Fences is a 2016 American period drama film directed by Denzel Washington and written by August Wilson, based on Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play of the same name.
The film stars Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sidney. It tells the story of a working-class African-American father trying to raise his family in 1950s Pittsburgh while coming to terms with the events of his life.
Fences was released in North America on December 16, 2016, and had its world premiere at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco, California, on December 15, 2016. It began a limited release on December 16, 2016, before opening wide in 2,223 theaters on December 25. The film was released on Digital HD on February 24, 2017, and on Blu-ray and DVD on March 14, 2017
Plot
The plot of Fences revolves around the life of Troy Maxson, an African-American man living in 1950s Pittsburgh, and his family. The story delves into themes such as family dynamics, personal truths, and the power of forgiveness.
The tensions within the family come to a head as Troy's son, Cory, and his half-brother, Raynell, sing a song in honor of Troy, symbolizing Cory's journey toward coming to terms with his father.
The film also explores the complexities of Troy's character, his struggles with his past, and his efforts to provide for his family. Additionally, the construction of a fence becomes a metaphor for the barriers and conflicts within the family, as well as the broader societal challenges faced by the characters.
The plot unfolds through various conflicts, including Troy's battle to break the racial barrier at work, his strained relationship with Cory, and his affair with a woman named Alberta. Ultimately, the film portrays the complexities of human relationships and the impact of personal choices on family dynamics
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson
- Viola Davis as Rose Maxson
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Jim Bono
- Jovan Adepo as Cory Maxson
- Russell Hornsby as Lyons Maxson
- Mykelti Williamson as Gabriel Maxson
- Saniyya Sidney as Raynell Maxson
Themes & Reception
Fences is a play written by August Wilson that explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. The film adaptation of the play, directed by Washington, also delves into themes such as family dynamics, personal truths, and the power of forgiveness.
The film received positive reviews and praise from critics for Washington's performance and direction, Davis's performance, the screenplay, pacing, cinematography, and emotional tone. It was also a commercial success, grossing $64 million against a $24 million production budget.
Setting
The play and film Fences are set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the late 1950s. The play is set in the dirt yard of the Maxson house, which is a two-story brick house set off a back alley. The yard is a small dirt yard, partially fenced, with a wooden sawhorse, a pile of lumber, and other fence-building equipment set off to the side.
Opposite is a tree from which hangs a ball made of rags. A baseball bat leans against the tree. Two oil drums serve as garbage receptacles and sit near the house at the right to complete the setting.
Trivia
• "Fences" is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, which was first performed in 1983.
• Denzel Washington not only directed the film but also starred in the lead role of Troy Maxson, a character he previously portrayed in a 2010 Broadway revival of the play.
• Viola Davis, who played Rose Maxson, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actess) for her performance in the film.
• The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Denzel Washington.
• The story is set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1950s, and explores themes of family, race, and personal struggles.
Director: Denzel Washington
Writer: August Wilson
Box Office Gross: $64,414,761
Genre: Drama
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2016
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 24, 2017