For many actors, box office numbers don’t always reflect the quality of their work, and for Denzel Washington, one film stands out as both his proudest achievement and biggest career regret. Released 26 years ago, this gripping sports biopic failed to capture the mainstream audience it deserved, despite a powerful performance, critical acclaim, and an Oscar nomination.
The Story of a Boxer Fighting for His Freedom
The film, Hurricane Carter, tells the true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a promising boxer whose career was cut short when he was wrongfully convicted of a triple homicide. The movie explores Carter’s struggles in prison, his unwavering fight to prove his innocence, and the efforts of a young man and his adoptive family to clear his name.
Inspired by Carter’s autobiography, The Sixteenth Round, as well as the non-fiction book Lazarus and the Hurricane, the film tackles racial injustice and the deep flaws within the legal system. Directed by Norman Jewison, known for classics like In the Heat of the Night and The Thomas Crown Affair, the film had all the ingredients for success. Washington, known for his intense preparation, even trained as a boxer and worked closely with Carter himself to bring authenticity to the role.
Controversy Over Historical Accuracy
Despite its compelling storytelling and emotional depth, Hurricane Carter sparked controversy for taking creative liberties with real events. One of the most debated points was the portrayal of Joey Giardello, Carter’s boxing rival. The film implies that Giardello’s victory was the result of racial bias from the judges, a claim that led to a lawsuit against the producers. The case was eventually settled out of court, with the filmmakers acknowledging Giardello’s legitimacy as a champion.
Other historical inaccuracies included the depiction of Carter as a decorated soldier (in reality, he was discharged for unfitness) and a fabricated scene suggesting that the police falsified an emergency call to frame him. While these changes were made to enhance the drama, they also led to backlash from historians and critics.
A Financial Disappointment Despite Critical Praise
Despite strong reviews and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, Hurricane Carter struggled at the box office, earning $74 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. In later interviews, Denzel Washington blamed the studio’s marketing strategy, believing that the film was mishandled and prematurely pushed as an “Oscar contender”, which ultimately limited its reach.
“The studio didn’t release it properly, and it got buried. They were too focused on Oscar positioning, and it ended up hurting the film. But I think it’s one of those movies whose reputation will grow over time. It’s the one I’m most proud of, alongside Malcolm X.”
Washington also noted that director Norman Jewison felt deeply betrayed by the marketing team, as he had poured his heart into the project and was frustrated by how it was treated post-release.
A Legacy That Endures
Although it didn’t achieve box office success, Hurricane Carter remains a powerful film that continues to resonate with audiences. Over the years, its reputation has grown, and for Denzel Washington, it stands as one of his most significant performances—a role that, despite its setbacks, remains one of the most defining moments of his career.