FENCES (PG-13)
Released by Paramount Pictures
Reviewed by Adam Mast
There’s something to be said for powerful performances and FENCES is certainly elevated by two great ones. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are the very personification of electric in Washington’s big screen adaptation of August Wilson‘s Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play from 1987.
FENCES takes place in Pittsburgh and follows African-American Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) as he deals with family life and turbulent race relations during the 50s. At the heart of the story is an examination of Troy’s marriage to compassionate Rose (Davis), a strained relationship with his son Cory (Jovan Adepo), and political-caused contention at the sanitation department where he’s employed.
FENCES is the sixth part in Wilson’s 10 part “Pittsburgh Cycle” series and to a certain extent, there are aspects of the story that reflect Wilson’s own life experiences. As presented on the big screen, director Denzel Washington lets the material speak for itself. Like many other big screen adaptations of noteworthy plays (think AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY) this film version of FENCES goes the minimalist route. Rather than expanding the pallet, it’s more like Washington is giving viewers a front row ticket to the play. We can see the pain, frustration, and heartache on the characters’ faces. There are a few moments when Washington pulls back and gives us a look at the 50’s Pittsburgh backdrop, but for the most part, FENCES is very up close and personal with these people, unfolding in long stretches of very intimate conversation that could be best described as play-like.
Washington is magnetic as Troy Maxson. He’s played the character on stage, and on film, the role fits this brilliant actor like a glove. Troy is a complicated and undeniably flawed man. He’s a tragic literary figure with obvious shades of Willy Loman, and it’s a testament to Washington’s chops as an actor and Wilson’s detailed writing skills that Troy always feels human. Even when he’s attempting to justify specific actions that aren’t particularly justifiable or the way he gives entirely new meaning to the term “tough love” when dealing with his son, there’s always empathy. Likewise, Davis is an absolute emotional powerhouse as Rose. She anchors the movie and brings a much needed sense of compassion to the table. Together, Washington and Davis prove to be a formidable pair to the point that they feel like a genuine married couple. And the tricky terrain they navigate in the final act of this story is heart-wrenching.
Elsewhere, FENCES is populated by a terrific supporting cast including Adepo, Russell Hornsby, and a fantastic Mykelti Williamson (FORREST GUMP) as Troy’s mentally challenged brother. As strong as the supporting cast is, it’s Stephen Henderson who shines brightest as Troy’s lifelong friend, Jim Bono. The conversations between Troy and Jim feel real and honest. Furthermore, Henderson offers up a sense of wisdom and an easy going charm that keeps this film from drowning in misery. Yes, let it be known that FENCES is supremely depressing.
It should be reiterated that FENCES isn’t a big, flashy cinematic take on August Wilson’s award-winning play but rather an intimate, straightforward adaptation of it. If you’re into the written word, chances are you’re going to be moved by it but even if it’s too play-like for your tastes, you’re still likely to be bowled over by Washington and Davis. These masterclass actors light it up in two of 2016’s very best onscreen performances.
