I think Denzel Washington is on everyone’s favorite actor list if not their favorite and he graces the cover of GQ looking very handsome. In the interview he talks about his influences, films he’s passed on, his political stance, and much more. The interview is a great read we have some excerpts when you read more and you can read the interview here.
Is there an actor who has influenced you?
There’s a scene in The Godfather II. De Niro’s in a theater. And he’s looking back. It’s just a look. I don’t think I’ve ever imitated another actor, but there’s nothing wrong with learning from them.
Are there any roles you’ve turned down that you regret?
Seven and Michael Clayton. With Clayton, it was the best material I had read in a long time, but I was nervous about a first-time director, and I was wrong. It happens.
You’ve worked with Gene Hackman. Any other titans you want to shoot with?
All of ‘em. Anybody whose last name ends in an o. De Niro. Pacino. I cut my teeth watching them. Going back to the idea of learning things from other actors—Laurence Olivier was an outside-in kind of guy. He’d find a handle, something on the outside. The Method guys were inside-out. I use a little bit of both. For Mo’ Better Blues, I’ll pick up a trumpet. Not “Oh, what is the emotional innards of a jazz musician?” Hurricane? Start boxing. Sometimes it starts on the outside. Sometimes on the inside.
