Denzel Washington’s Favorite Movie Role Is One You Would Never Expect
Portraying Roman J. Israel, Esq, an idealistic defense attorney who is also on the spectrum, was Denzel Washington’s favorite movie role. The actor made the revelation during an interview with the Inquirer in 2017, saying that he took the job in the movie, which shares its title with the lead character, to improve as an actor.
“I’m trying to get better,” Denzel Washington said. “When I turned 60 and started to think about my career differently, I’m like, ‘this ain’t a dress rehearsal.’ I really don’t know how many years I have left on this planet, so I just want to maximize the effort and utilize the gifts I’ve been given.” He was offered the role by director Dan Gilroy, who wrote the part specifically for Washington.
Denzel Washington’s favorite movie role was as the lead in Roman J. Israel, Esq. because it challenged him as an actor.
Gilroy explained that after working on Nightcrawler, he dedicated eight months to crafting the script for Roman J. Israel, Esq, without receiving any payment. Despite not having met Denzel Washington previously, Gilroy wrote the story with the actor in mind. When asked about the motivation behind his decision, Gilroy said he had been “obsessed with Denzel forever.”
“I’m trying to get better. When I turned 60 and started to think about my career differently, I’m like, ‘this ain’t a dress rehearsal.’ I really don’t know how many years I have left on this planet, so I just want to maximize the effort and utilize the gifts I’ve been given.
Denzel Washington
Moreover, collaborating with Denzel Washington had always been Gilroy’s dream. “When I heard he was interested, I flew to New York and had a three-hour lunch with him,” the director explained. “And he shook my hand and said, ‘I want to do this with you,’ because he’s never played a character like this before. So many of his characters are alpha males and very together and strong.”
Roman (Denzel Washingto’s character) possesses exceptional intellect as a lawyer, with an extensive understanding of case law, a strong moral compass, and a deep connection to the civil rights movement. However, he struggles with interpersonal interactions, leading the managing partner of his firm to confine him solely to research duties.
However, the dynamics change drastically when the managing partner dies, forcing Roman (Denzel Washington) into the courtroom, presenting him with challenges that have significant implications for him, his clients, and his colleagues. These newfound responsibilities and experiences test Roman in ways that are filled with tension and complexity.
Despite not having met Denzel Washington previously, Gilroy wrote the story with the actor in mind.
Interestingly, Denzel Washington said finding a road map to Roman wasn’t difficult. “We all know people like Roman,” he told the publication. “I have a good friend whose son is on the spectrum and works in a law firm in a capacity similar to Roman. A guy who knows the law inside and out but sometimes can’t remember how to get home at night, or can’t handle people, has a hard time making eye contact.”
“The thing about Roman is he can read any book with total recall, but he can’t read people,” Denzel Washington continued. “That is really fascinating to play. You want to get the behavior right, but you also want to do it with empathy, to bring the proper humanity to the role.”
Billed as a legal drama, written and directed by Dan Gilroy, Roman J. Israel, Esq, premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017. It was theatrically released in November of that same year. Along with Denzel Washington, the film stars Colin Farrell as George Pierce, a wealthy lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm.
Despite its strong story and talented cast, Roman J. Israel, Esq only managed to earn $13 million at the box office, against its $22 million budget. The film also received mixed reviews from critics, with some blasting its pacing and plot. However, Denzel Washington’s portrayal of the titular character was praised by everyone.
Denzel Washington After Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Since the release of Roman J. Israel, Esq. in 2017, Denzel Washington has taken on roles in various films, showcasing his versatility and talent. One of his notable roles was in 2018’s The Equalizer 2, where he reprised his character Robert McCall in an action-packed thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film follows McCall as he seeks justice for his friend’s murder.
In 2021, Denzel Washington starred in The Tragedy of Macbeth, a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play directed by Joel Coen. He portrayed the lead character, Macbeth, alongside Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth, in a captivating rendition of the tragic tale.
While Roman J. Israel, Esq. preceded these roles, it’s worth noting that 2016’s Fences garnered critical acclaim and earned Denzel Washington an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He delivered a remarkable performance and directed the film, which was an adaptation of August Wilson’s play.
