In 30 years of a deeply committed career and 50 roles, Denzel Washington, double-Oscar winner, placed the figure of the Black man in all its complexity at the heart of the American paradoxes: from Black activist, rebel soldier to gangster torn between violence and charity. Voted best actor of the 21st century by the New York Times a few months ago, Denzel Washington, 65, has risen to the top of American cinema. As an Actor, director and producer, he has shaken up a "color line" as immutable as it is subtle. Often identified with his characters, he reveals himself to be disconcerting and paradoxical. As if he were holding up a mirror to America in which all of its contradictions and failings were reflected. A documentary that chronicles the extraordinary career of the world-renowned African-American actor.
Acting
Spike Lee and Scorsese fanboying hard.
Production
Rare archival footage of early career hunger.
Director
Sonia Dauger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released shortly after the NYT crowned him best actor of the 21st century, this French production offers an outsider's gaze on American racial politics through one performer's body of work.
Director Sonia Dauger secured interviews with Spielberg and Scorsese that American docs couldn't get—turns out European funding opens doors stateside prestige projects can't.
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