• The first and last reason to archive the film (as I’m doing) is the performance of Denzel Washington
  • It’s commanding work—filled with overpowering charisma one minute and absolute acidity the next
  • It’s an over-the-top go-for-broke performance that works. He’s a cartoonish villain in the vein of DDL’s Bill the Butcher or something- it’s just not in a film that’s as good
  • He serves as the tour guide for the naïve and unworldly Ethan Hawke—buddy cop film and a little vet/rookie cop cliché dynamic
  • Love the reoccurring shot of Denzel looking in the rear view—clear narrative thread here as he’s looking out (as we’d come to find out over the course of the film)
  • The one day narrative dynamic, from sunrise to sunset (and beyond), gives the film a needed formal structure and adds to the immediacy of all the action
  • Manipulative and convincing—the epic performance culminates in the “King Kong” speech which is a marvel to watch. I’ve seen the film five times and every time that scene gets me. He’s spitting fire (and literal spit). Volcanic.
  • Dre’s music is a welcomed addition to the soundtrack of the film but not so much his acting- Snoop fares better in his small role
  • I think the ending death is a sure-fire nod to Penn’s 1967 Bonnie and Clyde
  • Not in or that near the top 10 of 2001
  • Recommend