Fences Review (2016)
It is a common joke within my family that I cannot stand Tyler Perry movies. And I really can’t. He gets credit for “breaking new ground” for African Americans in theatre and in film. I, however, know better. As an actor, I have to make myself knowledgeable about playwrights and their work. And as an African American actor, I, of course, take pride in knowing numerous other African American playwrights. When I was first introduced to August Wilson’s works in college, I was immediately smitten. While Fences is not my favorite of his Pittsburgh Cycle plays, I still went in with high hopes for the movie. Fortunately, I was not disappointed.
Having studied the play, I knew it had to take liberties with the original script. In the play, all the scenes take place on the back porch of the Maxon home so when the movie opens with Troy (Washington) and his friend Bono (Henderson) on their trash route through Pittsburgh, I braced myself for more creative liberties. However, Washington does not alter the script too much. In fact, I would say he does not alter the script at all. Prior to seeing the movie, I re-read the play and was shocked to find myself recognizing most of the lines in the movie. To me, I really appreciated this. It felt as if I were watching a play that just so happened to be on a movie set. As much as I liked this, it is one of the glaring marks against the movie.
I am a huge fan of dialogue heavy movies when it is well written and acted well, but when you look at a general audience who may not be used to it, the movie could be a bit of a drag. I believe Washington recognizes this, however. From the very beginning the dialogue is snappy and flows right off the tongue, a true testament to Wilson’s skill as a writer. You truly feel like an outside observer getting a glimpse into another world, much like you do with a stage play.
It goes without saying that this movie was going to be incredibly well acted. If you were not a fan of Denzel Washington or Viola Davis before, prepare to be a super fan by the end of this movie. They settle into their parts as if it were tailor made for them. Washington has the huge task of making you love him, hate him and, ultimately, forgive him by the end of the movie. Having played the part before, I’m sure he had done the homework to be able to do this with ease. And while he may do it in other movies, it isn’t until the end that you realize just how seamlessly he does it. Of course, it helps that his scene partner is the great Viola Davis. It was nice to see her in a role that made her look so vulnerable, especially after her performances in Suicide Squad and How to get Away With Murder. But when the script calls for her to rally and become strong, it is amazing how weak and pitiful she makes an actor like Washington look.
The other actors who round out the cast do an equally stellar job with standout performances from Henderson (Bono) and Williamson (Gabriel). Both give the movie that much needed tension relieving comedy while helping to support the drama. This was my first time seeing Jovan Adepo (Corey) on screen, but I am excited to continue to watch his body of work grow. He did not standout to me quite as much as Henderson or Williamson, but it wasn’t until the third act that I could understand why he was cast. Adepo goes toe to toe with a powerhouse actor like Washington and not only survives, but comes looking better for it.
August Wilson wrote his plays to show the African American experience in America. It is the reason why his body of work is so important, especially today. These aren’t stereotypes we are seeing on screen, these are real people. And while I admire Wilson’s desire to keep his works made by African Americans for African Americans, I think this is a story that white families will have no problem understanding and learning from. If you have never read or seen an August Wilson play before, go see Fences. If you are looking for an awesome family drama, go see Fences. If you want to see two acting giants do what they do best, go see Fences. The only thing you’re not allowed to do is let this movie go by without you seeing it.
