Denzel Washington could have played another character in Inside Man

Spike Lee in the movie “Inside Man” It is a loving tribute to New York City and Sidney Lumet in “Dog Day Afternoon” Filled with post-9/11 anxieties, an eclectic cast, and unexpected twists. Stylish and exciting, this popcorn movie revolves around a game of wits between law enforcement officers and bank robbers as they try to extract the hostages safely. All this is happening against the backdrop of corruption on Wall Street and the bank owner who has blood on his hands.

There is palpable tension between Keith Frazier, who wants to become a first-rate detective after being falsely accused of stealing money from a drug raid, and thief Dalton Russell, who claims he will pull off “the perfect bank robbery.” Spike Lee offered these two lead roles to Denzel Washington, who starred in many of his other films such as Mo’ Better Blues, “Malcolm X” And “He’s got a game.” like Spike Lee told GamesRadar+ (formerly Total Film)“When you deal with someone like Denzel, you don’t dictate what role he’s going to play.” Denzel Washington’s reputation and relationship with Spike Lee give him carte blanche, what will he be – bank robber or good guy?

According to Spike Lee, Denzel Washington told him, “I have to play a cop because the other guy’s face is covered for the whole movie!” (via GamesRadar+) Clive Owen had similar concerns about the role when Spike Lee offered him the role of robber Dalton Russell because he was hidden with a mask and sunglasses throughout the entire script. Owen explains to GQ breaks down his most famous characters The script has been modified to include a few moments revealing his face. These end up being some of the best scenes in the film because they are so limited, including the interesting opening where he breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly with his cunning plans and Shakespeare references.

Clive Owen He mentions in his interview with GQ that Spike Lee told him he needed someone who could “go toe-to-toe with Denzel because he’s so strong.” Owen’s steady, cool demeanor as a cucumber is the perfect face to Washington’s charismatic swagger. The showmanship and assertiveness Washington brought to many of his performances was perfect for the role of Frasier, making his quick thinking and determination to solve the case seem even more urgent. Clive Owen is known for his quieter roles. Although they are both great actors and can easily swap roles, their distinct performance styles fit the characters perfectly, making watching the cat-and-mouse game between them all the more exciting.