This is a cracking thriller. If it’s not on your watchlist, track it down and watch it when you can. It drips with style and boasts stellar performances from a cast that’s a who’s who of character actors—you know their faces from countless films and TV shows, but their names often elude you. Written and directed by Carl Franklin, based on Walter Mosley's 1990 novel of the same name.
Denzel Washington, as expected, delivers a fantastic performance, though that’s practically a given in any role he takes on. The film unfolds as a classic detective mystery, where the journey to the big reveal is the most satisfying part.
Meet Easy Rawlins, a hero in the war who, initially, isn’t a private detective but finds himself in the thick of it after getting laid off. With a mortgage to pay and a love for his house and neighbourhood (except for the tree-stealing guy), Easy crosses paths with Dewitt Albright. The latter hires him to track down a missing woman, setting the stage for a neo-noir tale that proves more challenging than Easy anticipated.
What follows is a captivating journey across Los Angeles, as Easy engages with bouncers, bartenders, mayoral candidates, criminals, and police, all the while dealing with harassment from homicide detectives and navigating encounters with racists and idiots. Amidst the chaos, Easy puts the pieces together to unravel the mystery of why everyone is after Daphne Monet. It’s a ride that keeps you on the edge, blending suspense, intrigue, and a touch of noir charm.
Tom Sizemore effortlessly channels his signature slimy psycho act in this one. As for Jennifer Beals, despite portraying the titular Devil in the Blue Dress, her role mainly revolves around providing exposition and serving as the catalyst for the unfolding events.
Enter Don Cheadle, making a late appearance as Mouse, Easy’s old friend, and let me tell you, he steals every scene he graces. Playing a high-energy character armed to the teeth, Mouse is all about helping Easy, even if that help often involves lots of gunfire. Cheadle’s portrayal injects a burst of dynamism into the movie, turning each of his appearances into memorable moments.
Denzel Washington and Jennifer Beals would reunite in The Book of Eli (2010), while Washington would share the screen once again with Don Cheadle in Flight (2012).
One fascinating aspect of the film is witnessing Easy Rawlins, portrayed by Washington, transform from an ordinary man into the unexpected role of a private detective. The evolution of his character adds depth to the narrative, and it’s regrettable that we never got to witness Denzel Washington continue this journey through a series of Easy Rawlins movies. The potential for further exploration of Easy’s life as a detective, as depicted in the books, remains an unfulfilled cinematic opportunity.