Hooray for Fences

Applause all around for this movie! Amazing performances from an all-star cast, which included Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and Mykelti Williamson. Not only that but the dialogue was phenomenal. This is a movie that focused much more on the message and delivery on the words being spoken than on the action of the movie. I read the play a couple of times in college so I knew about the basic premise and underlying themes. First, there’s the obvious starting point which is the title of the play, Fences. The character of Bono brings out a good point in the play. That sometimes fences are built to keep people out but they can also be built to keep people in. I believe that to be the main theme of the play considering that’s the title. Rose is so desperately trying to hold on to her family and keep them together, but we find out in the end some things go awry and it doesn’t quite work out. On another point, I have to give kudos to Mykelti Williamson for playing the mentally ill Gabe. I think he did a fantastic job of submerging into that character. He gave an excellent performance. I think any actor who can successfully portray mental illness is outstanding. Whoever hasn’t seen this movie it is a must watch!