The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: FENCES

The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: 

on FENCES (2016, 129 minutes, PG-13)

The Quick of It -

There is nothing like sitting down for a serious and attention-grabbing film in the late hours with an empty theater, a soft pretzel with cheese, and a cold drink.  That is until you realize that you’ve had too much to drink and have to get up in the middle of the story to use the restroom.  Yes, I had the privilege of a private showing, of sorts.  And, if nothing else, FENCES deserves that special consideration.

Denzel Washington sitting in the director’s seat will always motivate me to make time for a heartfelt drama.  This being his third major film, to include THE GREAT DEBATERS and ANTWONE FISHER, you have to take the opportunity when presented.  He is a consummate professional when it comes to the industry and revered by most.

Then you add August Wilson to the formula.  This gentleman won the Pulitzer Prize for ‘Fences’ as a Broadway play.  Once you see this film, you will know why.  And you will understand how Denzel was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama and why Viola Davis won the Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture.  This recognition is well-deserved.  Denzel didn’t get the nod for director, but I believe Wilson would really be the contributor that deserves that credit, so I imagine the ‘Globe Peeps’ looked elsewhere.

The story is about an African-American family in the 1950s.  Denzel plays Troy Maxson, a blue-collar father trying to make a living in a period when major changes are occurring in America.  His past is plagued with horrible circumstances; broken home, time in prison, and surviving World War II.  His wife, Rose, is played by Viola Davis (of SUICIDE SQUAD, THE HELP, and PRISONERS).  Their interaction is one that makes you feel like you are witnessing life at its realist in that time period.  Being based on a play truly helps the dialogue, but can sometimes seem overwhelming, but it is all worth the journey.  The supporting cast was not filled with fluff either – Russell Hornsby (known for ‘Grimm’) and Stephen Henderson, who also appeared in MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, another Golden Globe standout film.  Mykelti Williamson is another spectacular actor added to this ensemble and should be recognized as such.  He plays Gabriel, Troy’s brother, who was severely wounded in the war and has a metal plate in his head.  His character is reminiscent of the tree-chopper in DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS, another highly recommended Denzel film.

It’s interesting that the film was not recognized for the Globes, as it was shot in a singular style.  You get the sense of a bridging between theater and film.  The scenes were mostly tight frames like a stage, and character approaches were walkthroughs to create a sense of introduction.  The final translation is something of a feat rarly achieved, to give a unique portrayal as if limited to the stage and not implementing any number of storytelling techniques available to the silver screen. 

FENCES may not be high on your list but you should reconsider, as it will bring Broadway to you.  And, if nothing else, it will make you reassess a number of things about life and where you stand in it.

Grade: A-