Friday 3 February 2017

Best Actor 2016: Denzel Washington in Fences

Denzel Washington received his seventh Oscar nomination for portraying Troy Maxson in Fences.

Fences is a straight forward adaptation of a play about a working class African American man trying to come to terms with his family and his life.

Denzel Washington is an actor I actually do think is fairly consistent with singular screen presence, even if I don't personally hold what is often considered his best work in as high of regard as some do. In most cases I still appreciate the performance even if I don't quite love it. Washington here gives his third directorial feature and his third self-directed performance. In his his previous two efforts Antwone Fisher and The Great Debaters, Washington relegated himself to a supporting role and a secondary lead respectively. In Fences he is front in center for all except the epilogue of the film in his recreation of Troy Maxson, a role he also played on stage. The theatrical background of the material is noticeable with its rich but thick dialogue and limited scope. It is then a challenge in order for all the performers to transition their work from the stage, most are reprising their roles from a production with Washington, to onscreen. The one performer who most successfully transitions to screen is, well, fittingly enough also the man who is directing the film.

Interestingly though it seems from the outset that Washington is going to give a large theatrical performance, though not really the one he gave on stage, as the film opens. Washington after all has never been an actor to shy away from going big. In the opening scenes of the film we basically see the typical end of the week for Troy as he does his work as a garbage man, along with his friend and neighbor Bono (Stephen Henderson). While working then long afterwards Troy is a chatterbox. Washington does this quite well by basically presenting Troy as a man who likes to talk. He only gets bigger though as he arrives home and begins to "entertain" Bono and his wife, Rose (Viola Davis), with various tall tales. Washington plays these scenes like a preacher at a revival meeting with his grand standing, and epic presentation of Troy's tale of a battle with death. Washington goes for a man telling a truly glorious story filled with thrills, and even a bit of comedy. Washington delivers in the grandeur. Quite honestly though, Washington's approach is an actual way to bridge the material to the screen, as well as allude to nature of Troy.

Troy is a man of so many speeches that Washington is able to make those believable by making this sort of style as an essential part of the man Troy is. There is no simplification in this though, this is complex depiction of what Troy is doing. On the surface Washington is quite entertaining in giving such gusto to Troy's stories and at the very least makes it convincing why anyone would bother to listen to the man for a more than a few seconds. Washington's work goes far beyond that as he suggests within it that this whole approach to life is a defense mechanism of sorts for Troy. Washington is extremely effective in the way he twists this preacher facade of sorts in and around. Washington in itself already shows us a man who believes himself to be greater than he is, and he also shows this as a way to warp that message. Although some of his speeches are just these fun pseudo philosophical stories about meeting the devil, a loan officer, or how he he met his wife, there are also more than a few hints to the man's bitterness towards life.

A defining part of Troy's background was that he once had his glory days as a baseball player in the Negro League, but despite his skill never achieved his dreams due to the discrimination of the separate leagues in baseball at the time. In Troy's tirade he will often veer off into the territory towards his hatred of the lot he was given because of that, such as an overt disdain for Jackie Robinson. I actually love the way Washington changes his tempo just a little bit in these moments as he tries to make them as smooth as his "preaching" yet can't help but still come off a bit like an angry drunk yelling in a bar. Washington infuses a real venom in these turns even early on, whenever he is reminded or reminds himself of his position, and does well to show the active effort in his attempt to maintain the facade of some sort of sage. Now I will say this might have gotten old for me, even with the nuance Washington brings within Troy's theatrics, if he also did not prove that they are indeed just that theatrics. Not theatrics in terms of what we are seeing so to speak, but rather are theatrics that Troy is actively putting on, not Washington.

To explain, Washington does not stay at that intensity, we see this even early on. He alludes to this more of when we are first introduced to Troy's handicapped, due to a war injury, brother Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson). This is Troy without an audience, except for his brother who is in a world of his own, and there is none of that bluster from Washington. He shows that act to be the act it is, but essentially giving us Troy beneath it all as he interacts with Gabriel. It's a notable scene for Washington, that he uses incredibly well, since in his moments with Gabriel Washington portrays a moving empathy, which is a limited offering from Troy. In these moments though Washington alludes to this understanding in Troy that this not only is one person who seems to have had picked a worse lot than him, but also he hasn't exactly done right by him either. This is not the only moment in which we are given a quieter performance, which Washington brilliantly uses to establish and earn the those bigger moments. It goes even further than that though in the way Washington illustrates the sort delusions of grandeur that Troy has which are directly echoed by that personal style.

One moment of Washington's performance that I particularly love is when Troy offers a bit of background to his own rough life as a child. It's an amazing scene for Washington as he does start with the showman of sorts but as he actually gets into the meat of the story, Washington shows how Troy can't quite keep it going. He instead falls into the real despair of contemplating his sad past and just faces the truth of that terrible past. It is a moving scene but also so well used by Washington to convey the real nature of Troy. Washington carefully never overemphasizes either side offering the right approach in any given situation that so well reflects the state of the man. There is subtly even in the louder moments though. In the "Like You" speech that Troy gives to his younger son Cory (Jovan Adepo), Washington offers a ferocity in the words, yet he completely gives you the sense of Troy's relationship with his son. There is this very specific disdain that Washington delivers that is fascinating as he shows it almost an internalized self-hate while being a direct hate, as though it is less that Troy hates his son he just hates the idea that his son could potentially be what he never could be. Even in the speech though Washington suggests a vague sense of wisdom even in his prideful words in terms of his view that one needs to do right by another, even if Troy himself doesn't live up to that standard.

As the story goes on it soon becomes obvious that Troy is even more flawed as he reveals to having an affair to his loyal wife Rose, refusing to end it even after the revelation. Washington is outstanding in this scene as well by offering such vulnerability in Troy as he delivers these cracks in the man as he attempts to explain himself. He offers the raw emotion of it as Troy is unable to do so to any great ability, and also even shows the man attempting to explain his action by calling upon that delusion of his. Washington in these moments brings hints of the theatrics Troy is known for, in an attempt to dodge the reality in front of him, but always quickly returns to a more down to earth Troy who must see clearly what he has done. Washington does not compromise his character and is incredible in the way his lost of that facade amplifies the man's downfall all the more. As in the final scenes of the film where Troy is basically at his end, with no false delusions anymore at least in terms of being this great man, we see Troy for all he is. His final confrontation with his son is particularly powerful because Washington shows us just the brutal reality of the man through his anger towards the boy, and reveals just the small pathetic man he is in the end. Washington makes such artful use of his strengths as a performer. His work shows such an absolute grasp on the material particularly in terms of wholly understanding who Troy is. I won't hesitate to say this, Washington gives a stunning performance here.

46 comments:

Luke Higham said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! :)

BEST LEAD ACTOR YEAR EVER. :)

A PERFECT 25 :)

Charles H said...
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Charles H said...

I'm in shock and awe.

RatedRStar said...

YESSS BRILLIANT I KNEW IT =D BEST YEAR EVER.

Anonymous said...

The year never let us down.

Anonymous said...

OMFG

Robert MacFarlane said...

Yeah, I had a feeling this was the sort of "big" performance you love seeing.

RatedRStar said...

I will post my quick hong kong film award nomination predictions when the next page is revealed.

Luke Higham said...

Denzel might actually win this.

Anonymous said...

IM LIKE WTF!!! I AM SO HAPPY SINCE I LOVED ALL 5 OF THEM.

(Affleck was better then i gave him credit for, he is the best part of the movie. A solid 4.5).

Luke Higham said...

May I also say, thank you AMPAS for getting it completely right for once, though the Adams' snub is still unforgivable.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I still say Garfield sucked and deserved a 2, but seeing all get fives is nice.

Luke Higham said...

*Adams

Robert: That's the spirit. :)

Charles H said...

The Academy really nailed this category. Only unforgivable thing is snubbing Garfield for Silence, But him being nominated for Hacksaw Ridge kinda softens the blow a bit.

Luke Higham said...

Charles: I personally would let that one slide. If Silence did really well in it's awards campaign and Garfield got snubbed, then I'd be pissed.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

A PERFECT 25!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY SHIT, THE UNTHINKABLE HAS HAPPENED, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't resist doing that. This is so damn great!

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Now the elephant in the room is how on earth Louis ranks this perfect line-up, there's 5!=120 different ways he could do it.

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: Whatever way he does it is fine by me. It's between Washington and Mortensen for the win though.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...
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Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Good on the academy for getting it right for once.
Louis: Any upgrades for anyone from the cast of Fences? Or do you feel the same towards all of them?

Mike Hannigan said...

2016 better than 2013, 1993, 1984, 1964? Oh, please...

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Mike: This year really did have no weak nominees. 2013 had Bale (although I give him a 4.5 for American Hustle), 1984 had Jeff Bridge's atrocious work in Star Man, 1993 had three terrific nominees (I give Hopkins a 5 for The Remains of the Day and Shadowlands) and 1964 had 4 brilliant nominees who'd get a 5 from me, but had Steve McQueen not doing his career best work.
Who would your favorite of these nominees, and the year overall be?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

*Rex Harrison in 1964 not doing his career best work, my bad. Although I would give him at least a 4 for My Fair Lady.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: I know in this review you even said you often appreciate Washington's work even if you don't love it, so I gotta ask, did it surprise you that you loved this performance so much?

Calvin Law said...

Yessssss. A re watch for him could potentially bump him above Affleck for me.

Glad this year's so great. Who's everyone's favourite nominee? Because while I thought Affleck gave the best performance, Washington the most iconic one, Garfield in my favourite film and Gosling the most charismatic one, Mortensen's nomination is my favourite because it was for such a low-key, small film and a non Oscar-bait film.

RatedRStar said...

Calvin: I completely agree on every level with that comment

Luke Higham said...

I wonder how enthusiastic Louis' gonna be for the Lead overall.

Calvin: My favourite nominee is Mortensen, though that might change with a re-watch of Fences.

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

I'd up Davis up to a 4.5(her early scenes resonated more with me on re-watch), and Henderson and Adepo up to 4's.

Matt:

Now since I've reviewed him I'll admit going in I had hesitations thinking, from the trailers, he might be going too broad, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Mitchell Murray said...

Well shit..he pulled through in the end.
This will be a monster to rank, but I predict:
5) Garfield
4) Washington
3) Gosling
2) Affleck
1) Mortensen

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Where would you rank Davis and your Supporting Actress Nominee Ranking with final ratings for 3rd - 5th.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Calvin: Viggo Mortensen. Like you said, it's the type of great performance which often doesn't get recognized due to being in a small scale film, which are unfairly and dismissively regarded as "less important films". I'm supremely glad that the Academy recognized 5 rather different, but equally excellent performances this year.

Anonymous said...

I think Viggo wins the line up.

Mike Hannigan said...

Tahmeed: There was no McQueen in 1964 (Burton-Harrison-O'Toole-Sellers-Quinn).

Actually, for me there was no perfect year yet. 1993 was very close with magnificent Hopkins in "The Remains of the Day" (don't get why Louis doesn't like it), but they had to nominate terrible one-dimensional Fishbourne, who spoiled eveything.

2013 was even closer, perhaps, I'd also give Bale 4.5.

I love 1984, Sam Waterson, Finney, both Amadeus's are among my favourite all time performances.

1974 was breathtaking too, although I don't share Louis's respect for Art Carney's work.

And this year... Oh, well... I find neither performances nor movies very special. I get why Affleck is high, but Garfield is almost caricatured in a bombastic, pompous Mel Gibson's confession of faith? Washington in his theatrical over-the-top part? Al Pacino did something similar in "Scent of a Woman", and he got 2, if I'm not mistaken. Gosling was fine, charming, pretty, good dancer - but 5? I thought, 5 is reserved for truly magnificent parts. Rex Harrison whose performance was better acted, despite lack of singing, got 3 or something like that.

But... That's life. One likes oranges, one apples.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: I'm gonna ask you a rather unique question, but did you give all the nominees 5's after seeing their films for the first time in theaters? Or did the rewatch help any of them?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Mike: Louis gave Al Pacino a 3.5 for Scent of a Woman.

Mike Hannigan said...

Tahmeed: This is also my rank for Washington, actually.

RatedRStar said...

Mike Hannigan: What are your thoughts on Claude Rains as an actor =D.

RatedRStar said...

Mike Hannigan: What are your thoughts on Claude Rains as an actor? I forgot to put the question mark lol

Calvin Law said...

I think it'll be:

1. Mortensen
2. Washington
3. Gosling
4. Affleck
5. Garfield

I hope it'll be

1. Mortensen
2. Washington
3. Affleck
4. Garfield
5. Gosling

Louis Morgan said...

Mike:

You can read my personal philosophy for a "5" in my review for Joaquin Phoenix in Her, and for me all five of these gents met the requirements.

Tahmeed:

Gosling I'll admit I came to appreciate all the more on re-watch.

Michael McCarthy said...

For some reason I was just as confident in Denzel getting a 5 as I was in the rest of the nominees, but this still feels great to see. I really hope he gets a high placement in the overall.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I actually think Affleck may place last, although I hope he's in the top 2.

Giuseppe Fadda said...

Is Kidman still your pick among the nominees or is Davis now your number one?

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

I actually intend on re-watching Green Room soon along with a few others soon just to finalize a few things.

Giuseppe:

I think I'll still side on Kidman, but it's close.

Mike Hannigan said...

RatedRStar:

I like that he always made his characters memorable. Whatever part he was playing you knew that Claude Rains was there. But he didn’t show off with his magnificent technique – like Washington this year, but had sort of, I don't know, inner charisma and deep understanding of the part that attracted the viewer and distract attention even from bigger boys or girls he was playing with. He wasn’t handsome, you wouldn’t probably notice him on the street, but, still, was eye-catching and able to create a fascinating, complicated characters even from a poor material, like in “Casablanca”. He was perfect as a villain, but I love his more dimensional performances in “Mr Smith Goes to Washington” or “Mr Skeffington”, or in an episode in “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Luke Higham said...

Actually Louis, I'll ask for your Female rankings as well as the remainder of the 4/4.5s when you complete the alternates for the year.