Fences: Movie Review

Denzel Washington reprises his role from the 2010 Broadway revival of “Fences”. This time, he not only stars but also directs the film adaptation. The screenplay was written by August Wilson before he passed away in 2005.   Wilson also wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning play.  Having never seen the stage show, I can’t compare it to the film.  However, I will say that Washington does a tremendous job delivering a cinematic play.  “Fences” totally feels like it was written for the stage, but plays wonderfully as a feature film.

Set in 1950’s Pittsburgh, Troy Maxson (Washington) is a waste collector who works along-side his best friend Jim Bono (Stephen Mckinley Henderson). Troy’s wife Rose (Viola Davis) spends her days keeping up the house and making sure dinner is ready every night.  The couple’s teenage son, Cory (Jovan Adepo) is being looked at by college football recruiters, but Troy wants his boy to forget about sports and learn a trade.  Being a former NEGRO League baseball player, Troy believes his son will never get the chance to shine playing football because of the color of his skin.  He refuses to accept that times have changed.

Rose wants Troy to support their son’s dream but it falls on deaf ears.  Cory isn’t Troy’s only son either.  He has an older son named Lyons (Russell Hornsby) from a former girlfriend. He comes around once in awhile, usually on Troy’s payday to borrow money.  Lyons also wants his father to come see him play music, but Troy declines every time he is asked.

If you think Troy doesn’t sound like father of the year, just wait until you see the story unfold for yourself. There are some major issues that come to light and watching the interaction of this family is tough and heartbreaking.  What sells this is not only the writing, but the phenomenal cast.  Davis and Washington bring their “A” game and Mykeiti Williamson is fantastic here as well, playing Troy’s brother Gabriel, who suffered a brain injury from the war.

Going into “Fences”, be prepared for 138 minutes of dialogue. When a film is adapted from a play and it’s not a musical, it mostly consists of talking.  Thankfully the cast is just a joy to watch, even when their characters are clearly dealing with emotional struggles.  “Fences” does feel a little long at times, but that is such a minor complaint for a film that has so much to offer.

By: Marc Ferman