The Trailer for “Fences” has already sparked talks of an Oscar nomination. The film is based on August Wilson’s well-known Broadway play of the same name and is centered around the African-American experience. In the rebirth of the original play, Troy, played by Denzel Washington, is a father who is trying to raise his family in the 1950's while struggling to come to terms with how life turned out.
The story contains several themes, but one of the most highlighted would be the theme of race relations in the United States. With the Black Lives Matter Movement at its peak, this seems to be the perfect time for a film like this to hit theaters. It is also likely that the film is already being considered as Oscar worthy due to the lack of diversity at last year’s Academy Awards.
With a black director, black leading man, black supporting actress, and a mostly black cast, how will “Fences” be received by the critics and nominators?
Mr. Director
As director of “Fences,” this is Denzel Washington’s third time directing a major motion picture. He’s directed both “Antwone Fisher” and “The Great Debaters” and won two Oscars for supporting and leading roles. It’s safe to say he’s got both experience and the talent on his side.
The best thing about Washington directing this film is that he knows the story and the characters in depth. He played the same character in the Broadway version of the story for four months in 2010, so there’s no doubt he’s familiar with how the story should be told.
“Fences” is a powerful story that stands the test of time. It has themes relevant to whats happening in today's society and will hopefully shed some more light on the African-american experience and how little it has or hasn't changed.With a powerhouse actor like Denzel Washington as both the star of the film and director, it’ll be hard for people to ignore. If nothing else, the trailer is defiantly engaging enough to have most people interested in the story.
Supporting Actress
Viola Davis is reprising her role from the play as Rose, Troy’s wife. Davis has more than proven herself as a fantastic actress, and is gaining a bigger fan base thanks to her role as Annalise Keating on the television series “How to Get Away with Murder.” Davis and Washington already have established chemistry from playing husband and wife on stage, so translating that to film should be a breeze for her.
Davis has shown the world she can be more than just the token black actress. She expresses her gratitude for not having to be stuck playing the same stereotypical black women and actually having some substance to her characters. When she won her first Emmy in 2015, she summed it up perfectly.
“The only thing that separates women of color from everyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there” – Viola Davis, Emmy Awards, 2015
Black women are not one dimensional caricatures. “Fences” will not only tell Troy’s story, but will tell Rose’s as well. The black family’s dynamic and lifestyle was depicted very well by August’s Wilson’s play, and the film will do the same if not better.
“Fences” is currently in post-production and is set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2016, Christmas day.
