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Being an acclaimed Oscar-winning actor like Denzel Washington offers certain advantages, such as having the freedom to select roles without always needing to go through auditions. In today’s Hollywood, there are only a handful of actors who can claim this luxury, and Denzel Washington is one of them. Recently, the actor announced that he has approximately five films in production, and when he completes these projects, he may consider retiring. There would be no cause for complaint on the part of fans when such a day arrives, as they have already been treated to numerous enduring masterpieces by Washington.

Denzel Washington’s films are never deemed unwatchable; even those with mediocre reviews remain engaging due to his exceptional acting. However, his filmography might have been slightly diverse if he hadn’t declined certain roles. The actor has admitted to turning down offers from directors like those of Furious 7, Hotel Rwanda, Michael Clayton, Amistad, A Perfect World, and 48 Hours, among others. But what he regrets the most is not accepting the role in David Fincher’s crime thriller, Se7en.

‘Se7en’ Has a Delusional Serial Killer with Biblical Leanings

Similar to numerous films directed by David Fincher, Se7en stands out due to its meticulous attention to detail and unexpected plot twists, in contrast to the multitude of ’90s thrillers that seemed more focused on aesthetics, shock value, and visual impact. In this movie, we are initially introduced to Detective Lieutenant William Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman), a seasoned police officer nearing retirement. For his final weeks, he is teamed up with David Mills (portrayed by Brad Pitt), a new, bold, optimistic detective who has just relocated to the city with his wife. Somerset had hoped for a peaceful conclusion to his career, but little did he know things would take an unexpected turn.

Before Mills has had a moment to relax, he and Somerset are given an unusual assignment. A man, overweight, was compelled to consume until his stomach ruptured, leading to his death. The word “gluttony” is scrawled on the wall. Disturbed, Somerset requests a change of duty, but is denied by the higher-ups who say, “Absolutely not!” He must track down this malevolent force first. The next day, the two officers discover another victim, who was forced to remove a pound of flesh from his own body. “Greed” is written at the crime scene. Recognizing that the killer is targeting individuals who have transgressed the seven deadly sins of Christianity, the law enforcement swiftly deduce this.

In this particular cinematic genre, it’s not the swift resolution of murder that captivates us, but the methodical and laborious investigation by the police to bring about results, even if they come slowly. However, you’ll find it fascinating. To track down the murderer, Mills and Somerset delve into libraries searching for individuals who have borrowed books on the seven deadly sins. This strategy proves fruitful, leading them to an apartment belonging to a man known only as John Doe. Upon returning home, Doe is pursued by Mills, but instead of attacking him, Doe strikes Mills with a tire iron and leaves him incapacitated. Yet, he spares Mills’ life and escapes. Upon searching the apartment, the police discover numerous notebooks, photographs of victims, and a substantial amount of money.

Additional victims are murdered, leaving Mills and Somerset feeling hopeless. Then, unexpectedly, Doe arrives at the police station, covered in blood, and turns himself in. He’s arrogant and says he’ll plead insanity unless they go with him to a secret location where he has other people, guilty of sins like envy and wrath. Doe claims that God has selected him to mete out punishment to humanity. How will the cops handle this unique psychopath? In the end, justice is served, but only after a long, twisting journey filled with bodies. The shocking ending – both thought-provoking and emotionally moving – is one of the best from any Hollywood movie, a tantalizing hint of what David Fincher would later accomplish with some of his famous films.

More victims are slain, causing Mills and Somerset to feel dejected. Suddenly, Doe, dripping in blood, shows up at the police station and surrenders. He boasts that he’ll claim insanity unless they accompany him to a hidden location where he keeps people who have sinned against envy and wrath. Doe believes God has chosen him to inflict punishment on humanity. The officers are faced with this unusual criminal mind. In the climax, justice prevails, but only after a convoluted path filled with dead bodies. The gripping ending – both thought-provoking and emotionally charged – is one of the best from any Hollywood film, a tantalizing sneak peek at what David Fincher would later create with some of his iconic productions.

Washington Felt ‘Se7en’ Was Too “Demonic”

In an informal chat with Jamie Foxx during a 2018 interview for Grey Goose Vodka, Denzel Washington was asked if there had been a role he declined but later regretted. Pondering over his response, he admitted that turning down the part in Se7en was something he still regretted. He explained that at the time, he found it too dark for his taste.

Initially, I found the script too demonic. After watching the movie, however, I realized my initial judgment was off. In essence, I had made a mistake. Fortunately, things turned out just fine in the end.

This gritty thriller, shrouded in perpetual gloom and punctuated by ominous sounds of bustling traffic and dreary interiors, sends a shiver down one’s spine and embodies the essence of an unrelenting dread. Reading about these harrowing events on paper could be even more unsettling, explaining Washington’s apprehension. Interestingly, Washington confessed that he was initially slated to portray Mills, a role eventually secured by Brad Pitt. This proposed casting would have reunited Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman for the second time, following their triumphant collaboration in the 1989 film, “Glory.” That movie brought Washington his first accolade, and he would probably have earned another here, though neither Pitt nor Freeman received recognition from the Academy for their performances.

An article from the Los Angeles Times discloses that at first, director Fincher was reluctant about Pitt portraying Mills, a surprising stance given Pitt’s status as a highly sought-after movie star after hits like Thelma & Louise, True Romance, and Interview with the Vampire. Initially, Fincher thought Pitt didn’t align with his vision for the character. However, upon meeting the actor, Fincher reconsidered, admitting that Pitt had enough charm to make audiences appreciate Mills, regardless of the character’s actions.

As a film critic, I’d say: Brad Pitt turned down numerous film roles that typically cast him as a ‘bro’ or romantic lead, yearning instead for projects with gritty urban backdrops and compelling narratives. To embody this new character, he shed his locks and trimmed down from his “Legends of the Fall” physique. Although the movie didn’t garner any awards for him personally, it catapulted his career to greater heights.

Washington’s Shaky ’90s Run Could Have Been More Memorable with ‘Se7en’

It’s evident that the role in Se7en would have been a fantastic addition to Washington’s resume, and it certainly stands out. For much of his career, the actor known for Gladiator II has had relatively smooth sailing, but the 1990s could be seen as his least stellar period. Out of the 18 films he starred in during this decade, only three truly left a lasting impression: Malcolm X, Philadelphia, and Courage Under Fire. The rest were solid performances (better than many other actors can claim for their own work), but they didn’t quite reach iconic status.

During the latter part of the ’90s, Washington experienced a particularly difficult period, as films such as “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The Devil in a Blue Dress” were released without much fanfare. In an attempt to rectify his mistake in Se7en, the leading actor decided to star in Fallen, a supernatural cop thriller about a detective chasing a copycat killer. Unfortunately, this film only managed to gross $25 million at the box office, significantly less than its production budget of $46 million. The screenwriters appeared to take more pleasure in crafting an array of shady urban characters than they did in developing a substantial investigative plot, which was filled with loosely connected McGuffins.

Washington’s exceptional talent truly flourished at the dawn of the new millennium, as films such as “Training Day,” “Man on Fire,” “Inside Man,” and “American Gangster” catapulted him into the upper echelons of Hollywood. Since then, he has shown no signs of slowing down, remaining one of the most sought-after actors in Tinseltown today.

It’s quite possible that Washington would have excelled in the role of Mills. In fact, Mills seems to possess characteristics and narrative arcs that Washington has showcased brilliantly throughout his career. Washington’s character often embodies a strong sense of justice, but it’s tainted with hints of complacency, amorality, and cunning arrogance. This complex portrayal of a cop makes the character unconventional and deeply flawed, offering a fresh take on the typical Hollywood crime-fighting protagonist. Ambition, bravery, and frustration are traits that Washington has convincingly portrayed in films like “Training Day” and “Malcolm X,” among others.

Furthermore, he has appeared in multiple movies featuring protagonist pairs instead of solo characters. Notably, he and Freeman would have worked together seamlessly given their shared acting history. Unfortunately, this collaboration did not come to fruition; however, it’s doubtful that any of the parties will hold a grudge over the outcome.

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2025-05-26 03:04