Discover the first book dedicated to the iconic actor (and director) of cinema, voted in 2020 by The New York Times "best actor of the 21st century"
DENZEL WASHINGTON, IN ALL CONSCIOUSNESS
A book by Jacques Demange
13.5 cm x 19 cm | 250 pages (including photos)
ISBN: 979–10–93798–31-8
SYMBOLIC, THIS TITLE HIGHLIGHTS THE UNDENIABLE POPULARITY OF ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTORS IN CONTEMPORARY NORTH AMERICAN CINEMA, AS WELL AS HIS ROLE AS A ROLE MODEL FOR THE NEW GENERATION OF HOLLYWOOD ACTORS AND ACTRESSES.
In 2020, The New York Times named Denzel Washington "the best actor of the 21st century." This symbolic title highlights the enduring popularity of one of the greatest actors in contemporary North American cinema, as well as his role as a role model for the new generation of Hollywood actors and actresses.
Washington's career is striking first and foremost for the high level of awareness that guides his choice of roles, but also for the organization of his performances and the orchestration of his acting on screen. This work, the first in French devoted to the star, seeks to study these different states of consciousness, highlighting their consistency and evolution.
A close analysis of sequences reveals the distinctive features of a persona and a performance style that the actor honed on the stage before refining it for the camera. Washington's methodological mastery reflects a particular sensitivity regarding his status as a cultural icon.
This distinctive feature invites a genealogical reflection, prompting comparisons with certain actors who preceded him (Sidney Poitier, Fred Williamson, Eddie Murphy) and the new stars of the big screen (Michael B. Jordan, John David Washington). While his name is frequently associated with mainstream action films ( Man on Fire , Training Day , The Equalizer and its sequels), Washington boasts an eclectic repertoire encompassing adaptations of Shakespearean plays ( Macbeth ), biopics ( Cry Freedom , Malcolm X , Hurricane Carter ), thrillers (The Bone Collector ), westerns ( The Magnificent Seven ), historical films ( Glory ), science fiction ( The Book of Eli ), and more intimate dramas ( Philadelphia , Fences ).
A favorite actor of some well-known filmmakers (Spike Lee, Antoine Fuqua, Tony and Ridley Scott), Denzel Washington is also the director of socially conscious productions, which this volume offers a detailed study of.
The monographs in the PERSONA Collection are dedicated to the detailed thematic and stylistic study of an actor's performance in films from various periods and cinematic traditions, from classic Hollywood to contemporary French cinema. This collection aims to decipher the specific characteristics of actors' performances, but also to explore the identity of their characters through a precise analysis of their characterizations and on-screen representations, drawing particularly on a rich collection of stills.
Release date: April 24, 2025
