Learning curve continues for Washington and Jordan
Preparing to direct A Journal for Jordan, a bittersweet love story opening on Christmas Day, Denzel Washington says he took a “master class.”
The master class consisted of starring in a movie directed by Joel Coen, The Tragedy of Macbeth, which opens the same day. “I steal from the best,” Washington said with a smile.
Washington the actor has about 60 films under his belt, plus two Oscars. At 66, he is universally regarded as one of the all-time greats.
Washington the director has just completed his fourth feature. “I don’t call myself a director,” he said. “I’m still learning.”
Before A Journal for Jordan, based on the book by former New York Times editor Dana Canedy about her fiance, who fought and died in Iraq, and the journal of life lessons he left their baby son, Washington’s most recent directorial effort was Fences. The 2016 film version of the August Wilson play starred Washington himself and Viola Davis, who won an Oscar.
Washington directed himself in his other two feature outings as well — The Great Debaters in 2007 and Antwone Fisher in 2002. But he would rather stay offscreen when he’s at the helm.
“I prefer not being in the films,” he said. “Early on, it had to do with me being able to raise the money to get the films made. Then Fences, obviously we had great success onstage, so that translated to film. But I enjoy being a more behind-the-scenes kind of guy.”
Aside from his recent collaboration with Coen, whom he calls “one of the greatest directors,” Washington said he sought insight from some other directors he admires.
“I spent a great day with Paul Thomas Anderson a month or so ago, to listen to how he works,” he said. “And Steve McQueen, I’ve been talking with a little bit. I’m learning how to do it, so I’m interested in learning from the best. So, I’ve been talking to the best.”
Michael B. Jordan said he, too, is interested in learning from the best — which is why it was so rewarding for him to be directed by Washington. The actor gives a charismatic performance as Canedy’s fiance, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 at age 48. (Canedy is portrayed by Chanté Adams.)
“To be able to work so closely with him was really important,” Jordan said. “It was a master class, honestly.
“As an actor, you know, growing up, watching all his movies, watching his performances and being curious about his process — like: ‘Man, I wonder how the greatest of all time rehearses’ or how he breaks down his character,’ Jordan said.
“His perspective of character is so layered. You really realize: ‘Oh, this is why you’re Denzel, got it! I’ve been doing great, but then this is the next level.’”
Jordan said working with Washington was especially important given that he’s about to embark on his own directorial debut, directing — and starring in — the upcoming Creed III.
“Knowing that I was directing Creed III next, he made it a point to take me to the side a lot, you know? I was always kind of in his back pocket, watching and asking questions and him giving me little gems,” Jordan said.
Jordan told how Washington asked him one day whether he had a storyboard artist lined up — he hadn’t, and wasn’t planning to for several months — and within moments, Washington was making introductions.
“He was like: ‘No, no, get one now,’ ” Jordan said. “He picked up his phone and he called this guy, Warren Drummond. And he was like: ‘Warren, it’s D. I got Mike B. here, and he’s getting ready to direct Creed III.’ ” Washington put Jordan on the phone and a deal was made.
“So it’s from something as generous as that to, he was always giving me advice for what to look for because there’s another layer to it — there’s not a lot of people who have directed themselves,” Jordan said. “And that’s what’s really challenging for me on this one.”
Washington, Jordan said, told him that he needed to “identify the few opinions that you’re really going to anchor your choices on, because you’re not going to have time to run back to the monitors every take and see what you got.”
Washington said the original plan was not for him to direct.He became involved with the project through longtime producing partner Todd Black 12 years ago, shortly after Canedy wrote her story. It took eight years to develop a script. When Washington saw the screenplay, penned by Virgil Williams, he said: “I’d direct this.” He said he was drawn by the beauty of the love story — sad, but uplifting.
Jordan, who also was attached to the project for several years before the movie got made, said he found a lot to identify with in a father writing for his infant son.
“I journal a lot, and I think about legacy all the time,” Jordan said. “And one day having a family. And I think about my time on this Earth, and what do I do with it?”