Denzel Washington's 1991 Crime Thriller: A Script Meant for Another Star

Denzel Washington's Underrated 1990s Film: Ricochet

Denzel Washington is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood history, known for his powerful performances and ability to bring depth to every role he plays. While he gained widespread recognition for his Oscar-winning performance in Glory, it was during the 1990s that Washington truly solidified his status as a movie star. This decade saw him take on a wide range of roles, from dramatic films like Malcolm X and Philadelphia to action-packed hits such as Crimson Tide and The Pelican Brief. Long before he became synonymous with the The Equalizer series, Washington was already building a reputation as a formidable action star.

However, not all of his films received the attention they deserved. One such overlooked gem from this era is Ricochet, a crime thriller that showcases Washington at his best. Despite being a relatively underrated film, Ricochet offers a compelling story, strong performances, and a unique blend of action and psychological tension.

A Strong Performance by Denzel Washington

In Ricochet, Washington plays Nick Styles, a former police officer turned District Attorney who finds himself targeted by a dangerous criminal named Blake (played by John Lithgow). The plot follows a familiar trope of a hero being pursued by a vengeful villain, but the film adds a psychological twist that sets it apart from typical genre fare.

Blake isn’t just interested in killing Nick—he wants to play a sadistic game, tormenting him and reveling in the power he holds over him. This dynamic creates a tense and gripping narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout the film.

Washington’s performance is particularly noteworthy. He brings a level of intensity and complexity to his character that elevates the material. Unlike a traditional hero, Nick Styles has flaws and vulnerabilities, which Washington portrays with nuance. His portrayal of the character grounds the more exaggerated elements of the story, making the film feel authentic and emotionally resonant.

An Interesting Origin Story

What makes Ricochet even more intriguing is its origin. Originally, the film was conceived as a Dirty Harry sequel. Writer Fred Dekker, a fan of the first two Dirty Harry movies, was disappointed with the later entries in the franchise and decided to write his own script. He envisioned a story where the iconic character Harry Callahan would face a vengeful criminal he had once put away.

However, the project didn’t end up becoming a Dirty Harry film. Clint Eastwood, who played the original character, reportedly felt the script was too grim and passed on the role. After that, the project was reworked, and the lead character was changed from Harry Callahan to Nick Styles. Eventually, the role found its way to Denzel Washington, who made the film his own.

A Different Approach to the Genre

While Ricochet shares some similarities with the classic thriller Cape Fear, it manages to carve out its own identity. The film avoids many of the clichés often associated with action and crime thrillers, thanks in part to its nuanced storytelling and strong performances.

Dekker also mentioned that after Eastwood declined the role, he tried to get Kurt Russell to star in the film. However, the project eventually landed with Washington, whose performance brought a new energy and depth to the story.

Had Ricochet been a Dirty Harry movie, it might have received more attention. But considering how well Washington performed in the role, it’s hard to imagine the film being as effective with a different actor. His portrayal of Nick Styles helped elevate the material and made the film stand out in a crowded genre.

Conclusion

Ricochet may not be the most well-known film in Denzel Washington’s filmography, but it is certainly one of the most underrated. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and unique blend of action and psychological tension, the film deserves more recognition. It serves as a testament to Washington’s versatility as an actor and his ability to transform even the most standard scripts into compelling cinematic experiences.