Friday, January 20, 2017
Remarkable ‘Fences’ Ensemble Delivers Heart and Soul
Backstage: “Fences,” August Wilson’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, has finally found its way to the big screen thanks to actor-director Denzel Washington and Paramount Pictures. The playwright’s screenplay adaptation of the Maxsons, a working-class black family making ends meet in 1950s Pittsburgh, is now resonating with film audiences—and awards season voters—across the country.
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3 comments:
Fences is a movie that has interested me since I saw a trailer for it about midway through last semester and have been meaning to go to see it. Even in the trailer which I believe was a extended one that included a majority of the "like you" scene the acting seemed incredibly powerful. Add to that the fact that it is place in Pittsburgh and was also filmed here with people I know having worked on it and now you have a show that even if I normally wouldn't want to go see it in theaters that I am incredibly interested in seeing. So hearing that along with the stated above facts that it is being received extremely well critically I keep adding reasons that I need to see this movie.
I agree whole-heartedly with critics on how powerful these performances were. There were moments in the theater where I felt like my heart was pounding just as fast as Rose's as the events of the plot unfolded. I also have to mention that my emotions throughout were heavily impacted by the sound design which complimented the acting in a way I rarely see in movies or on stage. Nonetheless, the acting was superior and I can't put my finger on exactly what made these actors' performances so special and truthful. I know personally, watching the story of a struggling black family living, in this very city, at that time struck me as I thought about the fact that I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be doing what I love so openly here right now.
Like many of my classmates, I really enjoyed Fences. I always love a good film adaptation. This performance by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis is arguably some of the best work I have ever seen. The only film that comes close to this fantastic rendition of the famous August Wilson play is Hidden Figures which was equally inspiring. With everything that is happening now in our society it is so important that this story is told loud. A famous composer once wrote:
"GO OUT AND TELL THE STORY.
LET IT ECHO FAR AND WIDE.
MAKE THEM HEAR YOU.
MAKE THEM HEAR YOU.
HOW THAT JUSTICE WAS OUR BATTLE AND HOW JUSTICE WAS DENIED.
MAKE THEM HEAR YOU.
MAKE THEM HEAR YOU."
I heard, I hear, I want to take action. This is how powerful our art form is. This movie should be screened at every school, church, government building, etc. It is so important that we continue to expose our youth to this type of art and that we continue to culture them with our history.
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