Denzel Washington Brings American Classic To The Box Office
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Fresh off its triple SAG Award nominations, the film Fences opens in theaters on Christmas.
Fences is set in the mid 1940's. Troy Maxson is a Pittsburg sanitation worker who once dreamed of a baseball career. Unfortunately for him, he was too old when the leagues began began admitting black players. He tries to be a good father but his lost dream at glory leaves him a bitter man.
Denzel Washington plays Troy. He also directs and produces this film that was adapted from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning play by the same name. At a recent premiere of Fences, Denzel, who also played the part on Broadway back in 2010, said he's always blown away by the writing.
"August Wilson wrote a masterpiece. He wrote a great, if not a perfect play, it's one that any actor would want to be a part of. It's a great rich character that you can search and continue to find new things," Denzel explained.
This film features the amazing Viola Davis as Rose, a housewife of 18 years, struggling with her husband's heartbreak while forcing to repress her own. Davis also played the role on Broadway with Denzel.
Newcomer Jovan Adepo plays their son Cory who only seeks his father's elusive approval.
CBS4's Lisa Petrillo asked Jovan if he was more nervous or excited about working with the Oscar-winning actor.
"All of the above. It was definitely a nerve wracking experience but one I knew would be incredibly rewarding," he said. "Getting an opportunity to work with one of my heroes and also Viola and this super talented cast was a dream for me. I wanted to come in and use this as an opportunity to learn."
Stephen McKinley Henderson plays Troy's best friend Bono. He says the movie's title is a metaphor for whether fences keep the people you love out or in.
"The essence of it for me is the precious value of family and the fact that parents do the best they can. Sometimes they fall short of what you ask but they are indeed doing the best they can, as they have inherited the things they come with," said Henderson.
Fences is rated PG-13.