Mercedes and I checked out the new Denzel Washington film, Fences, earlier this week. It was a great film, great adaptation of the famous play. The acting was spectacular but I expected that since the entire cast basically reprised their roles from the Broadway play. Denzel Washington played his role well. In fact, it made me think of another role he played well: John Creasy. That brings me to this week’s moment in the Flashback Friday series: Man on Fire.
How I first came across this moment? I came across Man on Fire late in the game…like in October 2004. It was playing at the $1 theatre on North Ashley in Valdosta. As typical for a guy in my position—unmarried, not of legal drinking age, not a clubber—I didn’t have anything better else to do on a Friday evening. So I scored a ticket and watched.
What it meant to me then? I immediately liked it. Creasy was all business when it came to getting justice for Pita (Dakota Fanning), who gave him a 2nd life. His revenge tour was both spectacular and ruthless. I thought it was his best role at the time…even better than Training Day.
What it means to me now? Just over 12 years later, I no longer think that John Creasy was his best role. That distinction now belongs to his role as Frank Barnes in Unstoppable. There’s something about being a veteran of your craft in an intense, unpredictable, and dangerous situation that brings out the best in you. I still got love for Man on Fire though. It’s one of the best revenge movies ever. Besides, it gave me one of the coldest lines ever when he busted into that elderly couple’s house: “forgiveness is between them and God…it’s my job to arrange the meeting”. Oh, and I can’t forget how Christopher Walken said “I have nothing else to say” and he literally said nothing else the rest of the film. Man on Fire was great. I’m honored to have it in my film library.
