Denzel Washington is trending on social media this Tuesday, but it's not because of his showstopping performance in "Gladiator II." Leading up to "Gladiator II," Washington spoke to numerous media members about the film. His interview with Steve Weintraub, though, has gone viral for entirely different reasons.
At the start of the interview, the correspondent for Collider asked the Academy Award winner if he has a favorite Stanley Kubrick film. It seemed like an odd question considering Washington had just finished shooting a film for Ridley Scott. "I like throwing a curveball at the beginning of an interview," Weintraub said. "I decided to go with my Kubrick shirt so I can ask everyone if they have a favorite Kubrick movie." Washington didn't miss a beat with his response, throwing the curveball right back at the interviewer.
"I'm not a movie buff - no, I'm not a big movie fan - I was in the street when he was making movies," Washington replied. "I'd be the one outside looking to rob you when you came out of a Kubrick movie, okay? So I wasn't a real film buff. I didn't start acting until I was 20 years old and didn't start really going to the movies until I was 20, 22, 23." He went on to mention two films, "Shaft" and "Super Fly," which both premiered during the early 1970s and offered insights about his teenage movie experiences.
For the most part, people are applauding Washington for shutting down the correspondent's "embarrassing" question. "I'M SO GLAD DENZEL DID THIS," one user tweeted. Another user noted, "He's definitely a movie buff, but what he was really saying was why this man thought he could ask someone like Denzel, who champions Black films, to speak about a white director instead of a Black one. White film critics are insufferable this way." Another echoed this sentiment, pointing out the inherent biases of white critics assuming their cinematic idols resonate with everyone.
Washington, 69, is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in film history. Asking him about another artist's work might seem odd, even to his most ardent supporters. The "Training Day" star hasn't addressed the extensive attention the interview has received, but it's evident he remains largely supported by movie enthusiasts.
The discussion has sparked debates about the expectation of artists to engage with specific subjects, especially when contrasting cultural perspectives are at play. Washington, who won Oscars for his roles in "Glory" and "Training Day," has been vocal about promoting Black narratives and filmmakers throughout his career, so his retort against Weintraub's question provoked varied reactions across social media.
Some film fans have expressed confusion, stating they simply cannot fathom how Washington has never viewed acclaimed works like "2001: A Space Odyssey" or "A Clockwork Orange." "I’m unbelievably disappointed inthat answer ... why does he seem so pretentious now?" one reader commented.
Yet, for every negative review of Washington's response, there are those who have stood firmly behind him, arguing it was more embarrassing for the interviewer to presume Washington would readily embrace Kubrick's films over those of revered Black directors. "The arrogance of questioning someone with such historical significance about their cinematic preferences is astounding," wrote one user. Another noted, "Just because you’re exceptionally talented does not imply you’re derisive of the art form itself."
Others echoed their support, insisting the question itself had lacked depth. "So many critics fail to realize the importance of diversity when discussing cinema." The user suggested Weintraub should have adapted his approach and broadened his perspective rather than anchoring on Kubrick as the quintessential talent to be admired.
Filmmakers and audiences are starting to challenge traditional canons, realizing the need for diverse representation and perspectives within cinema. Going forward, dialogues about films should reflect these diverse experiences, giving room to voices underrepresented on such platforms. After all, as stars such as Washington demonstrate, honoring one's roots and experiences is just as valid as admiring another's work, and critics need to reckon with the shifting tides of cinema responsibly.
Washington’s reluctance to fall prey to typical narrative arcs should serve as fodder for broader conversations about the nature of film appreciation itself. Hopefully, Weintraub and others like him will reconsider their assumptions during future interviews, realizing the beauty of cinema lies not just and exclusively within well-explored territories.
