//Denzel Washington in The Great Debaters| Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies
Known as one of the greatest actors of all time, there isn’t a role Denzel Washington has not tackled. Currently he is promoting his latest film, The Great Debaters staring actress Jurnee Smollett (“Eve’s Bayou”), Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland”) and Washington who also serves as director of the film.
“I don't know if critical is the word, but my standards are high. I think I know good acting when I see it so you know it's just a long process. And then it's a matter of putting people together to see if there's chemistry like with the case of Nate Parker and Jurnee Smollett,” Washington says when asked how his experience as an actor influences how he picks the type of actors for his films.
From Spielberg to Scorsese Washington can now be added to the list of great film directors as his upcoming film creates early Oscar buzz and is nominated for Best Picture at the Golden Globes. Many critics would think Washington is intimidated and conceited (though he has a reason) but on the other hand as a veteran Washington is very humble about the situation.
“I've been in this game for a little while and I've seen how it goes, and what it has taught me to do is not get too high and not get too low. Just the fact first of all, and I'm not just saying this. But just the fact that they are talking about that is already a victory.”
Many actors and actresses are looked to as role models and inspirations but what inspires them? Some say their favorite actors are the reason why they’ve got in to acting or either their families are who inspires them the most. But for Washington that is a totally different story. For Denzel, “Life and the opportunity to influence others,” is his motivation.
“The opportunity to lift and help others that inspires me,” says Washington. “Right now, I'm having this great opportunity to talk to all of these young people--all of you young people from all over the country and to share some of my ideas and that's inspiring.”
As audiences are captivated and inspired from films that Washington has directed and starred in it is the African-American community that is affected the most. For years the film industry has cast African-Americans in stereotypical roles such as the mammy or prostitute. Films that display these types of images affects individuals (mainly young children) within the African-American community--especially those who want to go into acting. Washington doesn’t fell pressure from the community but puts pressure on himself instead, he exclaims.
“There are certain things I just won't do and maybe that has as much [to do] now [with] just being a father as it does to the old image or the African-American community. It's more about me looking in the mirror and feeling comfortable about what I've done, you know, or what I'm about to do,” he says.
With two films under his belt Washington is stepping from behind the lens and back to the forefront but just until he has more creative ideas for films he would like to direct. As for what advice would he like to give to future actors and directors he says “do your best, and pay attention to details.”
Washington makes it a point to say there’s no need for a huge entourage but instead to keep trying to improve at what you do and keep God first and stay humble.” Humility is something that Mr. Washington definitely possesses while he continues to “better his craft.” Washington’s latest film The Great Debaters is in theaters now.
