Fences, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, is a powerful, emotionally resonant film that deserves to be experienced with intention. Watching Fences effectively requires more than just pressing play; it demands an understanding of the historical context, appreciation for the masterful performances, and a willingness to grapple with the complex themes of race, family, and the American Dream that lie at its core.
Understanding the Play’s Origins and Significance
Fences isn’t just a movie; it’s an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, part of his American Century Cycle, a series of ten plays each depicting the Black experience in America across a different decade of the 20th century. Recognizing this connection provides a crucial foundation for appreciating the film’s deliberate pacing, dialogue-heavy scenes, and theatrical staging. Wilson’s writing is dense, poetic, and steeped in the rhythm and vernacular of the characters he so brilliantly crafted. Before embarking on your viewing experience, consider familiarizing yourself with the play’s background. Knowing this context will illuminate the symbolic significance of the fence itself, acting as both a physical barrier and a metaphorical representation of the boundaries and limitations imposed on Troy Maxson and his family.
Appreciating August Wilson’s Vision
Wilson’s commitment to authentically portraying Black life in America is paramount. He wrote about the struggles, the triumphs, the pain, and the joy of ordinary people living extraordinary lives within the constraints of their time. Fences provides a window into the 1950s Pittsburgh Hill District, a vibrant, tight-knit community grappling with the lingering effects of segregation and the limitations placed on Black men in a society that often denied them opportunities. Understanding this social context will enrich your interpretation of Troy’s bitterness, Rose’s unwavering faith, and Cory’s burgeoning aspirations.
The Importance of Performance and Dialogue
The strength of Fences lies not only in its story but also in the exceptional performances delivered by the cast, particularly Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, both reprising their Tony Award-winning roles from the Broadway production. Washington’s portrayal of Troy is a masterclass in nuanced acting, capturing the character’s charisma, stubbornness, and ultimately, his tragic flaws. Davis delivers an equally powerful performance as Rose, showcasing her character’s resilience, compassion, and quiet strength. Pay close attention to the subtleties of their facial expressions, body language, and vocal inflections, as they convey a wealth of emotion often unspoken in the dialogue.
Listening Attentively to the Language
Wilson’s language is deliberate and poetic, reflecting the cultural rhythms and vernacular of the characters. The dialogue is central to understanding their motivations and relationships. Don’t treat it as mere exposition; listen carefully to the cadence, the phrasing, and the underlying meaning behind the words. The characters often speak in metaphors and allegories, revealing their deepest fears and desires.
Strategies for Active Viewing
To truly engage with Fences, adopt an active viewing approach. Avoid distractions, put away your phone, and dedicate your full attention to the film. Consider taking notes on key scenes or quotes that resonate with you. After the viewing, reflect on the themes explored and the characters’ motivations.
Identifying Key Themes and Motifs
Fences tackles several significant themes, including race, family, responsibility, the American Dream, and the complexities of love and resentment. Pay attention to how these themes are interwoven throughout the narrative and how they impact the characters’ choices and relationships. Notice recurring motifs, such as the fence itself, baseball, and music, which serve as powerful symbols that deepen the film’s meaning. The baseball metaphor, for example, permeates Troy’s dialogue, representing his missed opportunities and his struggle to reconcile his past with his present.
Addressing the FAQs About Watching Fences
Below are frequently asked questions designed to enhance your viewing experience:
1. Is it necessary to read the play before watching the movie?
While not strictly necessary, reading the play will certainly enrich your understanding of the characters’ motivations and the historical context. It allows you to appreciate the nuances of Wilson’s language and the thematic depth of the story on a deeper level.
2. Where can I watch Fences legally?
Fences is available for purchase or rent on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local library as well; they may have DVD copies available.
3. What is the historical context of Fences?
The film is set in 1950s Pittsburgh, a time of limited opportunities for African Americans, particularly in the skilled trades. Understanding the socio-economic limitations faced by Black men like Troy Maxson due to racial discrimination is crucial to understanding his character’s frustration and bitterness.
4. What is the significance of the fence in the movie?
The fence is a multifaceted symbol. It represents the literal boundary between the Maxson family’s yard and their neighbors, but it also symbolizes the emotional barriers between family members and the societal barriers that kept Troy from achieving his dreams. Rose wants the fence to keep her family in, while Troy sees it as a barrier protecting him from the outside world.
5. What is the symbolism of baseball in Fences?
Baseball represents Troy’s thwarted ambitions and his struggle to reconcile his past with his present. He was a talented baseball player who never got the chance to play in the major leagues due to racial discrimination. Baseball becomes a metaphor for his life, his missed opportunities, and his constant battle against the limitations imposed upon him.
6. What are the main themes explored in Fences?
The major themes include race, family dynamics, responsibility, the American Dream, betrayal, forgiveness, and the complex relationship between love and resentment.
7. Why is Troy so hard on his son, Cory?
Troy’s harshness towards Cory stems from a combination of factors: his own experiences with racism and disappointment, his fear of Cory experiencing similar hardship, and his inability to express affection openly. He projects his own insecurities and anxieties onto Cory, believing he is protecting him from future pain.
8. What makes Viola Davis’ performance as Rose so powerful?
Viola Davis captures Rose’s unwavering faith, quiet strength, and deep-seated pain with remarkable subtlety. Her ability to convey a range of emotions with a single look or gesture is truly captivating. Rose represents the emotional center of the family, holding them together despite Troy’s flaws.
9. How does Fences relate to August Wilson’s other plays?
Fences is part of Wilson’s American Century Cycle, a series of ten plays each depicting a different decade of the 20th century and exploring the Black experience in America. Each play can be understood independently, but appreciating the broader context of the cycle adds depth to the individual works.
10. Is Fences a depressing movie?
While Fences deals with difficult themes and tragic events, it is not solely a depressing movie. It also celebrates the resilience, love, and enduring spirit of the Black community. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating life in a society marked by inequality.
11. What should I look for in Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Troy Maxson?
Pay attention to the nuances of his performance: his charisma, his stubbornness, his vulnerability, and his underlying insecurities. Washington masterfully captures the contradictions of Troy, portraying him as both a powerful and flawed character.
12. What is the legacy of August Wilson’s Fences?
Fences is considered a landmark work of American literature and theater. It has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award, and continues to resonate with audiences due to its powerful themes, complex characters, and authentic portrayal of Black life in America. The film adaptation has further solidified its place in the cultural canon, making it accessible to a wider audience and ensuring its enduring legacy.