#10. Fences
Stage-to-screen adaptations are more common than you might think. If you are not already familiar with the work, you may not realize what you are seeing. One of the main reasons this is the case is because film directors and screenwriters oftentimes take their own artistic liberties with the source text. Many stage plays take place in one location; Hollywood often expands the scope of settings. They often dumb down some of the more emotional complex themes to make them more easily digestible. They add humor where it is not needed to keep modern audiences awake. Etc. Etc. Fences might be the most pure, unadulterated stage-to-screen adaptation ever produced. Denzel Washington uses the August Wilson’s original script as his script, crediting him for his work - Wilson, who won a Pulitzer for this work, is now nominated for an Oscar. Denzel does expand the setting outside of his backyard, but the yard is still the predominated location. The cast is tight and give off the impression that they have this material in their bones. That especially goes to Viola Davis and Washington. Both actors are acclaimed award winners who never disappoint, even when they’re in disappointing projects. This is something else entirely, a career peak for both performers.
Stage-to-screen adaptations are more common than you might think. If you are not already familiar with the work, you may not realize what you are seeing. One of the main reasons this is the case is because film directors and screenwriters oftentimes take their own artistic liberties with the source text. Many stage plays take place in one location; Hollywood often expands the scope of settings. They often dumb down some of the more emotional complex themes to make them more easily digestible. They add humor where it is not needed to keep modern audiences awake. Etc. Etc. Fences might be the most pure, unadulterated stage-to-screen adaptation ever produced. Denzel Washington uses the August Wilson’s original script as his script, crediting him for his work - Wilson, who won a Pulitzer for this work, is now nominated for an Oscar. Denzel does expand the setting outside of his backyard, but the yard is still the predominated location. The cast is tight and give off the impression that they have this material in their bones. That especially goes to Viola Davis and Washington. Both actors are acclaimed award winners who never disappoint, even when they’re in disappointing projects. This is something else entirely, a career peak for both performers.