“I want to be Clint Eastwood when I grow up”: Denzel Washington Became Paralyzed By Trying To Follow 4-Time Oscar Winner That Left Him Frightened
Denzel Washington found how hard being a director is while filming Antwone Fisher
SUMMARY
- Denzel Washington aspired to be like the legendary Clint Eastwood.
- The actor soon discovered that being a director is not easy work.
- Washington’s first directorial venture Antwone Fisher gave him many sleepless nights.
It’s not often that a celebrated Hollywood star decides to either broaden or change their careers entirely to dedicate themselves to filmmaking in the industry, And certainly there aren’t many stars who have managed to gain the amount of success that Denzel Washington has with his decision to sit on the director’s chair.
Having directed two films in his career so far, both of them have seen the admiration of the public and critics alike. But making his dream come true wasn’t as easy as he’d hoped. Since he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood, he wanted to ensure that the films he directed were up to his standards, but in the process, he was terrified to see just what that took out of him.
Denzel Washington Couldn’t Sleep While Directing Antwone Fisher
Considered to be one of the most exceptional actors in Hollywood with a strong larger-than-life persona, Denzel Washington has won the hearts of many in his career through his films. But it’s not only his performances that have won the hearts of the world, the films that he has directed are also worthy of equal praise.
Although, when he began his filmmaking journey with Antwone Fisher and followed the footsteps of Hollywood legend and four-time Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood, he wasn’t prepared for the hardship that was to come.
In a past interview with Oprah for O, The Oprah Magazine, the American Gangster star talked about his journey in the industry to become a two-time Oscar winner and his experience with filmmaking. Here, he revealed that he always loved the idea of making a film according to his vision, but he couldn’t have foreseen just how much sleep he would lose over the project for weeks to come.
He said that when he asked other directors if they were sleepless all the time while directing a film, he was faced with the hard reality as they agreed. This was a very terrifying experience for him, but he was able to follow his passion and dream nonetheless, which was rewarding. He said:
“It’s my passion. More than anything, I enjoy seeing talented people do what they do well. When you’re an actor, you come out of your trailer, do your thing, and then go back in. Directing is about collaboration—the production, the costuming, the script, the actors. I love it. It brings me joy. At 52 years old, I’m blessed to be able to segue into directing. I want to be Clint Eastwood when I grow up!”
After making the aforementioned film, his next directorial release was in 2007 when he directed and starred in The Great Debaters.
What Was Antwone Fisher About?
Bringing the magic of his larger-than-life persona and wisdom-filled artistic expression into the film, Washington tells the tale of Antwone Fisher, a sailor on his journey to explore himself. A film adaptation of the life of the real Antwone Fisher on how he managed to overcome his demons with the help of another man.
The film tells the tale of the titular protagonist who is infamous for possessing violent tendencies and is known for violent outbursts. Therefore, the Navy decides to send him to a naval psychiatrist who is willing to help him. Here, the doctor finds out about the memories of Fisher’s childhood that haunt him, and through the doctor’s help, Fisher sets off on the journey to make peace with those ghosts from his past.
