{"id":880600,"date":"2026-06-20T13:35:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/880600\/"},"modified":"2026-06-20T13:35:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:35:22","slug":"the-2007-script-that-rocked-denzel-washington-to-his-core","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/880600\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2007 script that rocked Denzel Washington to his core"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Denzel<\/p>\n

Credit: Far Out \/ PhilipRomanoPhoto<\/p>\n

Sat 20 June 2026 11:35, UK <\/p>\n

Few actors have commanded the respect and admiration of fellow performers and fans alike quite like Denzel Washington<\/a>. A true master of the acting craft, Washington honed his early talent on the stage, first at the American Conservatory Theater and then in a series of off-Broadway productions.<\/p>\n

Before long, Washington was an acclaimed name in Hollywood. Following a performance in the NBC medical drama series St. Elsewhere, Washington went on to make some of the most memorable cinematic efforts in the history of contemporary film, including those in Glory, Training Day, Philadelphia, Man on Fire, Inside Man, and American Gangster.<\/p>\n

What has distinguished Washington throughout that journey is his ability to balance commercial success with artistic credibility. Few actors have managed to move so seamlessly between major studio productions and character-driven dramas while maintaining the same level of critical respect.<\/p>\n

However, while Washington is indeed known and loved for giving some of the most memorable performances in modern cinema<\/a>, he has also given the directing profession a try on a number of commendable occasions, beginning with 2002\u2019s Antwone Fisher and following up with 2007\u2019s The Great Debaters.<\/p>\n

In fact, the second feature that Washington handled was one that left a deep emotional impression on him. With a screenplay by Robert Eisele, based on a 1997 American Legacy article by Tony Scherman, The Great Debaters tells of the Wiley College debate team in Texas in 1935, a story that was taken in its arms by its director. <\/p>\n

\"Highest-2-Lowest<\/a>Credit: A24<\/p>\n

When discussing the film with Oprah<\/a>, Washington noted, \u201cMan, it just moved me. I felt an emotional connection.\u201d When conducting research for the film, starring Washington, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Whitaker and Kimberly Elise, Washington learned \u201cthat many black colleges, like Wiley and Morehouse, opened during the decade following the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation\u201d.<\/p>\n

At the time, it was widely believed that education was \u201cthe way out\u201d of poverty for a number of young African-Americans, and Washington explained that following the end of \u201cwhen millions of black people were finally let go after almost 250 years\u201d, they started to open up schools and educate themselves to a higher degree.<\/p>\n

Further reading: Cutting Room Floor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wiley College\u2019s debate coach Melvin B. Tolson, played by Washington himself, is at the centre of The Great Debaters, and Washington believes that he inspired his team to \u201cbeat these other national teams in the \u201930s\u201d. Such figures, also including WEB Du Bois, \u201ccouldn\u2019t teach at schools like Harvard or Columbia\u201d, but in setting up their own schools, they were able to inspire a new generation of young students.<\/p>\n

That sense of legacy became one of the film\u2019s central themes. Rather than focusing solely on the victories achieved by the debate team, the story emphasises the broader impact that mentors and educators can have on future generations.<\/p>\n

The actor and director also noted, \u201cBut the film is really about the kids and the journey of one boy in particular.\u201d It\u2019s commendable that Washington not only directed The Great Debaters, but also starred in it, and in the interview with Oprah Winfrey, he explained whether there was a challenge to having a dual role in the film\u2019s production.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m directing, I can\u2019t focus the way I\u2019m used to focusing as an actor because I don\u2019t have the quiet time,\u201d Washington said. \u201cI\u2019ve always taken 40 deep breaths for relaxation before I do a scene. During this movie, 40 breaths was all the time I had to myself! I\u2019m not that great at spinning ten plates at a time. I know that about myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, even without the time for preparation that Washington was used to, he still delivered a brilliant performance, one that he holds close to his heart for the kind of emotion it raised in him and its importance in telling a significant African-American narrative.<\/p>\n

The Great Debaters may not be as frequently discussed as some of Washington\u2019s most celebrated acting roles, but it remains one of the most personal projects of his career. By stepping behind the camera while also taking on a leading role, he helped bring an inspiring historical story to life, demonstrating the same commitment to meaningful storytelling that has defined his work for decades.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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