Don’t Let This Fence Keep You Out

Based upon a stage play, Denzel Washington utilizes August Wilson’s adaptation of his own drama Fences to tell an engrossing story of an African American family growing up in the 1950s.

Both literal and figurative, Troy Maxson (Washington) is building a fence in his backyard, though it is also a symbolic barrier placed up to guard against his own projections of the impending Grim Reaper (fighting off a serious case of pneumonia, aka. Death, at a young age, he is constantly vigilant for his return – though not afraid in the least). He enjoys the chess match that they play over time. It is also a powerful allegory for the walls he builds between himself and different members of his family. On the opposite spectrum, it is also a way for his wife Rose (Viola Davis) to put up something that will protect her family, keeping them safe on the inside, while keeping unwanted dangers at bay.

Troy, a garbage collector, is a multi-faceted man, with a swagger that only Denzel can bring to a role. He is a story-teller that would even impress an Irishman, as well as being a good friend and a father who provides for his family. His storied past, and missed opportunities (which he feels are due to the colour of his skin), plays an important part in his mind set. In many ways disenchanted by not getting his chance at playing professional baseball (solely playing in the Negro Leagues), he is a product of the time he grew up in, and wants his son, Corey (Jovan Adepo), to be practical instead of following his dreams of becoming a footballer – fearing that he too will feel the wrath of racism. Though, as Bob Dylan said, “the times, they are a-changin’”.

Troy has been married for eighteen years to Rose, a strong-willed and kindhearted woman who tries to keep her man in line. They have formed a bond that is much stronger than the fractured family that he grew up in – this led him down a path of crime, which then gave rise to punishment. The only member of his family that he is close to is his older brother, Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson), a man who has a severe brain injury that he suffered during World War II. Paid out by the government, it is the only reason that the Maxson’s have a home that they own (though Gabriel has recently moved out to a nearby location). Often in trouble with the cops and watched with a disapproving eye by their neighbours, Gabriel is constantly discussing his time in Heaven as well as his battle against Satan and his Hell Hounds.

The patriarch also has an elder son, Lyons (Russell Hornsby), who he is frustrated with (seeing music as being a useless profession), while also complaining that he is a mooch – only showing up for a visit on the days he gets paid. His younger son Corey also struggles to bond with his father, as he finds him severely strict and unloving.

Best friend Jim Bono (Stephen Henderson), who has learned most of what he knows from Troy, is astute enough to notice that he has a wandering eye toward a specific woman, Alberta – he warns him that such actions would lead to grave repercussions. Will the man take his friend’s sage advice, or will he risk his harmonious family by engaging in an affair?

Impressively capturing the realism of a family, the characters are beautiful in the ways that they are both typical and surprising – as in real life. They are dynamic, and feel like they are living, breathing people. Though race and the historical era play a part in this drama, it is relatable to everyone, as it captures the hopes, dreams (often unrealized), failures, flaws, passions and pitfalls that find their way into our lives over time. In poignant and impactful ways, the motion picture seeps into your being, bringing forth laughter, fear and a possible tear as we watch each and every member deal, in their own way, with jealousy, finding grace in a difficult situation, discovering some sort of solace, learning how to forgive, and so many other things.

There is also a thought-provoking thread that revolves around fate. Another absorbing issue brought forth is the idea of how we must deal with the fact that we may be more like a parent than we would like to admit. Is it a bad thing, or a blessing to have a map of how to live our lives, and then improve where they fell short?

There is something I have always loved about watching a film based upon a story written for the stage. As it is usually set in one unchanging locale, the action (which is the dialogue) must be engaging, entertaining and elegant. To provide you with a few examples; Harvey, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope were all done on stage before becoming feature films. It is no different with Fences, as it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987 as well as a Tony the same year for Best Play. It is one reason why the rather lengthy runtime of two hours and nineteen minutes never feels slow or draggy.

Another reason for the pacing is the quality direction from Denzel Washington. His third effort behind the camera, he develops a realistic world and adds enough visual panache and flair to draw us, the viewer, into the absorbing story.

Yet, it is the cast that truly draws us in. Each member is spectacular – rightfully deserving of the praise that they have received thus far. It is probable that both Washington and Davis will receive Oscar nods (with the latter most likely being the frontrunner), though the other performers deserve just as much credit. For example, there is a moment as the film is approaching its end where there is some emotional heft. In comes Williamson’s Gabriel with his trumpet (he has a fascination with the instrument), and a magical moment occurs that is quickly followed by the delivery of his final line (the transition from drama to a quick giggle is a perfect example of the infectious effect this film has on the viewer).

A movie deserving of the hype it is receiving in this year’s Oscar race, Fences combines all of the elements needed to develop a solid drama: acting, direction, solid story, a quality score (written by Marcelo Zarvos), and a certain type of realism. Yet, by uniting all of these things, there is also an enchanting, spiritual quality that comes to life in this one. So, open the pearly gates and discover just what lies behind Fences.