Fences

Denzel Washington directs and stars in a movie that is mostly a filmed version of August Wilson’s play. 

Washington plays a certain kind of father and husband. A man trying to communicate his values to his sons. Before the play is over it is clear that he failed on both counts. 

Those values turn out to be mostly talk as Washington’s Troy Maxson has already made a massive mistake that will blow up his happy home life.

Through the nature of it, you hear mostly from Maxson, as he defends his life and his choices and tries hold his world together. He talks of fighting with death and meeting the devil. He talks of money and of what young men are required to do when they decide to start families. 

I could hear echos my own father when Maxson explains to his son that he made sure there was food on the table, a roof over his head and clothes on his back. 

I heard him again when Maxson takes a drunken fight too far. 

Maxson is eloquent, and I couldn’t help thinking how, in other families displeasure and approval is done not through speeches but through a series of grunts. 

A pat on the head could mean far more than a lyrical turn of phrase. 

But the language here is beautiful and the story is strong and heart wrenching. Viola Davis is transcendent. Washington remains the best actor of his generation. 

If you are in the mood for a stage play masquerading as a film then this is a great one.