Denzel as ‘Macrinus’
I made a concerted effort to get up early this morning to catch Denzel Washington on GMA. I along with countless others have followed his career from the Mo’ Better Blues days to Mississippi Masala, to Fences (for which he should have received an Oscar) to today’s release of Gladiator II. I know. There are so many works of art in between but I must say that he is definitely the man of the hour.
I watched a few interviews of him on YouTube this past week and I often find myself jotting down his pearls of wisdom. In one interview, he mentioned the three phases of life. He stated that we must learn, earn and return. Well, we all know that he was learned and earned and we are now witnessing him return to the big screen. Soon, he will be back on Broadway in Othello. I hope to get there too.
Saying all of that to say that I broke down and purchased a ticket to the premiere of Gladiator II. Grant it, it is not my kind of film, but I wanted to see Denzel being Denzel. As I told my sister, anything he touches will be well-done. He did not disappoint. Though his character as Macrinus, is vindictive and power-hungry, he is convincing in his role as the person in charge of the gladiators who fight for their freedom.
The gore and gruesome nature of the movie just reminded me of how horrible people can behave towards each other. Imagine going to see people kill one another or fight against some beast for weekend entertainment. There was enough blood spluttering around to fill up a ketchup factory.
When it became unwatchable, I broke all the rules and scrolled through my phone for a temporary escape. Yet, Denzel played his hideous part until the end or shall I say, his end. I focused on his impeccable ability to channel whatever energy he needs to in order to fulfill the producer/director’s vision. What a medium!
His hoop earrings and long tunics and togas signified his rise in power and he was both determined and assertive in his role. Denzel Washington was doing what he does best. He channeled this angry man who had once been owned and we in the audience felt as if we were one of bloodthirsty spectators in the Roman Colosseum. Watching Denzel become this misunderstood (his words) villain was well worth the dime and time, while seeing greatness on the big screen. As he said, he put his ego down and epitomized a man that was desperate for a chance to be a person in a high station, no matter the cost.
Lynn M.
November 23, 2024
