Denzel’s Hidden Thriller Gem: A Look Back at ‘Out of Time‘
“For me, Denzel Washington’s best movie isn’t ‘Training Day,’ although I can probably recite all 122 pages of the script from memory. It’s also none of the usual suspects, like one of his numerous collaborations with Spike Lee or the late, great Tony Scott. For me, Denzel Washington’s most entertaining film, the one I can remember ad infinitum, the one that occupies a special place in my heart despite not being his ‘best’ film, according to the objective consensus of critics, would be ‘Out of Time,’ and neo-noir oft-overlooked, but by no means insignificant, 2003 track.”
Right now, around the world, viewers can enjoy the great talents of Denzel, who elevates the talent of the large cast of ‘Gladiator II’ by Ridley Scott, and reaffirms that, when it comes to debating who is the Greatest Living Actor, there is only one option: Him. All of this has made me think about ‘Out of Time,’ which I just realized was probably my first experience with Denzel Washington on the big screen: age 13, at the Clearview Theaters in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Few probably remember it so clearly, and who can blame them: it’s a B-movie thriller that was released shortly after he won the Oscar for best actor for ‘Training Day’ and just before ‘The Fallen.’ But even on that scale, it hits us as hard as in his most acclaimed performances.
A Twist on the Classic Thriller
This is not a nostalgic trap, since, regardless of all the times I have caught reruns like ‘Training Day’ or ‘The Bone Collector’ on television, ‘Out of Time’ is probably the Denzel Washington film that has been revisited the most. Denzel has great performances in big movies and huge performances in smaller movies. ‘Out of Time’ is neither one nor the other. Directed by Carl Franklin—who already directed Denzel in ‘The Devil in a Blue Dress,’ another classic of the actor— it is one of those sexy mid-budget B-series thrillers that disappeared from multiplexes in the 2010s. Today it would be an Apple TV+ series where the plot quickly dissipates; As it stands, the film barely reaches 100 minutes and the result is a tense thriller that basically keeps taking Denzel from one fire to another, with expectations high enough to keep you interested but never too serious to take away the fun. We will probably never see a scene from this film at an honorary awards ceremony, but it is the only Denzel Washington film in which he takes advantage of all his movie star charisma to keep the audience in suspense before the arrival of a fax.
Good or bad, the charismatic characters in Denzel’s pantheon usually have things clear, or at least they have perfected the art of appearing to have things clear. ‘Out of Time’ is delicious for being his only small role. He plays Police Chief Matt Whitlock, a big shot in cargo pants and Monarch sneakers in South Florida, a pond so small that size hardly matters. He’s cool, sure, but all of Denzel’s characters assume they’re cool, because Denzel is. And that patented ease and security only lasts about 30 minutes before Matt finds himself drawn into a conspiracy ‘noir’ of airport paperback proportions, and then the fun really begins: we see Denzel having a hard time.
What makes “Out of Time” a “hidden gem” worth watching for fans of Denzel Washington?
## Interview with Alex Reed about “Out of Time”
**Interviewer:** Alex Reed, you recently wrote a passionate piece about Denzel Washington’s often-overlooked film, “Out of Time.” What sparked this revisit to a film that premiered over two decades ago?
**Alex Reed:** You know, Denzel’s performance in “Gladiator II” just reignited my appreciation for his incredible range as an actor. Watching him lead such a sprawling cast reminded me of another performance that really showcased his talent – “Out of Time.” It’s a film that I saw as a teenager and has stuck with me ever since.
**Interviewer:** What makes “Out of Time” so special, in your opinion?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a classic neo-noir thriller, a genre I absolutely love. “[Web search result 1](https://tubitv.com/movies/312423/out-of-time)” describes it perfectly – a small-town police chief caught in a web of suspicion, trying to solve a murder while proving his own innocence. Denzel’s performance is electric, he brings this vulnerability and determination to the role that’s captivating.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a real hidden gem! Why do you think it’s often overlooked?
**Alex Reed:** Maybe it’s because it came out right after his Oscar win for “Training Day.” It might have been overshadowed by that success, or the bigger-budget films that followed. But that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable or worthy of revisiting.
**Interviewer:** For people who love Denzel Washington but might not have seen “Out of Time,” what would you say to convince them to give it a watch?
**Alex Reed:** Trust me, it’s a thrilling ride. It’s a reminder that Denzel can excel in any genre, and it’s a truly entertaining watch even if you’re not a die-hard noir fan. Plus, it’s readily available on Tubi, making it easy for viewers to experience this hidden gem.
