Here’s a piece on the one time Denzel Washington felt scared shooting a movie:
Title: The Only Time Denzel Washington Felt Scared Shooting a Movie
Denzel Washington has had a storied career in Hollywood, starring in a wide range of films and earning numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for his outstanding performances. With his rich, commanding voice and authoritative on-screen presence, Washington has brought characters to life in a way that has left audiences in awe. But even the most seasoned actor can have an off day, and for Denzel Washington, there was one film that made him feel genuinely scared.
That film is 1993’s “Malcolm X”, where Washington portray the titular character, the African American civil rights leader Malcome Little, who later changed his name to Malcolm X. Directed by Spike Lee, the biographical drama is a powerful exploration of the life and times of Malcolm X, from his early days as a Nation of Islam (NOI) follower to his eventual split with the organization and subsequent conversion to Sunni Islam. Washington’s performance in the film was widely praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
According to Washington, shooting “Malcolm X” was a grueling and intense experience that pushed him to the edge. In an interview with The Guardian, he recalled the time they filmed a particularly harrowing scene where his character, Malcolm X, is beaten by a group of White men for speaking out against racism. “That was one of the scariest days of my life,” Washington remembered. “I was so scared, I was shaking. I thought I was going to pass out.”
The intense physical and emotional demands of the scene, coupled with the fact that Washington was playing a character who was physically attacked and repeatedly, made him feel vulnerable and uneasy. “It was like, ‘What’s going to happen to me? Am I going to get hit? Is someone going to hurt me?’ I was really scared, man. I was like, ‘Please, just get me through this one take.'”
Washington, known for his ability to fully immerse himself in his roles, threw himself into the part, using method acting techniques to get into character. He underwent a dramatic weight loss to portray Malcolm X’s gaunt appearance during his time in prison, and he also learned how to handle a gun and defend himself. But even with his intense preparation, the making of “Malcolm X” was a daunting experience that left him shaken.
Despite the challenges he faced, Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and memorable performances of his career. With “Malcolm X”, Washington proved his ability to fully inhabit a character, to convey their emotions and intensity, and to bring a sense of humanity to a complex and controversial figure.
Washington has spoken about the experience, saying, “It was a very intense, very emotional ride. But it was also a liberating experience. I felt like I was doing something that was important, something that was bigger than me.”
In the end, the fear and unease he felt on set of “Malcolm X” was worth it, as Washington’s performance continues to be celebrated for its raw emotion, depth, and power. It’s a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to access the deepest recesses of his own emotions, as well as those of the character he portrayed. For one day, at least, Denzel Washington felt scared shooting a movie – but it was a fear that led to a performance that will be remembered for generations to come.
