The last of the Denzel Washington and Tony Scott movie collaborations arrived in 2010 with “Unstoppable,” a film that succeeded in revitalizing their partnership following a lackluster previous project. This action thriller not only brought Washington together with Chris Pine as train conductors racing against disaster, but also closed the creative journey between the acclaimed actor and director on a positive note, especially after their earlier remake failed to impress both critics and audiences.
How Their Creative Partnership Evolved Over Five Films
Denzel Washington has become known for building strong working relationships with accomplished directors, notably Spike Lee and Antoine Fuqua, but his collaborations with Tony Scott produced several standout entries in Washington’s filmography. Throughout their five films together, Washington and Scott tackled a variety of genres, delivering projects like “Man on Fire” and exploring new versions of classic material. Their shared approach brought intensity and a touch of humanity to the action and thriller genres, which became a signature of their work.
The final entry in their partnership came with “Unstoppable,” which marked the end not only of their filmic collaborations but also coincidentally Tony Scott’s career, as the director passed away in 2012. While their previous venture, a remake of “The Taking of Pelham 123,” stumbled to find its footing, their decision to return for another train-centered story proved to be a redeeming move that showcased the strengths of both filmmaker and star one last time.
A Tale of Two Train Films: From Disappointment to Redemption
The 2009 remake of “The Taking of Pelham 123” was anticipated as the next significant project between Denzel Washington and Tony Scott. This film, based on the 1974 original, saw Washington in the role of a subway dispatcher who is reluctantly thrust into the role of negotiator during a hostage crisis led by John Travolta’s criminal character. The tension was palpable, and while the stakes were high, the movie did not capture the wit and energy that made the original so beloved. Key characters such as Walter Garber, played by Washington, and the villain, differentiated starkly from their predecessors, shifting the tone into more serious territory and sacrificing the humor that audiences remembered.
The problem lay in contrasting approaches: Whereas the 1974 film balanced humor and suspense, the remake focused on grit and action but lacked levity. Travolta’s performance provided some eccentricity, yet missed the subtle menace of Robert Shaw’s original villain, and Washington’s morally complex protagonist proved a more somber counterpart to Walter Matthau’s gruff, comedic hero. The result was a film that, despite decent box office performance, was met with mixed reviews and failed to energize the partnership.
Against expectations, the duo quickly took on another train-centered story with “Unstoppable.” Unlike its predecessor, “Unstoppable” fully embraced the thrill and excitement of its over-the-top premise. Denzel Washington portrayed Frank Barnes, a veteran train conductor partnered with Chris Pine’s character, as they worked to prevent a runaway train from causing destruction in a nearby town. The film’s lighter touch, laced with action and moments of humor, struck a tone more reminiscent of the original “The Taking of Pelham 123” than the direct remake. Audiences responded well to this blend, appreciating the balance of spectacle and fun that Washington and Scott delivered.
“Unstoppable”: A Memorable Farewell to Tony Scott’s Filmmaking
Unbeknownst to those involved at the time, “Unstoppable” would stand as Tony Scott’s final directorial work. The film’s high-octane sequences and commitment to practical effects underlined Scott’s approach as a modern action director unafraid to experiment with genre conventions. Signature moments included shots of helicopters, explosive train crashes, and gripping scenes on the speeding locomotive, all of which relied more on real stunts than digital effects. This practical style intensified the suspense and showcased Scott’s ability to craft exhilarating set pieces.
Throughout his career, Tony Scott earned a reputation for infusing his movies with relentless energy while maintaining visual flair. “Unstoppable” proved no exception, beginning with immediate urgency and sustaining momentum until the end. It refrained from overstaying its welcome, demonstrating Scott’s knack for delivering satisfying, crowd-pleasing entertainment.
The film also elevated Denzel Washington’s performance, offering a character who was approachable, skilled, and engaging. The chemistry between Washington and Chris Pine provided an added layer of audience investment. Washington’s portrayal as Frank Barnes, a figure striving to prevent catastrophe, anchored the film’s tension and heightened the emotional stakes, drawing on his experience of playing nuanced heroes across multiple Tony Scott projects.
Industry Praise and the Film’s Lasting Legacy
While “Unstoppable” might not have been celebrated as Tony Scott’s absolute pinnacle alongside legendary hits like “Top Gun” or “Days of Thunder,” it earned critical respect for its craft and entertainment value. Quentin Tarantino, who previously worked with Scott on “True Romance,” offered glowing remarks about “Unstoppable,” underscoring its impact in the director’s career:
“And when I saw it, it just blew me away so much. Both the combination of just the movie that’s on the screen, the movie that is there, and the idea that it’s one of the last great movies from one of the last great directors of all time, at the height of his powers, doing what he does…It was my #10 of my top 10 of the decade. And frankly, now after watching it again for this [podcast], it should be higher.”
-Quentin Tarantino, Director
Scott’s focus on authentic thrills and kinetic storytelling helped cement “Unstoppable” as a fitting send-off. The project resonated not only as an explosive action film but also as a testament to Scott’s ability to keep audiences invested with strong character work, effective pacing, and a tangible sense of danger. His unique directorial style brought out the best in Denzel Washington, whose performances as John W. Creasy, Doug Carlin, Walter Garber, and Frank Barnes collectively charted a journey of characters overcoming adversity through determination and wit.
The Impact of Their Final Collaboration
The closing chapter of Tony Scott’s career with “Unstoppable” represents a significant moment in both his and Denzel Washington’s professional history. The film demonstrated how a creative duo can return to form after missteps, emphasizing the importance of tone and chemistry in action filmmaking. For audiences, “Unstoppable” offered a thrilling escape bolstered by strong performances and inventive direction, lifting the legacy of the Washington-Scott partnership after the disappointment of their previous remake.
As time passes, “Unstoppable” stands as a cinematic tribute to Scott’s dynamic vision and Washington’s enduring appeal, reflecting their shared ability to entertain and energize moviegoers. The film’s place as the final entry in their series of collaborations magnifies its meaning, ensuring that their partnership is remembered for its capacity to rebound, innovate, and ultimately deliver excitement on the big screen.
