As I reflect upon the captivating journey of Denzel Washington, his life experiences and the roles he has embodied, I find myself deeply moved by the candidness with which he shares his personal struggles. In the film Flight, he masterfully portrayed an alcoholic pilot, a character that, while fictional, resonated with a reality that touched his soul.
In the 2012 movie titled Flight, Denzel Washington played a character named William “Whip” Whitaker Sr., an alcoholic airline pilot whose addiction was exposed after a plane crash caused by mechanical failure. Although Washington himself is not a real-life pilot, he could identify with parts of his character as he has struggled with drug and alcohol use in the past. Despite never being addicted to the point of being strung out, Washington acknowledges that his substance abuse did harm his body. As a result, he has remained sober for over 10 years.
In conversation with Esquire, Washington openly discussed his history with substances, focusing notably on wine. Regarding wine, he stated, “‘Wine can be deceptive. It moves gradually, not like an abrupt explosion.” His words hint at the possibility that the privilege of indulging in quality wines and enjoying their finest aspects might have led to his overindulgence.
I’ve never developed an addiction to hard drugs like heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. I’ve used drugs and alcohol, but I never became dependent or ‘strung out.’ My initial intention was more about appreciating wine, as in wine tastings, though I did indulge in the finest.
Denzel Washington Says He Never Drank While Making Movies
Washington openly acknowledges that expanding their home with a wine cellar provided him additional reasons to consume wine in greater quantities, which he justified as savoring the finest vintages. However, he admits that this wasn’t so much a problem as it seemed. The actor further stated:
As a connoisseur of fine wines, I’ve honed my palate to appreciate the finest vintages. So, I’ll be savoring my ’61s and ’82s, along with whatever other exquisite bottles remain in my collection. Wine has always been my passion, and now I find myself opening $4,000 bottles out of necessity. In the subsequent years, I would frequently reach out to Gil Turner’s Fine Wines and Spirits on Sunset Boulevard, requesting them to send me two bottles – the best of whatever exceptional variety they had in stock.
Before he knew it, his wife began asking why he was specifically ordering two bottles of wine, and he would tell her, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.” During his two bottles of wine habit, Washington admits he would drink both of them “over the course of the day.”
Despite the character I played in “Flight” being an alcoholic, I’m open about never imbibing during filming or while preparing for my roles. Though I may have indulged after wrapping that project, it wasn’t challenging for me to convincingly portray someone who wasted time due to excessive drinking. It’s worth noting that I had a consistent routine – tidying up, focusing on work, and then returning to familiar habits.
During my working hours or when I was getting ready for work, I abstained from drinking alcohol. I was capable of handling both tasks efficiently. After prolonged periods of work, often marked by a burst of activity, there would be a break, followed by a span of about three months where I indulged in wine. Then, it was back to work again.
As a passionate cinephile reflecting on my past, I can’t deny the probable toll that excessive drinking took on my health. However, over the last ten years, I’ve chosen sobriety, making this decision on my 60th birthday.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that I haven’t watched anything quite as impactful since my last viewing. However, with the world gradually opening up and life becoming more vibrant, much like the twilight years of someone in their seventies, it feels incredibly real and acceptable. This film seems to be the final act, if I am fortunate enough to have another thirty chapters unfold. My mother managed to reach ninety-seven, so I’m striving to do my best as well.
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2024-11-21 16:31