In an intriguing revelation, famed Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has disclosed that he no longer watches movies, surprising many fans and industry insiders. This statement comes from a recent interview alongside his Highest 2 Lowest co-star A$AP Rocky and director Spike Lee. Washington’s candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the personal preferences of a celebrated movie star who seems uninterested in the very medium that catapulted him to fame.
Denzel Washington Says He Doesn’t Watch Movies
During a conversation with GQ, Denzel Washington openly shared that he doesn’t partake in watching films, including his own. When A$AP Rocky inquired about his favorite dolly shots in Spike Lee’s movies, Washington responded with surprising honesty, “I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t.” This prompted laughter, but Washington remained firm, reiterating, “I’m just being honest with you! I don’t watch movies, man! I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies.”
Curious about the reason, Rocky asked if Washington’s disinterest was because he creates them. Washington admitted, “Probably. You know, I’m tired of movies.” This unexpected declaration from one of cinema’s most respected figures adds an intriguing layer to his illustrious career.
Not Interested in Oscars
Further emphasizing his detachment from typical Hollywood pursuits, Washington has also expressed indifference towards the Oscars. In an interview for Jake’s Takes, he candidly remarked on his lack of interest in the accolades, stating, “I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s times when I’ve won, shouldn’t have won, didn’t win, should have won. Man gives the award, God gives the award. I’m not that interested in Oscars.” For Washington, these achievements hold little value in the grand scheme, as he humorously added, “On my last day, it ain’t going to do me a bit of good.”
The Film Highest 2 Lowest
Denzel Washington’s latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, is a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. In this thrilling narrative, Washington plays a music mogul entangled in a suspenseful pursuit across New York City following his son’s kidnapping. The film also features Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, and John Douglas Thompson, having premiered in theaters on August 15, 2023, with an Apple TV+ release set for September 5.
Collaborating with Spike Lee
Spike Lee, who has a long history of collaboration with Washington, shared insights with Rolling Stone regarding their latest venture. “This is our fifth joint together,” Lee noted, recounting their previous projects like Mo Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. He reflected on the chemistry they maintained over the years, expressing satisfaction with their enduring partnership.
Commenting on casting A$AP Rocky alongside Washington, Lee highlighted the challenge for any actor to measure up to Washington’s formidable presence. He said, “Denzel is such a presence that people start getting weak in the knees if they have to go directly against him. That’s how powerful Denzel is. And if you don’t bring it, you just gonna be overpowered. But Rocky’s like, ‘Forget that.’”
With Denzel Washington’s revelation that he doesn’t watch movies, it seems the star’s focus remains on the art of filmmaking rather than consuming cinema—a testament to his unique perspective and enduring legacy in Hollywood.
