Denzel Washington is a rare breed in Hollywood, a man who doesn’t toe the line of arrogance, vapidity, and radical leftism that often plagues the entertainment industry. Though not a conservative, he’s known for speaking the truth in a way that’s refreshingly rational and grounded.
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2016, Denzel didn’t mince words when addressing the overblown drama surrounding movie-making. While some actors were comparing their craft to going to war zones, Denzel had a reality check for them. He bluntly stated, “People say ‘the difficulty of making a movie.’ Well, send your son to Iraq. That’s difficult. It’s just a movie, relax. I don’t play that precious nonsense. Your son got shot in the face? That’s difficult. Making a movie is a luxury. It’s a gift. But don’t get it twisted, it’s just a movie.”
Denzel’s remarks were a much-needed counter to Tom Cruise’s infamous 2013 statement, where he somewhat misleadingly compared filming a movie to a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Cruise had described acting as akin to competing in the Olympics, with the grueling nature of shooting a film. However, he later clarified that he didn’t intend to equate his work with the hardships faced by soldiers in combat.
TMZ had initially reported Cruise’s statement as if he had directly compared acting to war, sparking a storm of criticism. Cruise’s lawyer, Bert Fields, swiftly clarified that the actor’s words were taken out of context. Fields pointed to Cruise’s response when asked if acting and fighting in Afghanistan were the same, to which Cruise responded, “Oh, come on.” It was clear that Cruise didn’t believe they were equivalent, but the media frenzy persisted.
Denzel Washington’s no-nonsense attitude resonates with many Americans who are tired of Hollywood’s self-importance and detachment from reality. His candid remarks serve as a reminder that movie-making, while an art form, pales in comparison to the sacrifices made by those in actual war zones.
In an era where Hollywood often appears out of touch with everyday Americans, Denzel stands out as a voice of reason. He doesn’t shy away from addressing the industry’s excesses and bringing a much-needed perspective to the table.
While Denzel may not identify as a conservative, his willingness to challenge the status quo in Hollywood aligns with the values held by many conservatives. He exemplifies the idea that truth and common sense should trump political ideology.
As we continue to navigate the turbulent waters of entertainment and media, Denzel Washington’s powerful message serves as a beacon of clarity and common sense. It’s a reminder that in the world of make-believe, a dose of reality is sometimes the most valuable gift of all. Denzel may not play “precious nonsense,” but he certainly plays a crucial role in keeping Hollywood grounded.
In a time when Hollywood can feel like a world apart from Main Street America, Denzel Washington remains a down-to-earth voice that transcends political boundaries. His message is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful statement one can make is to speak the truth with unwavering conviction, regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum.
