When Spike Lee and Denzel Washington collaborate on films like Inner Manfans know they're seeing a remarkable, crowd-pleasing duo, which has generated significant excitement and sky-high expectations for their upcoming remake, Highest 2 Lowest. Lee and Washington have collaborated on several films over the years. Beyond 2006 Inner Manthe two came together Mo' Best Blues, He got the gameand Malcolm X.
All SPike Lee and Denzel Washington's previous films are a testament to their perfect partnership and storytelling ability, but Inner Man stands out. With an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film demonstrates how gripping an elaborate heist drama can be when helmed by a visionary director and a lead actor at the top of their game, and Highest 2 Lowest promises to be no exception.
Denzel Washington and Spike Lee's latest crime thriller Inside Man means the tallest two must be great
The famous collaborators raised expectations for their new film
If something is evident from Inner Manis that Washington and Lee can produce crime thrillers that engage both the intellect and the emotions. Which worked very well in Inner Man it was the chemistry between the actors, the crisp dialogue and the meticulous way in which the suspense unfolded. If Lee's vision for Highest 2 Lowest explores a similar formula - combining an engaging narrative with layered performances - the result could not only echo its previous success, but even surpass it.
Another reason Lee and Washington's reunion excites audiences is the lasting impact of Inner Man in the heist genre. From the clever pacing to the morally ambiguous characters, many modern crime films echo elements seen in Spike Lee's thriller. For example, films like Baby Driver and Widows were inspired by the creation of characters as complex as the criminals they face - a trademark of Inner Maninnovative narrative.
Given this legacy, it is no exaggeration to believe that Highest 2 Lowest will be equally influential. With growing interest in character-driven thrillers rather than traditional action-heavy plots, it's the perfect time for Lee and Washington to revisit and potentially redefine the genre they helped reinvigorate. Using a splash screen like Akira Kurosawa's immaculate 1963 classic High and Low it certainly means the possibility of something truly special when the film opens next summer.
Inside Man is an unfairly forgotten film in Denzel Washington's filmography
Inside Man left a huge influence on modern heist films
Inner Man remains one of the most overlooked films in Denzel Washington's career, despite receiving critical praise and box office success. The film, centered on a brilliantly orchestrated bank robbery, stars Washington as Detective Keith Frazier, a shrewd investigator trying to outwit a cunning thief (played by Clive Owen). What sets this film apart is not just the intricate plot, but how Spike Lee infuses this with his signature style, taut pacing, and blunt socio-political commentary.
Meanwhile, Washington's performance as Frazier added layers to the typical cop archetype. His portrayal humanizes a character burdened by workplace controversies and personal dilemmas, making him relatable beyond the plot's heist structure. However, although films like Training day and Malcolm X (also directed by Lee) often occupy the center of conversations about Washington's career, Inner Man deserves much greater recognition for showing a different side of his versatility.