Fences (2017 in Spain)
Released |
2016 |
Rating (UK) |
12A |
Source of story |
A play “Fences” by August Wilson |
Writer/s script |
August Wilson (and one other who is not credited, but who completed the screenplay after the author had died) |
Director |
Denzel Washington |
Starring |
Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson |
Elevator Pitch |
A rubbish bin operative (in Spanish “basurero”) who might once have become a baseball star, but who was prevented by the inadmission of black athletes into the sport, rules his family with an iron fist, on the basis of bringing home his wage packet and owning his house. But as time passes we learn that the basis for his authority may be morally questionable, and will result in the alienation of everybody round him. |
Content |
A load of talking in the back garden of his house, particularly during the construction of the fence. Just one or two momentary ventures out into the street, and into the house. A whole raft of problems for African-Americans in 1950s Pitsburgh are addressed |
A View |
I know it was a play, but as a film it was too long and too wordy. The fence of the title is gradually constructed, both allegorically and physically. I suspect that the construction was a device used on stage with considerable effect, but which just did not do it for me in the film. I admit to dropping off occasionally. It is notable that the critics who did not like it were mostly British, but otherwise lots of positive reviews. |
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About Victor R Gibson
Author of this site three technical books and two novels
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