Top 10 Denzel Washington’s Performances
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He’s the GOAT of Hollywood. He played the best of the best and the best of the baddest.
We heartily welcome you to theustales.com, and today we are going to look at the
For this list we are taking a look at those performances that shows off this actor at its finest and/or memorable, so here we go……
10. JOE “DEKE” DEACON (The Little Things 2021)
- “You should have listened to that one little feeling, just like I’m listening to you now.”
Set in the early 90s, the crime thriller ‘The Little Things,’ released in 2021, revolves around two detectives who team up to capture a serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles. Portraying the character of Joe “Deke” Deacon, a seasoned deputy sheriff with a troubled past, Mr. Washington brings his skills to the role of a determined investigator. As Deacon becomes increasingly obsessed with solving the case, an unlikely partnership forms with Jim Baxter, played by Rami Malek, a young and ambitious detective. For Washington’s audience, this film is a must-watch at least once.
9. TOBIN FROST (Safe House 2012)
- “He was one of the most brilliant CIA operatives we ever had until he went rogue.”
A commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide, this action-thriller is about a former CIA agent-turned-traitor, who becomes a target of another young CIA agent Matt Weston played by our lovely Ryan Reynolds. The chemistry between the two characters brings a tense and engaging atmosphere throughout the film. When Frost is brought to the safe house for interrogation, the location of the safe house is compromised, and Weston finds himself on the run with Frost and securing its spot in Denzel Washington’s Top 10 Performances.
8. JOHN CREASY (Man On Fire 2004)
- “The gunshot holds no fear.”
The story of John Creasy, portrayed by Mr. Washington, is based on the 1980 best-selling novel by Aj Quinnell. Man on Fire was a hit-action thriller. As a former U.S. marine corps turned bodyguard, who goes on a revenge rampage after his charge, nine-year-old Peta Ramos is abducted in Mexico City. It can be seen as a benchmark for one of the most powerful performances by Mr. Washington.
7. ROBERT McCALL (The Equalizer 2014)
- “You got to be who you are in this world, no matter what.”
The Equalizer is a 2014 vigilante action thriller film. It comes with Mr. Washington at his best and brutal raw perfectly directed action sequences a thrill ride about revenge codes assassins and pure joyful masculinity along the way the Equalizer manages to tell an emotionally compelling story that makes this movie one of a kind. Washington portrays the character Robert McCall, a retired intelligence officer who uses his skills to help those who need. His ability to seamlessly transition between calm and collected moments and intense action sequences. He portrayed McCall as a deeply moral and principled character who is driven by a strong sense of justice.
6. GRAY GRANTHAM (The Pelican Brief 1993)
- “If this thing reaches as deep and goes as high, as we think it does, these men will do anything not to be exposed.”
In “The Pelican Brief,” the Supreme Court of the United States, the ultimate symbol of law and order, faces a nightmarish scenario with the brutal assassination of two of its justices. A thousand miles away in New Orleans, a lone law student, portrayed by Julia Roberts, pieces together the details of the killings and their motives. She creates a document, known in the corridors of power as The Pelican Brief, making her a target. The only person she can trust is investigative journalist Gray Grantham, portrayed by the man of the day, Mr. Denzel Washington. Grantham’s relentless pursuit of justice and his willingness to put himself at risk for the sake of the story bring a sense of depth and integrity to Washington’s role, securing its spot in Denzel Washington’s Top 10 Performances.
5. ELI (The Book Of Eli 2010)
- “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art.”
In “The Book of Eli,” Washington takes on the role of Eli, a lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, on a mission to carry and protect a holy book that holds the key to humanity’s survival. His portrayal of Eli is captivating and intense, successfully conveying the character’s inner disruption, haunted past, and unwavering commitment to his mission. This film is a must-watch for his fans.
4. AGENT DOUG CARLIN (Deja Vu 2006)
- “You arrive at a place you’ve never been but it feels familiar.”
In “Deja Vu,” Washington portrays Agent Doug Carlin, an ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) agent investigating a terrorist attack on a ferry in New Orleans. Entangled in a top-secret government experiment, he gains the ability to travel back in time to prevent the attack. Demonstrating his versatility, Washington blends action, suspense, and a touch of romance in his performance. He infuses Carlin with his trademark intensity, portraying a character driven by relentless determination to solve the case and prevent the tragedy. Washington’s intense performance keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it one of Denzel Washington’s Top 10 Performances.
3. WILLIAM “WHIP” WHITAKER (Flight 2012)
- “You gonna shoot me, can I come inside? yeah come on inside, I shoot you inside.”
Washington’s first Academy Award not in over 10 years, he played an experienced pilot struggling with various addictions who saves lives after his plane starts a demonic fall after a catastrophic mechanical failure, what follows is a harrowing story of personal demons and doing what’s right with Washington steering away with one of his bravest and most complex performances it’s one wild ride.
2. TROY MAXSON (Fences 2016)
- “What law is there, says I got to like you?”
Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer play, this critically acclaimed drama film, directed by the actor himself, features a standout performance by Washington. Portraying a former football player now working as a garbage collector, he embodies a character struggling to fulfill his family’s needs with intense depth, authenticity, and profound emotion. This role marks a significant highlight in his career. Washington’s performance earned him so many recognitions including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and securing its spot in Denzel Washington Top 10 Performances.
1. LINCOLN RHYME (The Bone Collector 1999)
- “Are you being modest or you a little uneasy about doing some real police work.”
Stop right now and watch this movie if you haven’t. Washington commands the screen in this bone-chilling crime thriller, portraying a brilliant criminologist forensic cop who, alongside his partner Angelina Jolie, uses his intellect and expertise to solve a series of horrifying murders. Watch as Washington displays his ability to showcase a wide range of emotions, including frustration, intelligence, and determination. The detective, paralyzed and confined to a bed after a tragic accident, takes the top spot in this gripping tale.
That’s it for now.
Do you agree with our list, What’s your favorite Denzel Washington performance???
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