Denzel. He is a “single name” person – like Cher, Madonna, Fidel. I must admit I’m supremely biased – I think Mr. Washington is fabulous. Just watch him walk! I saw him Off Broadway in the 80’s in a great piece called the “A Soldier’s Play”, written by Charles Fuller. It was just after he left the TV series “St.Elsewhere” and before his award winning performance in ‘Glory” – you could tell he was the real deal.
He is one of the best actors of his generation. When he gets a good script (and even sometimes when he doesn’t) he is wonderful! His latest film, “American Gangster” is no exception.
Written by Steve Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott, with a group of excellent actors – Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin and the legendary Ruby Dee – this movie is based on a true story. It follows a NYC drug dealer, Frank Lucas, (Washington), and the cop that is obsessed/committed to taking him down, (Crowe).
Regardless of his personal issues, (he and that model seem to have a penchant for throwing phones?) Crowe is terrific as the gangster’s arch enemy. His determined lawman assembles a mini task force in response to the heroin explosion that happened in 70’s NYC. This spreading evil brought both desperation and devastation to the communities where the drug thrived and huge amounts of money to those who sold it. A dangerous and toxic combination – those addicted wouldn’t give it up, those that became rich, refused to.
Engrossing film. Drug dealing is not glorified thank goodness, but, you get a chance to see how some think that the havoc that they wreak on their fellow man is not only ok, but, entrepreneurial – the American way. Scary.