Denzel Washington has spoken out against American politics, warning people that they are being “manipulated” by both sides of the political spectrum. In a new interview with The Sunday Times for Gladiator 2 – in which Washington stars alongside Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal – the interviewer quoted a line from the movie, saying: “Empires fall, so do emperors.” “You know, it’s so easy to stand outside America and say this and that,” the 69-year-old actor responded.
“Turn around, you know? Pick a country. Any one.” “But listen,” he continued.
“It’s all politics. All promises unkept. And now with the information age the way it is – if anything – left, right, whatever had better learn how to use those tools to manipulate the people.
” He went on to cite a line from his debut movie, 1985’s Carbon Copy: “‘Power to the people? Yeah, they had it once – it was called the Stone Age.’” “We’re all slaves to information now. We really are.
We’re all slaves,” The Equalizer alum claimed. “So whatever you feel about the leaders, like this guy’s crazy or the other one is sane, you’d better realize you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period.
So go to the movies.” Washington’s performance as former slave-turned-devious slave dealer Macrinus in the belated Ridley Scott sequel has been lauded by critics, who are predicting the two-time Oscar winner could be a shoo-in for his third Academy Award. Out in theaters now, Gladiator I.
