By Jeffrey Rapaport
| Published
If there’s one film that defines Denzel Washington’s career, it’s Training Day. Released in 2001, this crime thriller didn’t just solidify Washington’s status as one of Hollywood’s finest actors; it showcased him at his absolute peak, a master at working within the morally gray. Playing Detective Alonzo Harris, a corrupt, manipulative narcotics cop, Washington brought a level of intensity and complexity to the role that has made it his most iconic performance.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Training Day tells the story of Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), a rookie cop who’s assigned to spend his first day on the job with Harris. What should’ve been a typical introduction to the harsh realities of narcotics policing turns into an increasingly uncomfortable and dangerous ride through the corrupt underbelly of Los Angeles.
Over the course of a single, relentless 24-hour period, Hoyt is exposed to an escalating series of morally dubious (and outright criminal) actions orchestrated by Harris. From dealing drugs with informants to robbing a drug dealer to settle a debt with the Russian mob, Hoyt’s world is turned upside down as Harris pushes him further into a morally murky situation.
The true heart of Training Day is Denzel Washington. His performance as Harris creates a character who is both charismatic and terrifying. Alonzo Harris embodies the ultimate anti-hero: someone who justifies his every action, no matter how corrupt or violent, with the belief that it’s all for the greater good.
His portrayal of Harris won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and it was deserved. This is a role that could’ve easily been one-note, but Washington makes it unforgettable. He’s both the villain and the victim of his philosophy, and he owns every moment.
Ethan Hawke, playing the naïve, idealistic rookie cop Jake Hoyt, is the perfect foil to Washington’s Harris. Hoyt starts the day with a clear sense of right and wrong, but over the course of the film, he’s forced to confront the harsh realities of policing and his own moral limits.
Hawke’s performance isn’t as showy as Washington’s, but it’s incredibly effective. He portrays Hoyt’s growing discomfort and moral confusion with a subtlety that complements Washington’s larger-than-life presence. It’s a nuanced performance, one that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and his chemistry with Washington is key to the film’s success.
Training Day Was Not As Successful As You Think
Critically, Training Day did not earn universal praise. It was, however, a solid success, with a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It had similar scores with audiences, and currently holds a 7.7 on IMDB. What it did do was get people talking, and that talk led to longer-term success.
Its wins were clearer at the box office. With a budget of $45 million, Training Day grossed over $76 million domestically and over $104 million worldwide. This solid financial performance, coupled with the critical praise, made the film a landmark in Washington’s career.
Seen in the rear view, it’s clear that Training Day isn’t just Denzel Washington’s best role, it’s one of the best crime thrillers of the 21st century. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth a watch. And if you’ve seen it before, it’s worth revisiting. Because, much like Alonzo Harris, Training Day will stick with you long after it’s over.
