Movies have always been more than just entertainment for me; they’re an immersive experience. As a child, I was the one always begging my parents for cinema trips, eager to get lost in every new world on the big screen. I’ve always considered myself an empathetic person, and that trait truly comes alive when I watch films. I’m not exaggerating when I say Inside Out left me with eyes swollen from tears! My passion extends beyond simply viewing; I love dissecting films, discussing nuances and intricate details endlessly with friends, and even writing mini-reviews on Facebook. This love for cinema eventually paved an unexpected path during my time as a graduate student, leading me to the world of college journalism and, incredibly, face-to-face with the star of many captivating films, John David Washington.
Vyshnavi at MIT campus
Discovering Journalism and a Spam Folder Surprise
The pandemic, despite its challenges, presented a unique opportunity. In August 2020, I stumbled upon an advertisement from The Tech, MIT’s student newspaper, seeking writers for their Arts section to pen movie reviews. Initially hesitant as a grad student joining an undergrad-dominated paper, my desire for a balanced life during those isolated times pushed me to reach out. To my delight, the editors welcomed me to review a movie. My first review was of Shakuntala Devi, an Indian biographical drama – a thrilling start to my journalism journey.
That first published review was exhilarating! Sharing it with everyone I knew felt like a significant achievement. Motivated, I quickly chose another film, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford, an actor I greatly admire. My 5-star rating was genuine appreciation for the film’s quality and Ford’s performance, not just fan adoration.
Writing for The Tech came with unexpected perks, including press screenings and interview opportunities with movie stars. One such opportunity arrived in a rather unusual way – buried in my spam folder. An email from the Arts editors announced a screening of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and an interview with its lead, John David Washington. Why it landed in spam remains a mystery, but hours had passed, likely enough time for another writer to claim it. Hesitation almost stopped me from replying, yet I couldn’t delete the email either. I closed my laptop, a mix of disappointment and regret settling in.
Sleeping on it helped. The next evening, I decided to respond, expressing my interest, albeit late. The following morning, an email confirmed my fear – the opportunity was gone. Disheartened, I started to move on.
Then, a surprising turn. Later that day, I was CC’d on an email addressed to Warner Brothers: “Vyshnavi will be attending the screening of Tenet and will interview John David Washington.” Disbelief washed over me, slowly replaced by a wide smile. Reading through the email thread revealed that Warner Brothers had contacted The Tech about the Boston screening. However, most Arts editors were outside Boston due to the pandemic. Two editors in Knoxville and San Francisco couldn’t attend as the screening wasn’t in their cities. By sheer chance, I, located in Boston, was offered the opportunity. The odds of Tenet not screening in San Francisco, a major city, seemed improbable, making the situation feel almost destined.
Meeting John David Washington: A Dream Realized
The private press screening of Tenet was fantastic, a mind-bending film that stayed with me. Preparing for the John David Washington interview involved reading press materials and rehearsing greetings in front of my mirror, nerves on high alert. When the day arrived, I greeted him with a genuine smile and, “Hi John David, it’s an absolute pleasure meeting you!” That was it – my moment. A blend of awe, happiness, and immense gratitude for this incredible turn of events. Of course, I eagerly shared my review of Tenet.
This experience opened doors to further opportunities. I became a Staff Writer for the Arts section after just three articles, enjoying perks like The Tech‘s annual retreat and banquet. Another highlight was interviewing the cast of the Oscar-winning Judas and the Black Messiah, including Daniel Kaluuya, just before his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor. I jokingly claim to be his lucky charm! My journey into celebrity interviews continued into 2023, when I interviewed Matt Ruskin, director of Boston Strangler.
While my writing for the Arts section included diverse topics, from ice cream flavors to art exhibitions, movies remained a central theme. And it all circled back to that incredible Tenet experience and the opportunity to meet John David Washington.
Exploring the Filmography of John David Washington
Reflecting on this experience, it’s fascinating to consider John David Washington’s career and the impact of Tenet. While Tenet was a massive, complex film, Washington had already built a strong filmography. He gained significant recognition for his role in the HBO series Ballers and then transitioned into compelling film roles.
Before Tenet, movies like Monsters and Men (2018) and BlacKkKlansman (2018), directed by Spike Lee, showcased his range and talent. BlacKkKlansman, in particular, a powerful film based on a true story, earned critical acclaim and solidified Washington’s position as a leading actor. Post-Tenet, he continued to choose interesting and diverse projects, including Malcolm & Marie (2021), a black-and-white drama filmed during the pandemic, and Beckett (2021), an action-thriller. More recently, he starred in Amsterdam (2022), a star-studded period mystery, and The Creator (2023), a science fiction action film. Each of these roles demonstrates his versatility and commitment to challenging himself as an actor.
Screenshot of Vyshnavi's articles
My journey from an avid movie watcher to interviewing John David Washington and other Hollywood figures through college journalism has been surreal. The Tech provided the platform to explore my passion for film critically and share it with a wider audience. The unexpected perks, like meeting incredible actors, were definitely a bonus. It all started with a spam email and a leap of faith, proving that sometimes, the most exciting opportunities come when you least expect them. And it all connected back to the captivating world of John David Washington movies, a world I was fortunate enough to glimpse behind the scenes.
Explore more of my reviews in the Arts section, including: Following, Mulan, Enola Holmes, Encanto, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Kantara, and Avatar: The Way of Water, Art of the Brick and Immersive Disney Animation.
