In August Wilson’s award winning play Fences, the central character, Troy Maxson, is a bitter man who always seems ready to fight off the next demon in his life. The product of a day and age that wholesaled bias and discrimination, Troy is so damaged by his situation that he’s incapable of celebrating the good fortune of others, even when they share his family name or skin color. In many ways he’s isolated himself from a world that’s changing but sadly, not soon enough for him. Indeed, beyond his job as a trash collector, building an actual backyard fence is a key element of the weeks, months and eventually years that pass in the story. Perhaps an allegory for the protective boundaries he’s created – imaginary lines that he dares himself and the people around him to cross.

Produced for the stage 3 times, Fences has now been brought to the screen by Denzel Washington who not only delivers a stunning performance but also assumes directorial duties. Washington, along with the equally talented Viola Davis who plays Rose, the dutiful wife and mother and a strong supporting cast effectively elevate the work to a level befitting its standing as a stage classic. A once talented athlete, trapped in baseball’s Negro Leagues in a pre Jackie Robinson era, the Loman-esque character of Troy Maxson now lives in a world of could’ve and should’ve memories that slowly but surely detaches him from those around him.

Waxing on of glory days, Denzel Washington, as you would expect an actor of this caliber, has the ability to transport both Troy and the audience to a time before all of the trash collector’s hopes and dreams were dashed away. Having played him on Broadway, Washington knows this character well and he reprises the role masterfully. He expertly throttles Troy’s emotions knowing just how and when to turn joviality into all out rage. Ye, as good as he is, it’s Viola Davis’ Rose that steals the show.

Rose is the one true injured party in the story and there are many opportunities for an actor to overplay the role. But Davis never does, she keeps a calm reserve allowing only her eyes and the occasional change in tenor to reveal hopefulness in an otherwise disappointing life. The performance, understated at first, builds throughout the film and reaches tour de force as Troy slowly but surely finds the courage to reveal an indiscretion he’s been concealing. Davis’ entire performance is Oscar worthy, but the highlight clip will most likely be her emotional retort “I’ve been standing right next to you!” as Washington’s character laments “I’ve been on first base all my life!”

There isn’t a subpar performance in the entire cast as Russell Hornsby and Jovan Adepo play Troy’s sons and both prove they are up to the task of sharing the screen with Washington. Stephen Henderson no stranger to the stage and an August Wilson regular, plays ‪Troy’s friend Mr. Bono with what seems like practiced ease. Mykelti Williamson, in the role of the cognitively challenged brother is pitch perfect conveying the innocence and purity of someone who looks up to and admires his brother no matter how flawed he may be.

Moviegoers are forewarned though – Washington’s adaptation of Fences is not cinematic. Beyond a brief exception or two it limits itself, which one must assume is intentional, to the boundaries that would otherwise be part of a stage production. And while this ensures an accurate reflection of the original work, it also means that a lot of drama is delivered non-stop from the confines of the family’s Pittsburgh row home  backyard. This, without the benefit of the 15-minute intermission that would be afforded to playgoers can become a bit overbearing and might produce a mild degree of literary indigestion.

It’s certainly not the first time this has been done when adapting a play to the screen but admittedly there’s lots of content and emotion packed into this show. Perhaps it’s Washington’s way of truly emulating his character, building another imaginary boundary, this time for the audience, who at times may feel just as trapped as the Maxson family and at other times just a sympathic neighbor on the outside looking in. Whatever the reason, its worth the price for what should be considered an all around master class in acting.