washington is a powerhouse.
'Man On Fire' (2004)
Former CIA operative John W. Creasy (Washington) is a depressed soul lost in the shadows of his past with only a bottle to console him until he takes a job as the bodyguard to a young girl, Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning), whom he finds renewed purpose. When Pita is abducted, Creasy goes on a rampage against the criminal element of Mexico City to rescue her.
Before we were graced with Liam Neeson and his "particular set of skills", we had Denzel Washington cutting off fingers and threatening scumbags with suppository explosives. Though Creasy is cold and utterly ruthless in his vengeful pursuit, Washington's charm and the sweet connection he formed with his missing charge keep us rooting for him through his most violent actions.
'Deja Vu' (2006)
After a terrorist bombing kills hundreds of people on a ferry, ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) is hired to work alongside a team that has engineered a device for seeing into the past to find clues that will hopefully lead them to the perpetrator. While examining the time before the attack, Carlin becomes enamored with one of the terrorist's victims.
It is difficult for films like this to stand out when time travel movies are a dime a dozen. Doug Carlin's love for a dead woman he barely knows to the point of violating the laws of physics to save her is all highly romanticized, which, supported by Tony Scott's frenetic and action-oriented direction, makes this techno-thriller more about emotion and entertainment than intellectual intrigue. But perhaps that is what makes it distinctive.
'The Great Debaters' (2007)
Based on true events, The Great Debaters focuses on a trio of African American students mentored by Melvin B. Tolson (Washington) to become debate champions during the 1930s, when racial segregation was prevalent.
This was Denzel Washington's second film as a director, sandwiched between his debut and the Oscar-winning Fences (2016), which is probably why it is seldom talked about. That is quite a shame, since the movie's tale, while familiar, still provides a stirring look at a heart-rending period of American history, as seen through the eyes of youngsters who struggle with more personal issues than just their social circumstances.
'The Taking of Pelham 123' (2009)
A 21st-century remake of two previous adaptations of the same story, this version pits Denzel Washington's Walter Garber, a New York subway dispatcher, against John Travolta's Ryder, the leader of a group of hijackers that has taken control of a train full of passengers. The two engage in a deadly negotiation for the lives of the hostages.
While not lacking in thrills, the most enthralling part of the movie is the odd yet interesting relationship between Garber and Ryder. Travolta is a delightfully over-the-top villain. Washington, on the other hand, is not the action hero he typically is in films like these, but rather an average Joe with a painful secret that is bared in a particularly brilliant acting moment from Denzel.
'The Book of Eli' (2010)
A man simply named Eli (Denzel Washington) wanders through a post-apocalyptic world on an odyssey to bring the last existing Bible to a safe haven. On the way, he makes an unexpected young ally (Mila Kunis) and an enemy (Gary Oldman) who desires the holy book in Eli's possession to consolidate his power over his town of followers.
The Book of Eli is not groundbreaking for its type of movie, but it takes some of the best conventions of its chosen genres to create a dystopian Western with its own pulse and identity, complete with strong performances and gripping action. Almost all narratives about a dystopia are predicated on the search for hope in some form, which in this film is uniquely symbolized by something that will not touch all viewers yet speaks of real spiritual significance.
'Unstoppable' (2010)
In this high-octane blockbuster, a veteran Denzel Washington teams up with an up-and-coming Chris Pine to stop a runaway freight train before it crashes into a populated area.
This was Tony Scott's final film before his tragic death, ending his long-standing career with a bang that deserves to be felt and heard for years to come. The movie's plot is very straightforward, but sometimes simplicity is king. When it slows down, we are treated to Washington and Pine bonding and opening up. And when the film ramps up, the suspense is nail-biting.
'Safe House' (2012)
CIA safe house caretaker Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is assigned to hold legendary agency operative Tobin Frost (Washington) in his facility for interrogation regarding Frost's rogue activities. When the base is compromised, the two men are forced to flee and find sanctuary elsewhere.
Not especially remarkable as far as action thrillers go, but this movie has more to appreciate than you might think. Washington remains in peak form as the enigmatic and morally complex foil to Reynolds' staunchly idealistic character. Their dynamic expresses insightful if predictable, storytelling. Furthermore, funnyman Reynolds gets to show off competent dramatic chops. The action can be hit or miss, but when it does land, it packs a punch.
'2 Guns' (2013)
Partners in crime Bobby Trench (Washington) and Michael "Stig" Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) are covert officers for the DEA and Navy SEALs respectively, with both men believing that they are deceiving one another. When the duo is caught up in a multi-million dollar conspiracy involving rival government agencies, the military, and the Mexican cartel, the two have no choice but to work together in earnest.
This movie is just a pure joyride. Washington and Walhberg's chemistry is electrifying, and the film's dialogue is full of zingers that could almost compete with the best of Quentin Tarantino's writing. But the perfectly matched leads do not hog all the fun, as we are also blessed with memorable supporting turns from Edward James Olmos and the late Bill Paxton.
'The Magnificent Seven' (2016)
It is the endearing story that has been retold a thousand times before: an unlikely band of mercenaries is hired by oppressed townsfolk to defend their home from dastardly villains. This time, Washington leads the heroic ensemble which includes the likes of Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke.
It can be hard to keep the Western genre fresh in the contemporary era, and while this remake may not satisfy critics, it has a magnetic set of personalities and an absolutely jaw-dropping final battle sequence to thoroughly excite most moviegoers.