Fences

Those interested in seeing one of the finest acting performances in a storied career full of them should make a point of seeing Fences, the film adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about life for a black family in 1950's Pittsburgh. Directed by and starring Denzel Washington, in as ferocious and commanding a performance as he's ever given, Fences represents a return to vibrant life for the actor in a way I haven't witnessed on screen for some time. Not since The Hurricane has Washington so completely and fearlessly given himself to a performance. He speaks almost non-stop which could be jarring for some during the heavy beginning, but soon you'll just settle in and marvel at his ability to command the screen. Of course it helps to have Wilson's seamless dialogue and ear for the period and culture, but one cannot deny Washington's making this project and this character his own, much like he did in his Tony winning stint with the role on Broadway. Viola Davis, who also won a Tony for her role, reprises it here, and is terrific as well. An actor's clinic, with a poetry of words free flowing almost every second.