Lights, camera, emotion! Have you watched a film that sticks with you? Not for explosions or chases, but for its rawness? That’s "Fences." This isn't a typical Hollywood blockbuster. It explores the life of a Black family in 1950s Pittsburgh, facing dreams delayed and heavy daily realities.
Plot and Setting: 1950s Pittsburgh - More Than Just Steel Mills
Imagine Pittsburgh in the 1950s. Steel mills hum, jazz music fills the air, and for the Maxson family, life occurs in a simple house. This is no ordinary backdrop. Pittsburgh represents not just industry; it grapples with social change, especially for African Americans.
Navigating a Divided America
The film, based on August Wilson's play, confronts harsh realities. Segregation is not just history; it's their life experience. The 1950s stand at the brink of the Civil Rights movement, yet inequality persists. "Fences" immerses us in this tension, illustrating friction between Black communities and white power structures.
Generational Echoes in the Black Family Experience
At its heart, "Fences" explores the Black family saga over generations. Experiences, both bitter and sweet, ripple through time. It’s a family tree where each branch tells tales of struggle and resilience. Wilson reveals how dreams evolve from era to era through the Maxson family.
Prejudice: An Unseen Character
Prejudice emerges as a palpable force in "Fences." Set in the 1950s, it addresses themes still relevant today, through the struggles of Black families. It's about subtle racism that seeps into life, from job prospects to personal dreams. The Maxsons show how prejudice strains relationships and crushes aspirations while fostering an unbreakable bond of resilience.
Meet the Maxsons: A Family Portrait
The characters in "Fences" aren't mere script names; they are complex individuals. Each wrestles with personal demons and desires. Let's get to know them better.
Troy Maxson: The Patriarch with a Past
Troy Maxson, portrayed by Denzel Washington, is the story's linchpin. At 53, he carries his past. His life is marked by poverty, prison, and racial discrimination. Troy works as a garbage collector, reflecting his feelings about life—constantly picking up what society discards.
He’s not an ordinary 53-year-old; he’s flawed and complex. As the protagonist, he carries 1950s Pittsburgh’s burdens as a working-class Black man. He is a character you love to hate and hate to love.
More Than Just a Garbageman
For Troy, garbage collection defines his identity. With his friend Jim Bono, he navigates city streets, collecting refuse. This job isn’t glamorous but it’s honest work that offers a steady if unfulfilling income. It symbolizes Troy’s place in the world and life’s limitations
The Affair: A Crack in the Fence
Here’s where things get complicated. Despite outward strength, Troy feels trapped by his life and unfulfilled dreams. His unhappiness leads him to an affair. In Wilson's narrative, Troy's infidelity isn't just a flaw; it signifies deeper unrest.
Alberta represents escape for Troy. His infidelity isn’t about love; it symbolizes his desire to break free from daily burdens. He fathers a child with Alberta, shattering his family’s foundation. Confession leads to raw pain.
The Inevitable End: Heartbreak and Heart Attack
Life often returns to mortality. In "Fences," Troy’s story ends with a heart attack. It’s abrupt for a character of his stature. His death symbolizes a life constrained by weight and conflict. This moment prompts reflection among those he leaves behind.
Obsessed with the Inevitable
Oddly, Troy fixates on death. He appears engaged in a constant tussle with it, deriving pride from survival against all odds—a tough father, poverty, setbacks—fuels his self-worth. For him, death is not just an end; it is a backdrop highlighting his struggles.
Father-Son Face-off: Troy and Cory
The relationship between Troy and Cory is fraught with expectations and resentments. Cory desires love and approval from his father. Instead, he faces Troy’s tough exterior. Troy believes provision is love enough—a distant view.
This conflict peaks around Cory's passion for football. Cory's talent represents the future Troy never achieved. Yet Troy dismisses football as frivolous, fixing his focus solely on chores. A confrontation ensues when Cory rebels, swinging a bat at Troy—a moment of defiance.
Troy overpowers Cory in this confrontation, kicking him out of the house. It represents a brutal severing of ties, driven by Troy's inability to support Cory's dreams.
Rose Maxson: The Heart of the Home
Rose Maxson stands as the quiet force in "Fences." She is the wife, mother, and anchor of the Maxson family. Imagine a woman dedicating her life to family only to face betrayal. Rose embodies strength, resilience, and compassion.
The Sting of Betrayal
Troy's affair is not merely a mistake for Rose; it’s profound betrayal. It shatters her trust in their marriage. To Rose, this infidelity marks a fundamental breach in their bond. It deeply wounds her, shaking their relationship's foundation.
Unconditional Love: Raising Raynell
In an extraordinary act of grace, Rose agrees to raise Raynell, Troy’s illegitimate daughter. This decision showcases her immense love and forgiveness. Rose brings Raynell in, stating, "This child got a mother. But you a womanless man." A powerful declaration separating Troy from Raynell’s innocence.
Patience and Generosity: Rose's True Strength
Rose exemplifies patience and generosity. These qualities define her interactions with everyone around her. She serves as the emotional bedrock of the family, nurturing others despite personal pain.
offering support, understanding, and love, even amid personal pain.
Cory Maxson: A New Path
Cory Maxson is the son of Troy and Rose. He stands on the brink of adulthood, grappling with his father's legacy and his own ambitions. He embodies a new generation with different hopes. Cory’s aspirations clash with his father's pessimism. He respects his father but also seeks his own way.
Tumultuous Father-Son Conflict
Cory's relationship with Troy drives much of the conflict in "Fences." It showcases differing values and expectations. Cory craves affection from Troy but encounters a rigid view of fatherhood. Troy struggles to show love in a recognizable way. Tensions rise over Cory's passion for football. Troy's disapproval leads to a tragic split between them. Cory swinging a baseball bat at Troy brings their misunderstanding to a climax.
Joining the Marines: A Life Change
Cory's enlistment in the Marines marks a significant life change. It serves as an escape from home and a step toward independence. Cory becomes a Marine, distancing himself from Troy's influence. Yet, resentment simmers within him. He finds purpose in the military, far from the confines of home.
Forgiveness and Moving Forward
Lyons Maxson: The Musician
Lyons Maxson is Troy's son from a prior relationship, an older presence in the family. His life choices show another side of Troy's impact. Born while Troy was imprisoned, Lyons carries the shadow of that separation.
The Musician's Dream
Lyons is a jazz guitarist. He pursues his artistic passion, focusing on music. However, this obsession blinds him to practical matters. Financial struggles surface. He often resorts to dubious means to survive. His artistic dreams clash with Troy's practical values, pushing him toward desperation.
Legal Troubles: A Costly Mistake
Lyons faces legal troubles due to his financial struggles. He goes to jail for forgery. His choices catch up with him, leading to serious consequences. Lyons serves time, reminding him of his impractical approach. Yet, he receives a furlough for Troy’s funeral, reconnecting him with the family in somber circumstances.
Raynell Maxson: A Symbol of Hope
Raynell Maxson is Troy's illegitimate daughter with Alberta. She enters a world of turmoil but symbolizes hope for renewal. Her birth is tied to scandal and grief.
Orphaned Yet Embraced
Alberta dies during childbirth, leaving Raynell without a mother. Despite this tragic start, Raynell finds love with Rose. Rose raises Raynell as her own daughter. Troy brings Raynell home, and Rose’s compassion offers Raynell stability. Ultimately, Rose embodies love and resilience in raising Raynell.
Alberta: The Shadowy Figure
Alberta is Troy’s mistress, largely unseen but profoundly affecting the family. She triggers much of the drama in "Fences." Alberta serves as Troy's escape from his troubles.
A Tragic Turn of Events
Alberta becomes pregnant, initially bringing Troy joy but immense pain to Rose. She gives birth to Raynell before dying during childbirth. This tragedy deepens Troy's burdens. Alberta's death six months later leaves grief in its wake, ending a life sought as a refuge.
Jim Bono: The Loyal Friend
Jim Bono is Troy’s best friend and a steadfast presence. He acts as a confidant and often serves as a mirror for Troy's actions. They work as garbage collectors together.
Wisdom: The Fence Metaphor
Bono offers wisdom about fences in the play. He notes, “Some people build fences to keep people out...and other people build fences to keep people in.” This quote captures the play's core metaphor, highlighting fences' dual purpose. Bono's insights reflect on Troy's actions and motivations, shedding light on their significance.
Themes in "Fences"
"Fences" presents a tapestry of themes that resonate deeply. We will explore some key thematic threads in the film.
Family: The Bonds That Impact
Family serves as the heart of "Fences." The film showcases family dynamics, detailing how environment molds individuals. Parental actions, despite good intentions, leave lasting impacts. "Fences" illustrates how our upbringing shapes who we are, for better or worse.
Complex Family Relationships
The film examines family roles, duties, and commitments. It illustrates themes of family dynamics, duty, betrayal, and parenting legacies. It's a portrayal of family life—how its members view their roles within it.
Defining Family Roles and Responsibilities
"Fences" explores how characters define their responsibilities within the family. It investigates how each perceives their duty to the unit. Betrayal's impact on familial bonds is also explored here. The unspoken contracts and expectations among family members are central elements.
Duty: Beyond Obligation
Duty recurs in "Fences," particularly for Troy. He views his actions, even infidelity, as a twisted duty. Duty transcends obligation; it reflects characters’ perceptions of responsibility. Characters fulfill obligations from love, fear, or resentment.
Betrayal: Cracks in Foundations
Betrayal runs deep, primarily through Troy’s affair. His infidelity shows how betrayal shatters trust and damages familial bonds significantly.
Duty, betrayal, and parenting's legacy surround the story. Troy's affair with Alberta embodies betrayal. It creates a deep wound for Rose and Cory. Rose viewed Troy's infidelity as a rupture. This theme illustrates how betrayal can sever family ties.
Legacy: Echoes Through Time
Legacy serves as a haunting theme that highlights how parents shape their children's futures. The play "Fences" scrutinizes how Troy's choices influence Cory. It reveals the invisible inheritance of trauma, resilience, and unresolved conflicts. "Fences" explores family, duty, and betrayal in depth.
Emotional Development of Men: Beyond Stereotypes
The film lightly touches on men's emotional growth within societal frameworks. It explores their emotional maturation beyond athleticism and traditional roles. The narrative questions how men express feelings outside rigid masculine expectations.
Humility: A Quiet Strength
Humility is key in "Fences," especially in fatherhood. The film teaches lessons in humility that shape relationships. In fatherhood, humility emerges as vital. It requires placing children's needs above one's own, emphasizing selflessness in parenting.
Forgiveness: A Path to Healing
Forgiveness is crucial for healing and progress. Cory's forgiveness of Troy signifies a powerful move toward personal freedom. It illustrates how forgiveness applies to others and oneself. Cory's choice to forgive Troy serves better long-term mental health and avoids repeating past mistakes.
Protection, Separation, and Limitation: The Symbolism of Fences
The title "Fences" highlights multifaceted symbolism. In August Wilson's play, the fence speaks to themes of protection, separation, and limitation. Fences act as barriers, both literal and metaphorical, defining relationships and spaces.
Symbolism: More Than Meets the Eye
"Fences" brims with symbolism, where actions and objects reveal deeper significance. Let's uncover critical symbols.
Fences: Walls and Boundaries
The fence stands as the most significant symbol, interweaving multiple meanings. It signifies themes of protection and limitation in August Wilson's work. Fences create emotional barriers, marking both security and confinement. In the final scene, the completed fence stands as a testament to family strength and emotional distance.
Protection and Confinement
Fences embody the dual role of protection and separation. They create emotional distance while keeping loved ones safe. Fences define territories and relationships, serving as barriers in August Wilson's narrative.
Troy's Heart in Wood and Wire
The fence metaphorically depicts Troy’s heart, which remains guarded. It reflects his emotional walls and inability to connect fully with his family. Troy builds these barriers to shield himself from vulnerability.
Dog Blue: Loyalty and Masculinity
The song "Dog Blue" adds another symbolism layer. It honors the loyalty of a hound dog, reflecting traditional masculinity. This idealized version stresses loyalty, obedience, and devotion in typical male roles.
Baseball Bat: Swinging at Fate
The baseball bat holds deeper significance beyond sports; it's linked to Troy's struggles. Rose notes that Troy died while swinging his bat. The bat symbolizes Troy's battle with death and life's challenges.
Troy's Actions and Inner Turmoil
Troy’s behaviors are often confusing and hurtful, driven by complex motives. Let’s explore what makes Troy tick.
Why the Affair? Unpacking Troy's Infidelity
Troy's affair with Alberta roots in dissatisfaction and yearning for more. In August Wilson's "Fences," Troy cheats on Rose due to unhappiness with life and feelings of entrapment.
Escape and Illusion: Chasing a Mirage
The affair offered Troy escape from responsibilities and disappointments. It created a fleeting illusion of progress in a stagnant life. Troy sought solace in Alberta, experiencing a false sense of control amid his dissatisfaction.
Troy's Tragic Flaw: Selfishness at the Core
Troy's defining flaw lies in his selfishness. In "Fences," this trait makes him a tragic figure. His decisions harm himself and his loved ones, as he fails to see beyond his own needs.
Death Obsession: A Dark Companion
Troy’s fixation on death shapes his character significantly. His obsession provides motivation, fueling pride in survival against odds. For Troy, death becomes a constant adversary requiring wit and resilience.
From Stage to Screen: "Fences" Movie Accuracy
Adapting a dialogue-rich play like "Fences" presents challenges, yet the film succeeds remarkably.
Dialogue: A Faithful Transfer
The "Fences" movie retains August Wilson's original dialogue remarkably well. Nearly 95-100% of the play's dialogue transitions to the film. This faithfulness captures the potent language of Wilson’s work beautifully.
Behind the Scenes: Production Notes
Let’s look at production details that enhance the film’s authenticity.
Pittsburgh Roots: Filming Location
Filming "Fences" in Pittsburgh was essential for authenticity. The 2016 movie was shot in the Hill District, where the play is set. This location adds realism to the narrative and grounds the story emotionally.
Denzel Washington: Director and Star
Denzel Washington’s roles as director and star played an important part in the film’s success. His understanding of the material enriched the movie. Directed by Denzel, "Fences" showcases the power of translating performance from stage to screen effectively.
"Fences" to the cinematic medium.
Viola Davis's Oscar: Acknowledging Brilliance
Viola Davis won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She portrayed Rose Maxson. Her performance received deserved recognition. In her speech, she mentioned graveyards. They hold stories of love and loss. Her triumph highlighted themes of legacy and human experience.
August Wilson: The Playwright Behind the Masterpiece
No discussion of "Fences" is complete without mentioning August Wilson. He was a visionary playwright. He created this powerful story.
A Voice for the Black Experience
August Wilson was a notable African American playwright. He chronicled the Black experience in 20th-century America. His work won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for 'Fences.' He also won a second Pulitzer for 'The Piano Lesson.' Wilson’s accolades confirm his literary greatness.
Exploring the Black Family Saga
Wilson's work shows the Black family experience across generations. "Fences" explores how these experiences evolve. It reflects the joys and struggles of Black family life. This film captures complex dynamics uniquely. Its depth makes it essential storytelling for understanding Black life.
So, here is "Fences." It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience. It mirrors family dynamics and societal pressures. If you seek a film that challenges you, watch "Fences." It might make you rethink your own fences. Be ready to feel deeply.
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