Fences
4/5
Directed by: Denzel Washington
Written by: August Wilson
Rated: PG-13
In 1983 renowned playwright August Wilson published his Pulitzer prize winning drama, Fences, a story of broken redemption about the life of a man who was father, brother, and son. Although several film studios wanted to make adaptations of it, no one knew how to take a story with one set, less than ten characters, with all of its action in the dialogue and make it into a compelling film. For years Fences was referred to as an "unfilmable" script. Denzel Washington heard none of that.
If anyone could give justice to August Wilson's tragic and peerless script, it would be Denzel Washington. This is the third film he has directed. He also directed Antwone Fisher (2002) and The Great Debaters (2007). Denzel has already performed in Fences on Broadway in 2010, so he has a strong grasp of the beats and units within the story. His deliberate choices of when to go wide or when to go close up increase the intensity of scenes. He uses the positions of his characters to visually illustrate relationships, placing two friends further and further apart in frame until their friendship breaks. He even makes certain background elements stand out or take precedence in a shot, giving Fences its own iconic imagery. Since August Wilson's play could be done as an audio drama, it is incredible how Denzel gave this film visual impact beyond its dialogic impress.
The main reason Fences was thought to be an "unfilmable" script is because a literal description of the play is people talk at a house. The beauty of Fences script is in its subtext. A simple scene about a son repaying a loan is about a father letting go of his hubris. Everything means something more than its surface. Often times the most crucial elements of the script are the words not said, such as "truth" "hate" and "love". In the script's darkest moments there is humor, which makes it humane. In life laughing and crying are never far apart from each other, and this script acknowledges this to the fullest. It never feels fake. Fences' script is a masterpiece in the hands of gifted talent, and this cast is gifted.
What places this film's cast of characters above other films is their choice to not play characters. They are people; real people. Nothing is forced. There's no hesitation in anyone's performance. They are heartbreaking and heartfelt. The frontrunners are Denzel Washington as the arrogant Troy and Viola Davis as his faithful wife, Rose. Both received acting nominations in this year's Golden Globes, and why is a no brainer. These two are palpable on screen. Their relationship is a beautiful explosion. Though it wrenches the heart to watch the destruction, you can not help but stare in shock and wonder at the fire and what might survive its flames. Audiences will never forget what they witnessed, nor will they forget what they learned from this family. Fences has much to say. Listen.
Verdict: Fences is a heartbreaking and heartfelt film with iconic visuals, a masterpiece script, and an unforgettable cast of real people.
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