MovieChat Forums > Fences (2016) Discussion > Something feels off

Something feels off

posted 8 years ago by ruimjo
10 replies | jump to latest

What do I see here? A scene where Denzel hams it up for the camera and Viola Davis cries relentlessly, those beautiful buggy eyes telling a world of emotions. But something is off here? I'm not sure what? Maybe not enough was given to us in this first sneak peek, but the overall vibe Im getting is Oscar-bait with adaptation limits that have squandered many other similar movies hopes in the past. This is based on August Wilson's play of the same name which also starred Washington and Davis. Those are powerhouse actors. They can elevate just abut anything. It is directed by Washington, whose previous efforts showed his limitations as a director. "Antwone Fisher" and "The Great Debaters" both competently watchable, but ultimately unsatisfying in their unattainable expectations. Do I hold out hope for "Fences"? Of course, it has two of the greatest working actors in the game working on a labor of love. The movie means a lot to everyone involved, but can it transcend into something truly special? We will see.

http://www.mrruimy.com/2016/09/something-feels-off-with-denzel.html

[–] JakeHelmer 8 years ago

It's the same problem with every single black film....over-acting while overcoming white "racism".

It gets really old

[–] !!!deleted!!! (63057267) 8 years ago

I'm sure that having to overcome white racism in real life gets old too, Jake. That's a reality for a lot of Americans, and is likely to always be topical.

Regarding your comment about "over-acting": Emotions tend to run high for some, and that shouldn't necessarily be frowned upon by those who feel comparatively little.

[–] BanzaiTron 8 years ago

and that shouldn't necessarily be frowned upon by those who feel comparatively little.

Well said. I guess these buggers haven't really seen real people or specifically married couples going through troubling times get into heated arguments. Its no different from what was in the trailer.

This will be the only comment or reply you'll get. Like I give a sh!t about YOUR interwebz opinion.

[–] activista 8 years ago

@cinesicko

I'm sure that having to overcome white racism in real life gets old too, Jake. That's a reality for a lot of Americans, and is likely to always be topical

Damn right it is--I co-sign on that. That's what these little whining-a** fools like JakeHelmer don't seem to understand----racism was (and still is) some real and actual s*** people of color, particularly black people, have always had to deal with in their very REAL lives. It's not just some s*** you see in a movie. And yes,they do get sick and fckg tired of having to deal with in real life,too. Of course, since they're never experienced it, they can't relate to it, of course---it's just something in a movie to them.

[–] bai_rai 8 years ago

The novel/play/movie takes place in the 1950's, meaning the adult characters were born at least around 1905 to about 1910. And those who were born at that time faced a great deal of racism. This does not discount the economic effects of the Depression and WWII.

If you have read the novel, or had seen the play, you would know that it deals with much more bigger issues.

[–] ohtruethat 8 years ago

It's not believable with Denzel as the lead because we are so used to him being a powerful sophisticated man. His voice seems "put on" and then we've got Viola Davis from How to Get Away with Murder playing this downtrodden black woman.

It's just because we are too familiar with the actors. It's like when a gorgeous actress tries to play a dorky shy wallflower. It's just not believable even if the acting is phenomenal.

The same way Leonardo Di Caprio didn't work as J Edgar Hoover.

[–] CricketyRicket56 8 years ago

Down trodden? I'm not sure if you watched a different trailer or if you're just terrible at reading people.
Where you see "down trodden", I see a strong woman that has reached her limit with her self absorbed husband.

As for Denzel supposedly always being "sophisticated" in his roles.. I'm assuming you never saw Glory or even Training Day?
Both these actors have incredible range.

[–] goldpink23 8 years ago

It's not believable with Denzel as the lead because we are so used to him being a powerful sophisticated man.

His voice seems "put on" and then we've got Viola Davis from How to Get Away with Murder playing this downtrodden black woman.

 I'm happy the majority of the people reaction after watching the trailer of Fences do NOT share the same opinion as you,especially when it comes to Denzel Washington.

[–] activista 8 years ago

@ohtruethat

You do know that actors can play entirely different roles, don't you? And FYI,both Washington and Davis starred in the 2010 revival of the play the film is based on, and were also nominated for their roles:

From Wikipedia:
The first Broadway revival of the play opened at the Cort Theatre on April 26, 2010, with a limited 13-week engagement. Directed by Kenny Leon, the production starred Denzel Washington (Troy Maxson) and Viola Davis (Rose) as the married couple struggling with changing U.S. race relations.[1] The revival was nominated for ten Tony Awards,[2][3] winning three for Best Revival of a Play, Best Actor in a Play (Denzel Washington), and Best Actress in a Play (Viola Davis).[4]

So your ranting and nonsense about how the actors supposedly can't "fit" these roles is just that--nonsense. Actors are supposed to be able to fit virtually any role they play, regardless of whatever role you think they should or should not play.

[–] 8 years ago

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