2016 Films: #38. Fences

February 4th in Chicago, IL. This was the second half of a Saturday double feature. The film is adopted from August Wilson's play of the same name  and is directed by and stars Denzel Washington. The film take place in the late 50's to early 60's and follows the Maxson family as they live their lives in Pittsburgh. Denzel is the patriarch Troy, Viola Davis is Troy's wife Rose,

The film revolves around the trial and tribulations of Troy and his family. We learn that despite Troy's belief in personal responsibility and hard work, he's not the greatest person in the world. He's served time for murder and he's bitter what he perceives as being passed over for a pro baseball career (he was a bit long in the tooth and integration had just started so, there's that). He also used his brother Gabriel's (Mykelti Williamson) pension from his WWII injury that left him mentally impaired to buy a home (though he did have Gabriel live with in the house). He is at odds with this oldest son Lyons (Russell Hornsby) for always borrowing money and chasing his dreams of becoming a musician instead of getting a job (fathers man). Troy also butts heads with his youngest son Cory (Jovan Adepo) about Cory's crazy fantasy about getting a scholarship to play college football. Troy thinks football is not as good as baseball and chides Cory for missing shifts at his job because of football, despite the fact that Cory clears it with his boss. Suffice to say Cory has to give up football.

We learn that Troy isn't a very good guy even with his work ethic. He manages to push those that are close to him a way because deep down, he's a bitter jerk. Rose is pretty much a saint to put up with Troy, especially after it's revealed that he cheated on her and the results of the affair produces a baby girl! Which Rose takes in as her own (seriously, how saintly can you be?)! The fence, which takes Troy years to build but never completes is a metaphor for Troy's life. He never sees anything through and always gets sidetracked. Troy never seems to find peace.

This film is based on a play so it's very heavy in the dialogue department. Solid writing, solid direction and solid acting. This may not be for everyone but I thought Denzell did a nice job behind the camera and delivers yet another great performance. I like it when he plays flawed, less than likable characters.