The trailer for Fences opens with Cory (Jovan Apedo) and Rose (Viola Davis) saying everything you need to know through their eyes. Troy (Denzel Washington) unloads on his son, Cory, for his criticism against his family. Glances of home-life as well as various supporting cast members play underneath Washington’s voice, sending this movie into the “2016 contenders for movies that will make me sob” category.
Based on the play and adapted for the screen by Pulitzer Prize winner, August Wilson, Fences follows an African American family getting by in 1950’s Pittsburg. Washington takes reign as director showing that while his features (Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters) may be far and few between, they never disappoint.
Fences looks no different. Washington evidently knows how to work with actors, pulling them to the height of their ability, evident through miniscule movements in brief cutaways. The cast is great and the director/writer relationship are reasons for anticipation. Along with the Washington, Apedo, and Davis, are Russell Hornsby (Grimm), Mykelti Williamson (Heat), and Stephen Henderson (Law and Order).
Fences arrives Christmas day.
