Denzel Washingtonrecently admitted that his film choices following the release ofMalcolm Xin 1992 were not all hits. The biographical film, which became a critical and cultural touchstone, served as a tribute to the legendary black activist and leader, Malcolm X. Washington’s portrayal earned him widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers alike. However, after the success of this career-defining role, Washington acknowledged thatsome of his subsequent films did not fare as well.
In an interview withThe Times,Washington explained that the years followingMalcolm Xwere shaped by a need to balance his newfound fame with the practical realities of life. With a growing family and mounting responsibilities, he took on roles that provided financial stability, even if they didn’t necessarily match the prestige earned from his earlier work. Check out what Washington said in his interview below:
“AfterMalcolm X[1992] I made some real clunkers. Look them up — I won’t say their names. They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities… In life, you learn, earn, and then you return — as in give back. So, if your life is 90 years long, up until 30 you learn and from 30 to 60 you earn… so in that era I was earning… With a great agent, my career built into making money and so the earning kicked in and then life also kicked in, with bills, four kids and a house …”
What This Means For Washington’s Career Path
Some Of Washington’s Movies In The 1990s Weren’t Always Well-Received
Washington’s reflection on his movie career in the 1990soffers a look into the relatable pressures actors may face post-major success. AfterMalcolm X, he felt a need to maintain his rising star status while prioritizing his personal life. For example, films such asThe Preacher’s Wife(1996), a lighthearted comedy, or the psychological thrillerFallen(1998), werecritically far from the culturally impactful roles that defined his earlier years. Despite being commercially moderate, grossing approximately $85 million between the two films, these films did not resonate as deeply with audiences or critics.
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Additionally, other notable films that came out during this period includeThe Bone Collector(1999), a crime thriller in which Washington portrayed a quadriplegic detective. Though it featured a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie and Queen Latifah,it failed to secure widespread critical or audience praise. Similarly,The Siege(1998), a political thriller about terrorism, was praised for its well-paced action but was noted as lacking overall appeal.
Ultimately, Washington’s ability to navigate these challenges and come out on top speaks to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Washington’s honesty underscores a common experience many actors face. In the aftermath of a breakout role,such asMalcolm X,financial realities and personal commitments can sometimes lead to actors understandably taking on projectsthat may not align with their long-term artistic goals. While his era of earning reflected a shift in his priorities, Washington’s career later rebounded with powerful roles inThe Hurricane(1999), which earned him his second Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, andTraining Day(2001), which scored him his first Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Our Take on Washington’s Reflections
Washington’s Career Is A Reminder Of What Even The Most Trained Actors Face
Washington’s candid reflection on his 1990s career is a perceptive moment into the complexities of Hollywood stardom. His insight reminds us that even the most successful actors experience setbacks, and occasionally, decisions are driven by life circumstances rather than purely creative aspirations. Ultimately,Washington’s ability to navigate these challenges and come out on top speaks to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
