Behind the Scenes of ‘The Equalizer 3’ with Denzel Washington

Following his departure from the world of government assassination, Robert McCall (played by Denzel Washington) grapples with the dark deeds of his past. He finds an unusual sense of peace by dispensing justice for the oppressed. In the serene landscapes of Southern Italy, where he unexpectedly feels at home, he discovers that his newfound friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As the situation escalates into a deadly confrontation, McCall recognizes his duty: to shield his friends by taking on the powerful mafia.

“The Equalizer 3,” a film by Antoine Fuqua, presented by Columbia Pictures in collaboration with Eagle Pictures, unfolds the concluding chapter of this gripping trilogy. Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, and David Denman star in this installment, which delves deeper into McCall’s personal journey. It explores his struggle with inner demons and his imperative need to break free from a life defined by violence.

Producers Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal see the resonance of “The Equalizer” franchise with audiences as a reflection of Denzel Washington’s real-life commitment to noble causes, minus the violence. They emphasize that both Denzel and Robert McCall share a profound dedication to serving the greater good, using their unique talents to protect the innocent. McCall’s mission is to deliver justice to those who need it, even if it means once again becoming the Equalizer.

In “The Equalizer 3,” the story ventures abroad for the first time, a deliberate choice by screenwriter Richard Wenk. He had always planned for the third installment to explore international terrain. Italy was selected as the backdrop due to its unique charm and the potential for McCall to find solace and purpose in a new environment.

Taking the Equalizer franchise to international settings was a transformative decision, as per the filmmakers. And what better location to explore than Italy? The country is renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, and producers Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal were thrilled with the abundance of talented artisans on the crew. “The set builders, construction crew, costume designers – all the department heads hired local talent, and they were truly exceptional,” they praised.

Behind the camera, director Antoine Fuqua enlisted the services of three-time Oscar® winner Robert Richardson, ASC, AČK as his director of photography. Richardson, who had formed a close working relationship with Fuqua during their collaboration on “Emancipation,” felt a deep respect for Denzel Washington and regarded it as a tremendous privilege to work on the only franchise the acclaimed actor has been part of.

Richardson’s enthusiasm for returning to Italy, where he previously worked on “Eat Pray Love,” was palpable. However, achieving the desired visual aesthetic for “Equalizer 3” demanded a particular approach. Richardson elaborated, “Robert McCall has undergone immense challenges, and he’s on the path to recovery.” To convey this, they aimed to capture a pre-dawn ambiance, characterized by cool tones and shadows, just before the sunrise.

The production chose to film in the charming town of Atrani on the Amalfi coast. Richardson’s goal was to minimize harsh sunlight, opting for a softer, textured look. He employed creative techniques such as adding windows to overly bright walls to infuse depth and dimension.

During the film’s climactic sequences, as McCall confronts his ultimate foe and grapples with his inner penchant for violence, Richardson adopted a distinctive approach in Naples. He veiled the streets in darkness, illuminated solely by firelight, sparing frontal fill light and embracing an abundance of hard backlighting. This design created a stark and haunting atmosphere, characterized by muted colors and rain-soaked cobblestone streets.

Production designer Naomi Shohan, known for her work on “Training Day” and the previous “Equalizer” films, played an instrumental role in selecting the town that Richardson would capture. Atrani offered not only the required natural elements of mountains and sea but also an intimate sense of community, providing a stark contrast to McCall’s isolated life in Boston.

Shohan’s mission was to utilize the actual location to the fullest extent, ensuring an authentic Italian experience for the film. She discovered locations like the church accessible only via hundreds of stone steps, symbolizing McCall’s journey to recovery.

For the opening scenes set in the vineyard, Shohan looked to Sicily, reverse-engineering its location based on its geographical relation to Altomonte, the fictional town in the film. She then combined on-location shooting in Naples with the construction of specific sets, ensuring a blend of grandeur and shabbiness, which added depth to the visuals.

Costume designer Gianni Casalnuovo, an Italian talent, was enlisted by Fuqua to imbue the film with a distinct look. Casalnuovo aimed to create an atmosphere of softness and timelessness for the characters’ attire, mirroring the film’s serene and pleasant ambiance. While staying true to the established character of Robert McCall, Casalnuovo utilized linen and summer cotton fabrics to soften his appearance. Aminah’s costumes drew inspiration from the iconic Sophia Loren, evoking the elegance of the 1950s.

Vincent, the menacing mafia figure, required a balance of coolness and a touch of extravagance in his attire, as directed by Fuqua. Casalnuovo successfully conveyed these elements in Vincent’s wardrobe.

Stunt coordinator Liang Yang choreographed the film’s action sequences, emphasizing McCall’s more visceral and direct combat style, a departure from previous films. Denzel Washington’s boxing background and training regimen lent authenticity to the character’s physicality, enabling him to perform most of the action sequences himself.

In “The Equalizer 3,” Robert McCall’s transformation from a shadowy past to a beacon of justice reaches its zenith. The serene backdrop of Southern Italy sets the stage for a thrilling showdown as McCall confronts the formidable mafia to protect his newfound friends. Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, and David Denman lead a stellar cast, bringing depth to McCall’s character and his relentless pursuit of redemption. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and presented by Columbia Pictures in collaboration with Eagle Pictures, this concluding chapter promises to be a gripping conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy. As the movie graces theaters nationwide on September 1, 2023, audiences can expect an exhilarating ride through the darkest corners of McCall’s past and the ultimate test of his commitment to justice.