Denzel Washington “My work is based on the soul” “Gladiator II” interview in Japan | THE RIVER

He came to Japan for the latest film “Gladiator II'' starring the famous actor Denzel Washington, and agreed to an exclusive interview with THE RIVER. In this sequel to director Ridley Scott's historical blockbuster, Washington plays Macrinus, a mysterious man with a plan in mind. In this interview, Washington talked about the story behind the film, his mindset for acting, and also talked about his works such as “Black Panther'' and “Training Day.''

Before the interview began, a photo was taken, and Washington appeared to be in a good mood, singing to himself while looking out at the Tokyo scenery. However, when the one-on-one interview began, it was Denzel Washington. While the author was asking questions, he sat deeply on the sofa and looked at me with that same gaze. It's a gaze that looks, or rather, in his case, assesses. Like when the Owl of Wisdom discovered me through the trees in the deepest part of the night forest. Although he was just being soft-spoken, it was a tense interview that felt like something was being tested.

──Nice to meet you. You are the actor I respect the most. When people ask me who my favorite actor is, I always say Denzel Washington.

Thank you very much.

──What I like about your acting is the natural gestures that don't look like acting. For example, in the movie “Flight” (2012), there is a scene where they visit a bar. You place the glass on a paper napkin and twirl it on the bar counter. It's a small moment, but it conveys that this person is anxious right now. These improvisational gestures were also used in this work, “Gladiator II''. This is the scene where you first meet the main character, Lucius. Flapping the fingers of both hands, I tried to figure out who this man was. It's a subtle gesture that reveals Macrinus' humanity.

I have a scoop for you. I don't remember that gesture.

—That's surprising. I'm interested in how you incorporate these gestures. How do you create the character's quirks and details?

Just like what you just did. “The character's quirks and details…” you said, and you just added a hand gesture.

People have something that they are based on, and they bring that with them. And now I know how you feel about me and what I did. That's what an actor is. You bring everything you feel about the script, the situation, the possibilities, and incorporate it into who you are. And then we'll see how it goes. At that time, you might want to do something like this (flapping your fingers). However, I really don't understand the scene you just mentioned.

My work is soul-based. Just go where your soul leads you. Don't think, “First I'll do this, then I'll do this.” It's been two years since we shot it, and it will be meaningful to someone I meet in Tokyo (lol).

So, even though that's not my idea, you're the last part of the equation. You made this movie a movie. A movie that no one can see is not a movie at all.

──It's amazing. thank you.

No, it's not that deep (lol). But thank you very much. I sincerely try to pour my soul into glory. In this work, I tried to bring the spirits of my ancestors. Our ancestors were hurt. I prayed. “Please be with me today.” On the other hand, there were days when I was on the dark side and felt like I was summoning the devil (lol).

I know who I work for, where I'm going and why I'm here. It's not about making movies. Making movies is not the primary goal. That's not why I'm here. God did not create me in this world to make a movie that would make people aware of me.

──One of the important parts of your acting in this work was the gesture of “looking at people”. I control the movement of his gaze as he stares at me. The same goes for “The Equalizer.” Robert McCall can see who is where, what can be used, and what can happen in a split second.

yes. With big eyes. Frankly speaking, I might have had a little role left in The Equalizer. I guess it stayed with me because the shots were taken in succession. But both are Watchers. Although their circumstances are different, they both “see”.

──Ridley Scott continued his role as director for this film. Were you planning to accept anything he offered? Or will you be selective?

I don't know what “anything” means. It's not like I'm going to do anything. Everything has consequences. If you have to compromise yourself for something, it's not worth it.

However, this time I was willing to try anything. In this movie, there was a scene in which I kissed a man's hand, but I actually kissed his mouth as well. That part was cut. I'm sure the studio thought, “Wait a minute, isn't this going too far?” He said, “If I let Denzel kiss me, I'll lose money.'' (laughs) That kiss was the kiss of death. Grab the other person's ear and kiss them.

──During this research process, I came across an interesting interview video released in 2017. It tells you that you are concerned about social media and that it is addictive and not good, especially for the younger generation. You've lamented that some people will do anything to get likes. One of the themes of the “Equalizer'' series is “Win the crowd.'' Nowadays, SNS is sometimes used for this purpose. Politicians also use social media to win the hearts of the crowd.

I don't participate in SNS. Even though I'm in this industry, I won't go there. I don't do social media either. Even if you look for it on Instagram, you won't find my account. I don't follow the crowd.

I read two books when I was quite young. The books “Future Shock'' and “The Third Wave'' talk about the arrival of the information society. It's not a non-fiction book, but I've been predicting what would happen since I was a teenager and in my twenties. So I decided from a very early stage that I wasn't going to be a part of that. Of course I use the internet. But that's enough. It's a tool, so use it. But now there is no going back.

──If the strategist Macrinus were alive today, do you think he would have used SNS?

I guess so. no doubt. I think you'll be able to use it quite well.

–You co-starred with Russell Crowe in the first “Gladiator” in “American Gangster” (2007). It seems that Crowe feels bad about not being able to participate in this work (lol).