20 Incredible Film Performances That Didn't Get The Credit They Deserved
17. Denzel Washington - Man On Fire (2004)
Denzel Washington is rightly regarded as one of the most talented and bankable actors in the business; six Academy Award nominations, two wins and one of the most consistent box office track records in Hollywood. Never anything less than watchable onscreen, one of his most underrated performances comes in Tony Scott's violent revenge flick. As the alcoholic, guilt-ridden former CIA man-turned-bodyguard suffering from depression, Washington admirably keeps his natural charisma subdued to create sympathy for a character that seems to have lost his faith in humanity. Washington's rapport with his young charge put the audience firmly on his side as he goes on a brutal rampage to rescue her from kidnappers. Man on Fire was a critical and commercial disappointment, which is probably part of the reason that Washington's performance is largely overlooked, but his portrayal of self-loathing antihero John Creasy is up there with his best work of the last decade.
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