Denzel Washington says he took a “master class” before directing “A Journal for Jordan,” a sad love story that opens on Christmas Day.
The master class consisted of appearing in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” a film directed by Joel Coen that opens the same day. With a smirk, Washington continues, “I steal from the greatest.”
Denzel Washington is a well-known actor. The actor has a total of 60 films under his credit, as well as two Academy Awards, and is widely recognized as one of the all-time greats at the age of 66. Denzel Washington has just finished his fourth feature film. In an interview last week, he stated flatly, “I don’t call myself a director.” “I’m still figuring things out.”
Washington’s most recent directorial effort was “Fences,” which was based on a book by former New York Times editor Dana Canedy about her fiance, who fought and died in Iraq, and the journal of life lessons he left their young boy. The August Wilson play was adapted into a film in 2016, starring Washington and Viola Davis, who won an Oscar.
Washington also directed his other two feature films, “The Great Debaters” (2007) and “Antwone Fisher” (2002). When he’s at the helm, however, he says he’d rather be hidden.
He stated, “I prefer not to be in the movies.” “At first, it was about my ability to raise the funds to get the films created. Then there was ‘Fences,’ which obviously had a lot of success onstage and translated well to film. However, I prefer to be a more behind-the-scenes type of man.”
Apart from his recent collaboration with Coen, whom he refers to as “one of the best directors,” Washington claims to have sought advice from a number of other filmmakers he admires.
“About a month ago, I spent a wonderful day with Paul Thomas Anderson, listening to how he works,” he remarked. “I’ve been conversing with Steve McQueen a little bit.” I’m still learning how to do it, therefore I’d like to pick the brains of the greatest. As a result, I’ve been speaking with the best.”
Michael B. Jordan says he, too, wants to learn from the best, which is why being directed by George W. Bush had such an impact on him. As Canedy’s fiance, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 at the age of 48, the actor provides a compelling portrayal. Chanté Adams plays Canedy in the film.)
In an interview, Jordan stated, “Being able to work so closely with him was incredibly crucial.” “Honestly, it was a master lesson.”
“As an actor, you know, growing up and seeing all of his movies and performances and being inquisitive about his method — like, ‘Man, I wonder how the best of all time rehearses’ or how he breaks down his character,” Jordan pondered. “His character perspective is multi-layered. ‘Oh, this is why you’re Denzel, got it!’ you realize. I’ve been performing well, but now it’s time to take it to the next level.'”
Jordan added that working with Washington was especially crucial because he’s ready to make his directorial debut, directing — and starring in — “Creed III.”
“He made it a point to take me to the side a lot because he knew I was directing ‘Creed III’ next, you know?” Jordan explained, “I was always in his back pocket, watching and asking questions and (him) throwing me small pearls.”
The actor recalled how Washington asked him if he had a storyboard artist lined up one day — he didn’t, and wasn’t going to for several months — and Washington was making introductions within moments.
Jordan stated, “He was like, ‘No, no, get one now.'” “He picked up the phone and dialed Warren Drummond’s number. ‘Warren, this is D,’ he said. Mike B. is here, and he’s preparing to direct ‘Creed III.'” Jordan was called by Washington, and a deal was quickly reached.
“So it’s from something as generous as that to him always giving me advise on what to look for because there’s another layer to it — there aren’t many individuals who have directed themselves,” Jordan explained. “And that’s what makes this one so difficult for me.” “Identify the few opinions that you’re really going to anchor your choices on,” Washington advised Jordan, “because you’re not going to have time to run back to the monitors every take and see what you got.”
Washington said he wasn’t supposed to direct the film at first; he got involved with it through longstanding producing partner Todd Black 12 years ago, shortly after Canedy finished writing her novel. A script took eight years to write. When Washington saw Virgil Williams’ screenplay, he exclaimed, “Shoot, I’d direct this!” He claims he was attracted in by the beauty of the love narrative, which he describes as sorrowful but hopeful.
Jordan, who was also involved with the project for several years before it was completed, says he identified with a father journaling for his young son.
Jordan says, “I journal a lot and think about legacy all the time.” “And having a family one day.” And I consider my time on this planet and what I intend to accomplish with it.”
But Washington was another important reason he persisted with the project as it progressed and his own dance schedule in Hollywood quickly filled up. “Directing Denzel Washington was a dream come true,” he says.
Washington credits mentorship for his success, citing Robinson Stone, an English and theater professor at Fordham University, as “one of my earliest mentors who saw the potential I had.”
“And I’ve been fortunate throughout the years to work with some of the greatest filmmakers of all time, so I steal from the best,” he remarked. “From Spike (Lee) to Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, Norman Jewison, Richard Attenborough, and Jonathan Demme, I’m trying to learn from the greatest.” I attempt to apply what I’ve learned from each of them to what I’m learning to accomplish.”