What was Denzel Washington’s first movie as an actor?
Denzel Washington is one of the few true legends of Hollywood, with dazzling performances on the stage and screen playing characters such as Malcolm X, Macbeth and Macrinus in Gladiator II. Through his dense and layered performances with directors such as Spike Lee, Ridley Scott and the Coen brothers, the actor is now considered one of the greatest performers of his generation, coming to be known for his still yet commanding presence that demands every ounce of your attention.
Washington’s position as one of the modern masters of acting has been cemented over a long career that has garnered critical acclaim. However, perhaps his finest accolades come from being regarded by his contemporaries as a revolutionary performer. The late, great Chadwick Boseman was perhaps the most obvious benefactor of Washington’s generosity. Boseman said: “I know personally that your generosity extends past what you have given on the stage and screen. Many of you already know the story that Mr Washington, when asked by Phylicia Rashad to join her in assisting nine theatre students from Howard University who had been accepted to a summer actor programme at the British Academy of Dramatic Acting in Oxford, he gracefully and privately agreed to contribute.”
He continued: “As fate would have it, I was one of the students that he paid for. Imagine receiving the letter that your tuition for that summer was paid for and that your benefactor was none other than the dopest actor on the planet. I have no doubt that there are similar stories at Boys & Girls Clubs and theatres, and churches across the country, where I know you have also inspired and motivated others. ‘An offering from a sage and a king is more than silver and gold. It is the seed of hope, a bud of faith.’ There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
Throughout his time in the industry, Washington has been associated with challenging and physically demanding roles, playing historical figures such as Malcolm X and starring in action-packed thrillers like Glory and Training Day. However, despite appearing in over 60 films, the actor began his creative journey like many others, with small television roles and off-Broadway plays.
So, what was Denzel Washington’s first feature film?
While it is certainly not the most celebrated role in his career, Washington found his way onto the silver screen with Carbon Copy in 1981, directed by Michael Schultz. The film follows a wealthy white corporate executive who surprisingly discovers that he has a Black teenage son who wants to be included within his circle in San Marino. George Segal stars alongside Washington as his father, and the story is met with fairly poor reviews.
Despite the many questionable plot lines in the story, Washington is quite charming in the role and shows a comedic prowess that became much rarer in his later projects, with the actor usually opting for dramatic roles. More than anything, the project highlights a strange time in the industry where nearly anything could make it on screen. It stands out as one of those stories that have not aged as well and feels distinctly obvious that it was made in the ‘80s.
…and what was the first collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington?
Washington’s performance in Malcolm X has gone down in the Hollywood hall of fame, with his relationship with Spike Lee becoming as infamous as their work together. In the following years, Washington’s son, John David Washington, became a formidable actor in his own right and carried on the family tradition, with the pair working together in 2018 on his controversial film BlacKKKlansman.
However, Lee’s first association with the Washington name was in a slightly lesser-known project, with Denzel starring in his 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues. The story follows a talented but selfish trumpet player called Bleek Gilliam, who is obsessed with his craft and indecision over who to date. But when forced to help his manager and childhood friend, the musician is faced with the fragility of his world.
Whichever project that followed Do The Right Thing was inevitably going to be scrutinised and compared to his prior genius, which is perhaps why Mo’ Better Blues is less revered within his filmography. However, the cinematography is beautifully expressive and colourful, exploring the trappings of ego and creative identity in a sharp and thoughtful way. It is expertly executed while feeling distinctly different from any of his other films, with a soft yet critical gaze that looks at the relationship between a musician and his craft, with Washington’s charisma elevating this precise examination to new heights.
