Denzel Washington is obviously one of the great actors of our age, instantly making any film he appears in better, always bringing the swagger, charm, intelligence and raw emotion.
For all his wonderful highs, I think it all reaches a peak an hour into Man on Fire, with this one small scene. Tony Scott always got the best out of this actor - we are privileged that they made a few films together - and the part where Creasy says he's going to kill everyone involved in the death of the young girl he cared about is still absolute cinematic glory.
He's so quiet and so certain about what he is going to do, and nobody watching it has any doubt that he is absolutely going to fulfill this quiet vow. The whole film pivots on it, that sparse riff kicks in, and he's off to get his weapons and close a lot of eyes.
Denzel is one of the best physical movers in modern cinema history, he stalks through his films like a panther, and his stillness in this moment is a huge part of the appeal. But it's really all in that gentle delivery, so perfectly executed.
The rest of the film is an absolute thrill ride, as Creasy goes on his path of wreckage and revenge, and even gets some unexpected redemption at the end. But this scene is the best part, a promise of fire and destruction, in a hushed promise to a grieving mother.
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