Denzel Washington is one of the most successful actors of modern times, although even a performer of his stature has had some duds at the box office. With a long and fruitful career that’s included two Academy Award wins and countless iconic roles, Washington can count himself among the most enduring and beloved stars in contemporary Hollywood. While Washington’s recent role in Gladiator II has fast become his highest-grossing endeavor, it’s important to look back on the underappreciated releases and questionable roles that make up his least commercially successful movies.
- 10 Best Comic Book Movie Moments Of 2024
- Who are Susan Saint James’s Parents? Meet Charles Daniel Miller and Constance Miller
- Is Inside Out on Disney Plus? Where to Watch Inside Out?
- Foreigner 2023-2024 Tour Dates, Foreigner Band History and Members
- Monsieur Spade Episode 6 Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, and More
The best Washington movies all offer something unique, as he consistently imbues his roles with an urgency that makes them eternally memorable. From his ongoing collaboration with director Spike Lee to an artful interpretation of a Shakespeare classic, even Washington’s lowest-grossing films all had something to offer. While these films may not have hit it big at the box office, they still remain an important aspect of Washington’s unmatched legacy.
You are watching: Denzel Washington’s 10 Lowest-Grossing Movies At The Box Office
10
Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
$16,153,000
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Mo’ Better Blues
R
DramaRomanceMusicComedy
Mo’ Better Blues: A Spike Lee film featuring Denzel Washington as Bleek Gilliam, a talented but self-centered trumpeter. The 1990 release follows Bleek as he navigates his intense commitment to music and relationships with two women. His world is challenged when he aids his manager, adding unexpected turmoil.
Release Date
August 3, 1990
Runtime
129 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Spike Lee
, Wesley Snipes
, Giancarlo Esposito
, John Turturro
, Charlie Murphy
, Nicholas Turturro
, Robin Harris
, Joie Lee
, Cynda Williams
, Flavor Flav
, Bill Nunn
, Dick Anthony Williams
, Samuel L. Jackson
, Tracy Camilla Johns
, Coati Mundi
, Scot Anthony Robinson
, Abbey Lincoln
, Rubén Blades
, Diahann Carroll
, Leonard L. Thomas
Character(s)
Bleek Gilliam
, Giant
, Shadow Henderson (Sax)
, Left Hand Lacey (Piano)
, Moe Flatbush
, Eggy
, Josh Flatbush
, Butterbean Jones
, Indigo
, Clarke Bentancourt
, Impatient Movie Patron
, Bottom Hammer
, Big Stop Williams
, Madlock
, Club Patron
, Roberto
, Cooley
, Lillian Gilliam
, Petey
, Jazz Club Singer (uncredited)
, Rod
Director
Spike Lee
Expand
One director that Denzel Washington would continue working with repeatedly was Spike Lee, who, together, made up a cinematic pairing as urgent and exciting as De Niro and Scorsese. Despite being a match made in heaven creatively, the duo’s first movie together, Mo’ Better Blues, was not so successful commercially, although their spark was on display right from the beginning. As the story of a fictional jazz trumpeter, Bleek Gilliam, Washington gave his all in this exploration of artistry, friendship, and salvation.
While Mo’ Better Blues lacked the political urgency of Washington and Lee’s greatest work, such as Malcolm X, it was still an accomplished and engaging love letter to jazz music. With Spike as director, writer, and co-star playing Bleek’s manager, Giant, audiences got to know the various influences and relationships impacting the player’s life. With Bleek’s romantic decisions having a devastating impact on his personal and professional life, Mo’ Better Blues was a glimpse behind the curtain into the unpredictable and chaotic world of jazz.
9
Devil In A Blue Dress (1995)
$16,030,096
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Devil in a Blue Dress
R
CrimeDramaMystery
Devil in a Blue Dress, directed by Carl Franklin, is set in late 1940s Los Angeles and follows Easy Rawlins, an unemployed black World War II veteran, who is hired to locate a missing white woman, Daphne Monet. The investigation draws him into the dangerous undercurrents of the city’s jazz club scene.
Release Date
September 29, 1995
Runtime
102 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Tom Sizemore
, Jennifer Beals
, Don Cheadle
, Maury Chaykin
, Terry Kinney
, Mel Winkler
, Albert Hall
Director
Carl Franklin
Writers
Walter Mosley
, Carl Franklin
Expand
Denzel Washington brought a unique energy to the well-worn, hard-boiled detective genre in the criminally underseen Devil in a Blue Dress. As an adaptation of the mystery novel of the same name by Walter Mosley, Washington excelled playing Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, a veteran in desperate need of a job who was drawn into a conspiratorial story of a missing woman. Set in 1948, this neo-noir mystery had plenty of visual flair as it addressed crime, prejudices, and race.
While Washington’s Easy led the investigation, it was Don Cheadle as Mouse, a mysterious man from the detective’s past who steals every scene. Devil in a Blue Dress may be a lesser-known entry in Washington’s filmography, but it’s a stunning showcase of his growing status during the 1990s, a time when he powerfully balanced mainstream hits with less commercially successful artistic triumphs like this. Despite noir detective stories being popular since the 1940s, Washington managed to add something unique to this crime-based genre.
8
Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)
$12,967,012
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Roman J. Israel, Esq.
PG-13
ThrillerDrama
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is an Oscar-nominated film starring Denzel Washington. Washington plays Roman J. Israel, Esq, who abandons his idealistic beliefs as a defense attorney to take extreme action as a civil rights advocate. The film was released in 2017 and directed by Dan Gilroy, who previously helmed Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Release Date
November 3, 2017
Runtime
129minutes
Cast
Colin Farrell
, Carmen Ejogo
, Denzel Washington
, Nazneen Contractor
Director
Dan Gilroy
Writers
Dan Gilroy
Budget
$22million
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
, Columbia Pictures
Expand
It’s astounding how some of Denzel Washington’s most fascinating performances were also some of his least successful films commercially. This was certainly the case for Roman J. Israel, Esq., a thought-provoking legal thriller for which Washington was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. As a glimpse into the life of an autistic civil rights advocate and defense lawyer, the role of Roman J. Israel acted as one of Washington’s most layered, nuanced, and three-dimensional characters.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. bombed at the box office and took in just under $13 million against its $20 million budget, although Washington received widespread praise for his role. It’s a testament to Washington’s iconic legacy that he’s able to take big chances on interesting roles like this, and his career is not severely negatively impacted by its box office failings. While Roman J. Israel, Esq. lost money, anyone who did see it was only reminded why Washington remains one of the greatest actors working today.
7
Carbon Copy (1981)
$8,400,000
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
7/10
Carbon Copy
PG
ComedyDrama
Carbon Copy is a 1981 film where a wealthy corporate executive discovers he has a teenage son from a previous relationship. This revelation challenges his position within the predominantly white, upper-middle-class community of San Marino, California.
Release Date
August 6, 1981
Runtime
92 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, George Segal
, Susan Saint James
, Jack Warden
, Paul Winfield
, Macon McCalman
, Vicky Dawson
, Parley Baer
, Dick Martin
, Carmen Filpi
, Warren Munson
, Tom Poston
, Lee Garlington
, Kenneth White
Character(s)
Roger Porter
, Walter Whitney
, Vivian Whitney
, Nelson Longhurst
, Bob Garvey
, Tubby Wederholt
, Mary Ann
, Dr. Bristol
, Victor Bard
, Wino
, 2nd Guard
, Reverend Hayworth
, Uncredited
, Burly Man
Director
Michael Schultz
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Carter DeHaven
Writers
Stanley Shapiro
Expand
While Denzel Washington has explored racial topics his entire career, the future two-time Academy Award winner’s acting debut did not have quite the same nuance as much of his later work. Carbon Copy was an outrageous comedy-drama that starred Washington as a 17-year-old African American who suddenly turns up in the life of a wealthy white business executive played by George Segal. As the illegitimate son that he never knew he had, Carbon Copy used its comedic presence to unpack society’s relationship with race and wealth during the 1980s.
While Carbon Copy had its funny moments, it also felt woefully dated and only merely hinted at the extraordinary acting career Washington would have in the subsequent years and decades. Despite its mismatched premise, Carbon Copy was not a hit at the box office, and the insensitive way in which it addresses race may rub some viewers the wrong way. However, as Washington’s debut movie, it’s still a piece of cinematic history and the beginning of a long and fruitful career.
6
Mississippi Masala (1991)
$7,332,515
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Mississippi Masala
R
DramaRomance
Mississippi Masala is a romantic drama directed by Mira Nair that explores cultural diversity and identity. The film follows the lives of an Indian family expelled from Uganda, relocating to Mississippi, where their daughter, Mina (Sarita Choudhury), falls in love with Demetrius (Denzel Washington), an African American man. The narrative delves into the complexities of interracial relationships and the challenges faced by immigrants in a racially segregated environment.
Release Date
February 5, 1992
Runtime
118 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Sarita Choudhury
, Roshan Seth
, Sharmila Tagore
, Charles S. Dutton
, Joe Seneca
, Ranjit Chowdhry
, Mohan Gokhale
, Mohan Agashe
, Tico Wells
, Yvette Hawkins
, Aanjjan Srivastav
, Konga Mbandu
, Sahira Nair
, Dipti Suthar
, Varsha Thaker
, Ashok Lath
, Natalie Oliver
, Karen Pinkston
, Willy Cobs
, Mira Nair
, Rajika Puri
, Sharon Williams
, Cyreio Hughes
, Stacy Swinford
, Rick Senn
, Jim Haffey
Character(s)
Demetrius Williams
, Mina
, Jay
, Kinnu
, Tyrone Williams
, Williben Williams
, Anil
, Pontiac
, Kanti Napkin
, Dexter Williams
, Aunt Rose
, Jammubhai
, Okelo
, Young Mina
, Chanda
, Kusumben
, Harry Patel
, Alicia LeShay
, Mrs. Robinson
, Skillet
, Gossip Aunty #1 / Gossip Aunty #2
, Tadice
, DJ
, Bubba
, Piggly Wiggly Checker
, White Truck Driver
Director
Mira Nair
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Michael Nozik
Writers
Sooni Taraporevala
Expand
As one of the most interesting explorations of racial and cultural identity in Denzel Washington’s career, it’s a shame that Mississippi Masala wasn’t a hit at the box office. This romantic drama from Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala explores an interracial romance between African Americans and Indian Americans in Mississippi. With Washington as a self-employed carpet cleaner named Demetrius Williams, cultures clash when he falls for a young Indian woman named Mina.
As an R-rated exploration of culture and identity, Mississippi Masala dealt with topics of race, heritage, and social expectations in a thought-provoking way. While most films that explore topics such as these are categorized by racism, in Mississippi Masala, the conflict was more nuanced as the couple struggled to find acceptance from either of their communities. Although Mississippi Masala wasn’t a mainstream success, it was a fascinating addition to Washington’s filmography and one of his most underrated movies.
5
Heart Condition (1990)
$4,134,992
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Heart Condition
R
ComedyCrimeDramaFantasy
Heart Condition is a 1990 film featuring a racist police officer, Jack Moony, who receives a heart transplant from his deceased rival, Napoleon Stone. The ghost of Stone accompanies Moony, offering advice on his personal and professional life, challenging Moony’s views and prejudices.
Release Date
February 2, 1990
Runtime
100 minutes
Cast
Bob Hoskins
, Denzel Washington
, Chloe Webb
, Roger E. Mosley
, Ja’net DuBois
, Alan Rachins
, Ray Baker
, Jeffrey Meek
, Eva LaRue
, Frank R. Roach
, Robert Apisa
, Kieran Mulroney
, Lisa Stahl
, Clayton Landey
, Julia Silverman
, Phyllis Hamlin
, Jeff MacGregor
, George Kyle
, Bill Applebaum
, Mary Catherine Wright
, Johnny Walker
, Ken Martinez
, Diane Cary
, Monte Landis
, Anthony “Wink” Atkinson
Character(s)
Jack Moony
, Napoleon Stone
, Crystal Gerrity
, Captain Wendt
, Mrs. Stone
, Dr. Posner
, Harry Zara
, Graham
, Peisha
, Senator Marquand
, Teller
, Dillnick
, Annie
, Posner’s Assistant
, Staff Member
, T.V. Announcer
, Dating Game Host
, Dancing Cop
, Nurse
, Cop in Precinct
, Terri Rinselle
, Beverly Palm Hotel Waiter
, Rap Singer
Director
James D. Parriott
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Robert Shaye
Expand
Although Denzel Washington’s filmography features countless thoughtful and resonating explorations of race relations, Heart Condition was definitely not one of them. This misjudged comedy starred Bob Hoskins as a racist cop who, after receiving a life-saving heart transplant, is haunted by the ghost of an African American lawyer. The two start working together to solve a murder as well as Hoskins’ haphazard love life in a lowbrow, bordering on offensive, movie.
Heart Condition flopped at the box office, and thankfully Washington would make his first movie with Spike Lee later the same year, opening the door to him playing roles that dealt with race in far more thought-provoking and engaging ways than this movie. With overwhelming negative reviews from critics, Heart Condition boasts a measly 10% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This disappointing release signaled one of Washington’s last movies before he had the clout and connections to be more mindful with the roles he chose.
4
The Mighty Quinn (1989)
$3,992,420
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Mighty Quinn
R
ActionCrimeDramaMysteryThriller
The Mighty Quinn follows police chief Xavier Quinn as he probes the murder of a wealthy resident on a Caribbean island. Despite pressure from a corrupt governor, Quinn questions the guilt of suspect Maubee, a childhood friend, challenging the local political establishment’s narrative.
Release Date
February 17, 1989
Runtime
98 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, James Fox
, Mimi Rogers
, M. Emmet Walsh
, Sheryl Lee Ralph
, Art Evans
, Esther Rolle
, Norman Beaton
, Alex Colon
, Robert Townsend
, Tyra Ferrell
, Carl Bradshaw
, Maria McDonald
, Fitz Weir
, Baldwin Howe
, David McFarlane
, Bernie McInerney
, Keye Luke
, Ron Taylor
, Oliver Samuels
, David R. Ellis
, Ronald Goshop
, Henry Judd Baker
, Fred Lloyd
, Cathi Levy
Character(s)
Xavier Quinn
, Thomas Elgin
, Hadley Elgin
, Fred Miller
, Lola Quinn
, Jump Jones
, Ubu Pearl
, Governor Chalk
, Jose Patina
, Maubee
, Isola
, Cocodick
, Jax
, Athens
, Bim
, Henry Quinn
, Dr. Stuhlberg
, Dr. Raj
, McKeon
, Rupert
, Jersey
, Fudge
, Nicotine
, Pilot
, Secretary
Director
Carl Schenkel
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Dale Pollock
, Ed Elbert
, Gil Friesen
, Sanford Lieberson
Writers
Hampton Fancher
Expand
Denzel Washington played Chief of Police Xavier Quinn in The Mighty Quinn, a story about a lawman trying to help his childhood friend after he becomes a murder suspect. Set on a small US territory in the Caribbean, The Mighty Quinn was a smart blend of espionage, comedy, and music that hinted at Washington’s status as a future major movie star. With a case involving a rare $10,000 bill and a mysterious murder, this release was an example of Washington’s willingness to go outside his comfort zone with a Jamaican accent and even some singing.
The Mighty Quinn took its title from the Bob Dylan song “Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)”, which he first recorded during The Basement Tapes sessions in 1967.
While The Mighty Quinn was sadly not a commercial hit, it did receive widespread critical acclaim. Famed film critic Roger Ebert was a notable supporter of the movie and even called it one of the best releases of 1989. Describing it as “a spy thriller, a buddy movie, a musical, a comedy and a picture that is wise about human nature,” Ebert’s seal of approval was a strong indication of The Mighty Quinn’s quality, despite its lack of box office success.
3
Power (1986)
$3,800,000
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Power
R
Drama
Power, released in 1986, follows political consultant Pete St. John as he navigates the complexities of American politics. When his friend, Senator Sam Hastings, retires, St. John works on the campaign for Jerome Cade, an enigmatic businessman, revealing the intricate interplay of influence and ambition in political campaigns.
Release Date
January 31, 1986
Runtime
111 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Richard Gere
, Gene Hackman
, Julie Christie
, Kate Capshaw
, E.G. Marshall
, J.T. Walsh
, Beatrice Straight
, Fritz Weaver
, E. Katherine Kerr
, Michael Learned
, Polly Rowles
, Matt Salinger
, Tom Mardirosian
, Ricardo Gallarzo Jr.
, Jessica James
, Glenn Kezer
, Douglas Newell
, Scott Harlan
, Ed Van Nuys
, Nick Flynn
, Noel Harrison
, Jackson Beck
, Leila Danette
, Kevin Hagen
Character(s)
Arnold Billings
, Pete St. John
, Wilfred Buckley
, Ellen Freeman
, Sydney Betterman
, Senator Sam Hastings
, Jerome Cade
, Claire Hastings
, Wallace Furman
, Irene Furman
, Gov. Andrea Stannard
, Lucille DeWitt
, Phillip Aarons
, Sheikh
, Interpreter (as Ricardo Gallarzo)
, Helen
, Frank McKusker
, David Garber
, Ralph Andropwicz
, Charles Whiting
, Wilson Jacobs
, Leonard Thompson
, The Voice (Voice)
, Poor Woman
, Cop
Director
Sidney Lumet
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Mark Tarlov
Writers
David Himmelstein
Expand
Denzel Washington followed up his acclaimed breakout performance in A Soldier’s Story with an engaging supporting role in Sidney Lumet’s political drama Power. This was a major release in signaling Washington as an up-and-coming star, even if it did not hit big at the box office. Starring Richard Gere as the ruthless media consultant Pete St. John, Washington played the public relations expert Arnold Billings, who Gere’s character comes into conflict with.
With themes around the inner workings of political power and the ruthless nature of campaign trails, Power was an insightful examination of corruption and deceit within the political system. The strategies and tactics employed by these cunning characters gave a realistic glimpse behind the curtain of politics in America. While Power was not a perfect film, it did gain Washington the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
2
For Queen & Country (1988)
$191,051
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
For Queen & Country
R
ActionDramaThriller
For Queen & Country follows a retired British soldier, played by Denzel Washington, as he struggles to adapt to civilian life after his service. Released in 1988, the film explores themes of disenchantment and the challenges faced by veterans in reintegrating into society.
Release Date
May 17, 1988
Runtime
105 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Dorian Healy
, Amanda Redman
, Bruce Payne
, George Baker
, Sean Chapman
, Craig Fairbrass
, Paul McKenzie
, Stella Gonet
, Graham McTavish
, Geff Francis
, Ken Stott
, Peter McNamara
, Brian McDermott
, Frank Harper
, Jimmi Harkishin
, James Warrior
, George Irving
, Michael Bray
, Michael Bray
, Colin Thomas
, Anselm Peters
, Tatiana Strauss
, Valérie Chassigneux
, Carlton Dixon
Character(s)
Reuben
, Tony
, Stacey
, Colin
, Kilcoyne
, Bob Harper
, Challoner
, Sean
, Debbie
, Lieutenant
, Lynford
, Civil Servant
, Pete
, Harry
, Mickey
, Sadiq (as James Harkishin)
, L.E.B Man
, Police Officer (uncredited)
, Bryant
, Feargal
, Oscar
, French Girl 1
, French Girl 2
, Stylee
Director
Martin Stellman
See more : Virgin Media Email Not Working, How to Fix Virgin Media Email?
Producers
Tim Bevan
Writers
Trix Worrell
Expand
It would take a while for Denzel Washington to build his action movie credentials, and during the 1980s he was a far cry away from the future Equalizer franchise star he would become. Washington’s first foray into the world of action movies was For Queen & Country, a crime drama where he played a Black British former paratrooper who joined the British army to escape poverty. With some political relevance toward the Thatcherite era out of which it was produced, much of the social commentary here falls flat on its feet.
With Washington as Reuben James, a soldier who society leaves behind after his time in the Falklands War, For Queen & Country was a box office bomb. The low-budget feeling and unconvincing narrative made this one of Washington’s biggest flops in his entire career. The premise of For Queen & Country had potential, but the movie just never came together in a way that was engaging enough to draw in viewers.
1
The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)
$176,248
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : Grand Blue Chapter 87 Raw Scans, Release Date, Spoilers, and More
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Tragedy of Macbeth
R
ThrillerDramaHistory
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play, following Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, who is driven by prophecy and ambition. Influenced by his wife, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne of Scotland, setting off a chain of power struggles and guilt.
Release Date
December 5, 2021
Runtime
105 minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Frances McDormand
, Alex Hassell
, Bertie Carvel
, Brendan Gleeson
, Corey Hawkins
, Harry Melling
, Miles Anderson
, Kathryn Hunter
, Matt Helm
, Moses Ingram
, Scott Subiono
, Brian Thompson
, Lucas Barker
, Stephen Root
, Robert Gilbert
, Ethan Hutchison
, James Udom
, Richard Short
, Sean Patrick Thomas
, Ralph Ineson
, Jefferson Mays
, Olivia Washington
Character(s)
Macbeth
, Lady Macbeth
, Ross
, Banquo
, Duncan
, Macduff
, Malcolm
, Lennox
, Witches
, Old Man
, Donalbain
, Lady Macduff
, Murderer
, Fleance
, Porter
, Angus
, Macduff’s Son
, Seyton
, Siward
, Monteith
, Captain
, Doctor
, Children’s Nurse
Director
Joel Coen
Writers
Joel Coen
Budget
$200,000
Studio(s)
A24
Distributor(s)
A24
Expand
Considering the quality of Denzel Washington’s overall filmography, it’s only appropriate that his lowest-grossing movie was also one of his most impressive performances. In an adaptation from Joel Coen, Washington provided viewers with his powerful take on one of William Shakespeare’s most enduring protagonists in The Tragedy of Macbeth. It’s no surprise that such a challenging role struggled to find mainstream success, although this bare-bones retelling of a classic narrative captured the essence of why Shakespeare has remained such a relevant writer more than four hundred years after he first wrote this play.
The Tragedy of Macbeth was an urgent and compelling interpretation by Joel Coen in his first directorial effort without his brother Ethan’s assistance. With a limited theatrical release, the low box office earnings of The Tragedy of Macbeth make sense, considering it was distributed via streaming on Apple TV+ shortly after its initial release. While Denzel Washington can’t count this movie among his most commercially successful films, it was yet another incredible addition to one of the most impressive filmographies of any actor working today.
Sources: *All box office figures come from the metrics stated on The Numbers; these may differ from other websites metrics, Roger Ebert
Source: https://truongnguyenbinhkhiem.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment