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He also ensconced himself in the character's life by working a few shifts in the factory. "I've worked in a factory before. And I was a garbage man. And I worked in a post office before. It's not that long ago, so I remember. You kind of tap into that. And I like to think that I'm closer to that kind of character, just a regular guy as far as I'm concerned."

Washington's own journey -- from a blue-collar childhood in the Bronx to the elite of Hollywood -- has similarities with the first film he has chosen to direct. The Antwone Fisher Story is based on Fisher's rise from a life of abandonment, abuse, violence and petty crime to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after screenwriters.

"I have a new respect for filmmakers, that's for sure, 'cause it's not easy," Washington says of the experience. "But I had fun. If I'm allowed to, I'll be directing for the rest of my life. We just showed the film for the first time to about 20, 25 people and got a good response. I love it. I love the process."

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