Actor Denzel Washington, who turns 60 this year, is one of the most well-known black leading men of the past 30 years. With his disarming overbite, stony gaze, and reserved manner, the actor has managed to make himself one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. However, his versatility does not stop at acting. Washington has also played the role of villains in films like The Equalizer and American Gangster.
Whannell has previously worked with James Wan on the Saw and Insidious franchises. This allowed him to learn from the legendary director before landing his first directing gig with Invisible Man. The film won the best picture Oscar at the 2019 Oscars, and its success paved the way for Whannell to direct other films. Washington’s film is not perfect, but it is smart and surprisingly well-made for the most part.
Invisible Man addresses systemic racism in America, and explores the role of race in shaping black men’s lives. The film is an important work for any viewer interested in the intersection of race and gender. While it is a deeply personal story, it is also an important work of social commentary that is necessary for the current political climate.