Fences - Analyzing Staging in Act 1, Scene 3 - "How come you ain't never liked me?"
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
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James Earl Jones gave an authoritative performance. Denzel looks like he's more charismatic
True
Brown Lady it should be that way, reminds me of good times. the other was good but made me uncomfortable.
***** But Denzel totally makes up for it in the movie, its not as humurous but still not as uncomfortably angry as this dude. So its still a win for him.
Chris Jericho the movie is really really good. Denzel did a fantastic job
James Earl Jone gave an authentic 1950's response (just like my daddy would). Denzil gave a 2000's response. (don't be too hard on the boy). See how Denzil is smiling. This was not a loving smiling moment in the 1950's. JEJ was teaching his son how to be a MAN in an era where they were still lynching people. "Make sure that they are doing RIGHT by you". That is acting.
When James Earl Jones begins to talk, you immediately forget you're an adult.
I feel that.
I said yes sir when he asked those questions because it felt like my old man
@@CapcoorMe too
Facts bro 💯
Both performances were good but JEJ made me feel 8 years old again and I wasn't even on stage
That voice makes any grown man quiver a little bit.
a mi tambien
When he said straighten up. I straightened up!
😂😂😂yep
Mustafa
I am so blessed and grateful that my Mom took me to see this play when I was younger. Such a spectacular performance. Rise in PEACE, James Earl Jones. 🙏🏽🕯🕊
02:36 He goes from scorning his son to gently and calmly caressing him... The dynamic of Jones' performance is unbelievable.
James Earl Jones is James "Fucking" Earl Jones!
Yes. I almost teared up like his son. Masterfully done.
Fences
He won the Tony award for this role.
That's the whole thing. The delivery was so vast, James earl jones was more teaching his son about worrying if hes being accepted while Denzel seemed more just venting and demoralizing
Setting aside the argument of which performance was better, Corey in the James Earl Jones version legitimately looks like he's going to cry the whole time and I think he deserves some kudos on his silent performance in that scene.
Yes both actors are tremendous. Both actors in the Denzel play are embarrassing
Agreed. Vance's performance here is quite fantastic as well. The layers in what's happening between them is something that reaches into your chest and rips your heart out, especially if you've had a tortured relationship with your father. They manage to make you feel devastated for both of them.
No one ever once laughed during James Earl Jones' scene. He commanded far too much respect there. This is almost like a primtime Sitcom vs an Academy Award winning Film in many ways. Denzel's performance was for the entertainment of the audience, which he did fantastically. James' performance was meant to shake your core and impact you emotionally, leaving you with something you take away at the end and carry into your life. There is no comparison for me, Mr. Jones takes this by a mile.
i have a feeling the audiences reaction to denzel might have been more of a generational thing.
You wouldn't be wrong. Audiences are much more vocal, somewhat less serious, more seemingly entitled, and a bit less respectful nowadays than they used to be, especially in theater (but also in film and concert, etc.). And I say this as a young person.
I feel that it was also part of the directing. because Denzel Washington is also a fantastic actor. Because the way they delivered it was completely different makes me think the directors had completely different visions for the show.
+TheEschwank02 I think it was Denzel's speaking style that made audiences laugh
Robb Wilson If you listen carefully when the son said, "Because you like me?". The audience laughed in a low tone.
Same low tone can be heard at the father's statement about him and his wife working it out between them.
Luke: "Father, how come you never liked me?"
Darth Vader: "Liked you....??"
Archangel the Stylish I totally laughed out loud at this... That just rewrote the entire star wars universe for me.
Most underrated comment
This is funny cuz it has two meanings
and James earl Jones is death Vader
You know I imagine an AU of Episode 4 where the roles of obi wan and Darth Vader are reversed I imagine this is how Anakin would treat Luke in episode 4. And it makes sense after all Anakin has been through
James Earl Jones has a seriousness to his act. Meanwhile Denzel comes off serious but with a sarcastic undertone, hence why it's seen as "comedic." I like both.
No denzel acting. The 00s audience dont take nun serious smh. Cuz that audience is idiots
James Earl Jones's performance gave me chills. Courtney B. Vance actually looked scared.
Triggering Trina
He did.
3/15/2020
I wasn't even the one being yelled at and I was ready to start begging for forgiveness
@@EverSide19 😂😂😂😂😂💯
Yes, scared is right. Such believable acting.
I think Uncle Phil would have played that role if he had the chance.
Nobody dares laughing at Darth Vader
Or mufasa lol
Yea. It turned into a sitcom when Denzel came up. No disrespect to Denzel, but his take is so different.
I was laughing at both. Even the one dude with Denzel.
"You deliberately disobeyed me!"
lmaO
😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂
My son WORKS?!!
And what worse. You put Nala in danger.
Amazing performances. I can't believe how different these two scenes feel, using the same exact words. They really paint their own characters.
I guess their performance reflect the time when it was done and not the time in which the scene is based. Personally, I like Mr. Jones performance better...seems more authentic. He wasn't playing to the audience.
Facts Danny DeLloyd did well too
those laughs ruin everything, sigh.
I know. It isn't even funny
How does it ruin anything?
Casey J it ruins everything because it injects a tone to the scene that was unintended and displaces the viewer from the performance.
A father is/was imparting wisdom to his son in what was supposed to be a painful, powerful and almost sorrowful way, there is almost a sense of fear from the father that his son might be, or end up to weak to handle life's hardships as the father understands it.
JEJ's performance will likely be viewed as better (i agree) but denzel's performance is lessened because there is a sense given by the audience's reaction that (it was light hearted in nature) while the silence for JEJ's performance adds to the gravity of his performance.
The audience reaction in no way disrupts the moment. It's not as if they're unengaged and being a distraction; they are participating directly by reacting naturally to the content of the play. That is the beauty of live theater. It is the actor's job to play the moment truthfully and the audiences job to listen. That is all.
Thank You Budgie as a viewer and as a human being, we are naturally susceptible to influence. Knowing that this scene is a serious scene, we are still influenced (whether you admit it or not) by the audience's reaction. The laughter absolutely changed the tone of the scene. It's not as though "it's our duty to listen and we will do just that." We're impressionable, and some wanted to see the scene as serous as it was intended. To this, I say watch the film. It re-captures the gravity of the situation.
James Earl Jones acting is powerful.
The force is strong with him.
It's really interesting too how JEJ takes the "Straighten up, Goddammit!" line very seriously while it's kind of a throwaway for Denzel.
I didn’t like Denzel’s delivery of that line. It was a very important line of respect.
I love JEJ's way more because it let's us know right away that discipline is really important to him. Whereas Denzel's portrayal says it offhandedly and while looking at the ground. It's the worst part of the Denzel version for me, totally misses the mark on that line whereas for JEJ it's a moment of reveal
Denzel did it differently for the movie
Both leading actors were great! It was the delivery of the response of the son after Troy asks, "Why do you think that is?" The responses of the son set the tone for the scene. James Earl Jones's (1st Troy) son, responded as one that was crushed by the answer he got to a deep seeded question with still a hopeful, "...because you like me!" Every heart longing to be loved, accepted and approved by a parent could feel his gut wrenching gulp in his throat! On the other hand Denzel Washington's (2nd Troy) son, responded jokingly...which made the audience respond accordingly. Denzel tries to get the scene back but at this point, the audience was primed to laugh at the young man's painful quest for an answer! This is sadly how oftentimes we cope with the tragedies of our experiences. But they both delivered the message! That's the most important thing! Kudos to them both!!!
Beautiful analysis ❤
I closed my eyes and imagined Darth Vader scolding a stormtrooper and it was terrifying.
try luke skywalker
PJ Maher LOL
LoOOOLLLLZZ. Day Made.
Luke: Dad? How come you never liked me?
Vader: Dad? Nigga, as long as you live on my planet of lava Mustafar, you put a "Lord Vader" at the end of every sentence.
Luke: Yes, Lord Vader.
thegorn68 You forgot the Darth Vader breathing
In this world it’s not about someone “liking you” it’s all about respect and responsibility.
James Earl got my vote this time xxx
Mine, too. He is my celebrity twin. At let as that's what everyone at my work says. Almost similar voices. LOL
greeneyedsoul71 aww nice:)
Janice Riley-Sabanne I don't see a resemblance. I hope it's the Claudine version because we're about the same age. LOL
greeneyedsoul71 I looked, i see a slight resemblance, yes when he was younger
+Janice Riley-Sabanne (WhatDidYouCookToday) You, too, huh? I don't see it. However, if there was a movie based on his life, I'm trying out for the part because everyone says I look like him and have a deep voice like him.
Demzel is truly one of the greatest actors of all time. You can tell the scene is originally meant to be dramatic but because of Denzel's immense charisma and natural ability to be funny as well, he can make you inadvertently laugh at things from even a serious nature.
Despite the fact you could tell they were caught off guard by the laughter, I love how Denzel rolled with and actually started accentuating his voice in a comical way to keep the audience in a jovial type of manner, showing his immense skill of adaption.
James Earl Jones was just a tour de force. The epitome of authority and order.
I think Denzel didn’t want to go up with JEJ stern angry father so he made sure to mix it up so he doesn’t have to deal with comparisons.
I think this video wonderfully illustrates how performance changes everything. How important delivery is. Both great actors playing the scene very differently, elliciting very different responses. Props to theboy in the first, though, delivers his response breaks your heart.
I understand why Denzel intergrated comedy into the performance; because something that is more relatable, will undeniably pull in more ticket sales.
But James Earl Jones captured the tone of the scene, the use of suspense, tension, an intimidative role as a father; as well having the subtlety of doing more with less!
I don't think Denzel even integrated any comedy in his performance. I didn't find anything funny at all. It felt comedic to the audience maybe because of Denzel's fast "talkative" tone compared to James' deep intimidating tone. And also i think it's because of the other actor. In James version, the boy looks intimidated and scared, while in Denzel's version the boy looks rather annoyed, he looks like he's getting nagged about school.
akulahirpada1993
Denzel's whole body language is also less intimidating and if you watch a lot of the other scenes Denzel plays off of the crowd.
Sometimes boucing up and down, repeating lines until they get some kind of reaction and generally improvising.
Don't get me wrong, it's a clear sign of a great actor and I'll even go as far as to say I would prefer to watch the play, due to his outstanding charisma that shines through. But to say that Denzel does not intergrate comedy into his performance.......is simply not true
John Lovethatmagic I'm not saying about the whole broadway performance since I didn't watch it I'm just talking about this particular scene. Yes it's true that he often integrates comedy into his performance like in most movies but I just don't find anything comedic about this particular performance.
I agree with +akulahirpada1993
I feel like the crowd already know the play and just enjoyed Denzels re-enactment of it. But as far as trying to bring comedy into it I dont think thats what he was intending. Denzels act is also intimidating in its own way
John Lovethatmagic I don't think comedy was part of it. It's two different audiences. Folks in the 80's were familiar with Wilsons Pittsburgh Cycle and what it meant, whereas today, Wilsons been forgotten until Denzel put himself out there with the film. Seeing Denzel on stage, given that many of his characters are personable will immediately put the audience at ease, especially if he warmed the crowd up. I almost detected he was trying to burn through the laughter, but he didn't have the command Jones has. Denzel did a fantastic job on the film though!
If you're wondering why they're renaming the Court theatre the James Earl Jones, watch this scene. Unreal respect to both artists.
Correct!
RIP James Earl Jones on of the greatest voices in acting . No one can be you .
Denzel was great, but James almost made me cry. James take on that was the definition of love, I know what he was doing, I've seen it, and I've felt it.
JEJ nailed this
James had that old school hardness to it. Reminded me of my Grandpa with my uncles but my Gramps was like Denzel with me 😂
denzel turned that shit into a sitcom .. SMH
and it turn out better
Ghost .z nah
Denzel lacks the intensity. His interpretation is more condescending, frustrated that he has to handle an annoyance: "Ugh, really? I gotta deal with you? Fine. Lemme check you right quick and then go about the rest of my day."
Mr. Jones' interpretation is along the lines of being angry, fed up and weary (yet refusing to show his weariness, so it manifests itself in startling bravado): "I've had it! I go through shit, each and every single day to provide for you. I don't fuss, I just do it. And you're coming to me with this silliness? It's a slap in my face and I won't have it!"
However, the common thread in both of their performances (Denzel's delivery and Mr. Jones' staging) is that you can tell there is LOVE deep down. A love which both interpretations of the character are using either "attitude" or "bravado" to mask.
Yes! Exactly! :D
Great explanation! I liked Denzel’s performance, but JEJ blew me away! It spoke to the strained relationship between the father and son that was evident throughout the play. I just believed JEJ more. Just my opinion...
@@Faith_Ell22 JEJ is more consistent with the character, tone and subject matter of the play.
I do feel Denzel's was ruined by the crowd who likely are there to see Denzel on Stage rather than Denzel's rendition of this play, i also feel the actor that played the son made the questioning in a more comical tone, while Courtney B Vance asked more in inquisitive and fearful tone. Courtney B Vance in Essence played the role of the son far better because he acted in a way that a child would who lives with a father like JEJ, he asked the question and retreated immediately. Where as his counterpart asked the question like he was just comming home tipsy from a bar.
Maybe that was the intention though, because when it came to Denzel in the film... he was far more JEJ than he was in this play (hell maybe he reviewed his own performance and decided to make it stiffer like JEJs, who knows).
Yes!
I found the first scene to be more effective. DW just went on and on, and didn't seem to be responding to his scene partner, whereas JEJ was using what his son was giving back to him to adjust how he was making his point. In particular, the moment where he stops himself, and makes contact with his son, 'before it go along any further,' he shifts entirely, and it's beautiful. Maybe it's a different take on Troy, to not listen to his son, to not pay attention to the effect his words have on him, but for my money, the first scene was much more dynamic.
I love Denzel...and the laughing didnt help...but James Earl was won....although the movie Trailer shows Denzels true intentions for the scene witch is great
these were two different deliveries... well, 4, actually... Denzel's son felt more like an annoyed teenager giving his dad sass, while his dad (Denzel) was a bit more sarcastic and annoyed
JEL's delivery felt like a hardened man who's temperament has been accustomed by years of horrible treatement by forces outside his control, and JEL's son was a timid younger kid who's trying to deal with feelings of inadequacy
Good eye
What's interesting about the trailer compared to James Earl Jones' performance is that they are still vastly different from each other! James Earl really paints his performance as something that needs to be done so that he can pass a valuable lesson to his son. It's something that he needs to do as an authoritative, household figure. It's a necessity for him. In the Denzel Washington performance (a la the trailer), we see an intimate exchange that is quieter, personal, but ultimately done with the intent NOT to instruct but to instead abuse. He really drives home the anger he feels for his son in that performance, and to me it still doesn't perform better than James Earl's performance. Granted, he was the first Troy to ever perform, so his performance is undoubtedly the "definitive" Troy experience.
No denzel acting. The 00s audience dont take nun serious smh. Cuz that audience is idiots
Beautiful. Beautifully acted. By both Denzel and James Earl Jones. The old tough love scene. Troy is telling his son he loves and likes him without actually saying the words. He wants him to do better than he did without being abused or having to haul garbage like him. That is love
It appears as if the 1987 audience was more enthralled and focused as opposed to the 2010 audience which was a bit more vocal and giddy. Still two very nice versions but I will have to take the James Earl Jones version over Denzel.
pete saws I feel like James Earl Jones as a dominating, commanding, very authoritative presence. I was scared. Denzel Seems more approachable. The way he speaks he more smooth, easy.... That's my POV.
pete saws Well, James was the voice of Darth Vader and he is playing just as powerful a person here. In the script, Troy is supposed to shove Cory because Cory leans over him when he comes over to Troy.
Agreed. You felt James Earl Jones' delivery in your soul. I wonder if it would've felt the same in reverse order.
+pete saws in James' performance he had different levels. If you notice Corey played by Courtney B Vance starts to decrease or cower but when James grabs him by the shoulders it was to lift him up. A non verbal to say be a man. Also remember the audience in 87 was more of a traditional theatre audience whereas today's audiences are more incline to engage with moments than content. Just a thought.
And the 1987 clip was at the Tony Awards, so the audience was even more considerate than usual for the time too.
The laughter in the more recent audience is very jarring. There is a realness and bitterness to Jones/Vance because of the closeness to living in a time with open racism. There is nothing funny about this text.
I love both versions. Denzel really made it his own. But James Earl Jones broke me. Like literally broke me.
Wow.
The son is Courtney B. Vance...fine actor...the one with James Earl Jones (Law and Order Criminal Intent), Angela Bassett's husband. He finally won a Tony in 2013!
and an Emmy just recently! So talented
The audience tells you everything. When Jones said his lines people felt them damn near got me thinking of my life. When Denzel did them not saying it's was bad because it wasn't but just had more humor less reaction from co star. Jones just killed it.
That's interesting as a counterpoint to Willie Loman of "Death of a Salesman" who's philosophy was that being "liked" was paramount among all things.
Underappreciated comment, right here.
Fences and Death of a Salesman come from different perspectives, but share many similar themes. It is very common to compare the two plays.
With James, there are so many things I love. He’s working with the wood at the beginning and then the question comes and he stops he’s so upset that he stops his work immediately. He’s so personally offended by this question and that’s what the tirade comes from. He’s totally enraged by how out of order his son’s priorities are, and he’s trying to teach him a real lesson about life
James Earl Jones... holy shit. Absolutely incredible scene. Such a powerful message and true meaning of tough love at its absolute finest.
I first saw this scene done by Denzel from the movie and thought it was done expertly. But Jones brings such a thundering and heavy dynamic that sends shivers down the spines of the audience.
Denzel in his live performance definitely was a bit too dialed up and once the crowd started laughing you can feel it in Denzel’s voice as he tries to bring the seriousness of the situation back, but it’s too late; but more or less still was a successful scene.
Just goes to show how Broadway is still an excellent arena for sharpening your skills to improvise, improve and learn about reactions of those watching. Great clip
It’s amazing how two different actors can interpret an identical set of lines and portray completely different characterizations of the same character. Both actors did an amazing job!
I think another element of their performances was...James Earl Jones was literally a MAN at the time when August Wilson wrote fences. He would've had much more of a connected understanding of the kind of surrounding that went in to the black experience. Denzel was born around the time the play was set and his formative years were in the late 60's and in to the 70's. So James would've had an anecdotal understanding of what it was like for a black man in that situation. I understand the laughter of the audience...black people tend to laugh at elements of intensity that we have a real understanding of. And I know many of us who had conversations like this with a parent or an elder. But it does take away from the gravity of the play. I don't blame them...never tell the audience how to react, but being privy not only to the performance but their reaction, it does impact the seriousness of it a bit.
RIP James Earl Jones. Your perfromances were always powerful and soulful.
Imagine playing a serious scene and everyone thinks it’s a comedy
Irked my nerve.
Delivery and tone of voice are important. James spoke slowly, with an edge to his voice. Denzel spoke like The Rock delivering a WWF opening promo
@@jdavis6053 it was played like a comedy.
Surprised that nobody is talking about Courtney B. Vance's performance. He really pulls his weight and more right next to a legend like James Earl Jones!
There is absolutely nothing more refreshing in this world then seeing a brilliant acting performance.
James Earl Jones all the way! His performance shakes me to the core....I cried. Would love to see a clip of Mary Alice as Rose, she was fierce too!
Funny that the audience for the JEJ version didn't find any humor in the performance, while the audience in the DW version did.
I don't see either performances as comedy; that was serious dialog. The maturity level of the audience, or the ability to handle serious material, seems somewhat diminished with the later audience. A commentary on where we are going as a people?
Yeah, that audience fucking ruined the moment.
I think it's the pacing of the scene. The first scene was about 3 minutes long. The second, about 2. The faster pace gave it a more lively, jovial atmosphere. That, and Denzel had this goofy look and stance. James' stance was much more intimidating.
I agree. In the first scene the son's voice is shaking. He is intimidated and afraid of JEJ. In the Denzel scene the son responds quickly to each question. Almost like an Abbot and Costello bit.
That pacing of call and response may be the most significant factor.
The first minute of this is beyond fantastic.
"Talkin' bout LIKING SOMEBODY (slam)...GET over here when I'm talking to YOU!"
James Earl did it best . Gave it that true granddad touch
Grandad, that's how my father raised us.
One thing that needs to be accounted for is the importance of the supporting actor. Vance asked with fear yet yearning for love which led to JEJ authoritative performance; while the other actor seemed kind of an airhead, which led to a comedic atmosphere.
Great life lesson talk. No sugar coating.
James Earl James has such a great aura
Aura
The people laughing during that completely missed the point.. they heard him but didn't understand him.... Just one guys opinion
words are senseless without Emotions , these 2 performances let you experience anything and its opposite. That's how talented and gifted actors can make you feel.
Damn, that was a powerful performance by James Earl Jones. Imagine Darth Vader saying that to Luke. LOL
Or Mufasa with Simba.
Two different men. One who is broken but still providing for his kid who he expects will have a hard road and one who is essentially content and wants his kid to be grateful.
Idk why but seeing James Earl Jones play out this scene just felt deeper than Denzel not because of the laughs from the audience but James Earl Jones just has that base in his voice that makes you listen.
Its like im scared..but i know he's saying something wise and forever relevant...
Yes!
thank you stagingShakespeare the more that I watch this the more I'm admired by the fact that you can take just an ordinary life and but it into a masterpiece and than show it in a way that everyone can relate to and understand it.
When i read the play I imagined the acting as seen in the first scene.
I also believe that was the intention. However, Denzel's movie actually portrays the same energy as the JEJ scene.
Even though they’re both fantastic actors, I’m going to have to put James Earl Jones as the winner. The minute he slammed the handful of wood down on the ground and commanded “come here boy when I talk to you! Straighten up, goddamnit!” I felt genuine fear and even I straightened myself up. He has such a presence with his voice that you stop everything and you listen.
unfortunately, one is more dramatic and the other is more comedic. That is not to say that was the intention, per say, but it gives credence to the time in which we live.
@@hnic623 I suppose you’re right. But that being said, I still feel chills when I listen to James talk. He’s just got an aura about him
@@kgunitkeese17 I was leaning toward James
@@hnic623 Oh, my apologies
James Earl got this one i almost believe he was talking to me on this one
I just came here today because I watched the film yesterday. Stage play is different. Different audience every day. Different reactions. Seeing the play clips with Viola Davis made me cry.
it is the tone and way of delievery that makes both acts different even though same dialogues, the theme changed because of the tone but point is still the same.
Both were wonderful. The crowds were different. Likely the crowd from Denzel's performance knew more about the book and the play than they did when James Earl Jones Performed the role.
I love both actors just the same. Love what they did and how they interpreted it. I was almost in tears watching both. Both are treasures to the craft.
i didn't know fences was a comedy.
Noseefood it isn't. stupid audience.
EH Miguel The audience isnt stupid. Denzel's delivery is filled with charisma. It connects to the audience differently. Think before you comment.
+Justin Baggett James Earl frightened the audience...he partially traumatised me watching from my phone...im sure some abused kid got flashbacks watching the scene..it had more to do with command is why nobody laughed...that voice is powerful
LMAO
@Nosefood well, Denzel made it one. He's is THAT good
Courtney gives a dynamic performance as Cory.
A young Courtney B. Vance.
TempeSoldier123 yeah when I looked at him I couldn't remember who he was😣
what an incredible actor. y’all better be making sure folks are doing right by you. rest in peace james.
I saw a local version of Fences last night. It starred Jeorge Bennett Watson and Gale Samuels and it was very good. Last nights performance was closer to the Denzel version. This scene in particular was delivered in a similar fashion. Personally, I like them both. It's fascinating to see the two interpretations side by side. Great show.
Providing for your family is the absolute bare minimum that a man does. A real man will love his family. Physical provision and emotional/mental provision are key to a healthy life and a true man provides both.
People laughing during the Denzel version pissed me off....
Denzel throws a bunch of 2x4s
*Audience starts cracking up*
"You deliberately disobeyed me"
Watched the James Earl Jones performance a second time in a row to properly analyze why it is so great and even the second time I still had chills and had to clap. That performance alone is Worthy of the Tony award.
He got it handed to him about an hour later.
Both are phenomenal performances by very talent actors. They each had a different take on the scene, and of the character. That being said, I think JEJ’s performance was far more layered. He was trying to teach his son a very important lesson, the only way he knew how. “Don’t you go through life worried about if somebody like you!” Because the world is tough and cruel and it doesn’t give a damn about you...”But you better make sure that people are doing right by you!” You stand up for yourself, you stand up for what you know is right, and when someone tells you to move...you look them dead in the eye and say “No...you move.”
He was telling his son how much he loved him, by trying to prepare him better for life than he was...
I needed that. 😭😭😭😭😭
Thank u for posting. Whew...
Anybody else come here after watching the movie trailer?
who cares?
you do otherwise why did you respond?
anthony clarke yes lol
Had to because of my class :P
yes
This really hits home in a way few things do. As fathers, we owe it to our sons to emulate what it is to be a man. Damn right, "ain't no law says I got to like you... it don't matter if anybody likes you... you just be sure they're doing right by you."
Amen, 🙏🙏🙏
James Earl Jones is intimidating as heck in this scene, but he showed love at the end of the scene.
I was Beyond Privileged to see James Earl Jones live and in person perform "Fences" at the National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF) in W-S over 2-decades ago. August Wilson is my inspiration for writing. His talent knows No Bounds!! #BlackProse
James portrayal of Troy seems more powerful, while Denzel's seems more natural. I think I prefer Denzel's simply due to the fact it reminds me of my father. Both Denzel & James are great actors though.
I don't know. James is perfect. Denzel, seems like he's just saying his lines. Didn't give any time to breathe. A more natural way was James earl jones. He gave pause, felt like this epic speech was given and he was thinking of it as he was going through it. Denzel is just way to fast. And yes, people are saying Denzel heard the crowd laughing and it kind of does seems like he decided to go with it. That last part did make it seem like he decided to continue with the angry sitcom dad vibe. He's got too much Denzel in his roles I feel, like he's about to man on fire somebody.
RIP sir you were a real gem
James Earl Jones reminds me of my father, my eyes started tearing up.
The dynamic between these two is phenomenal
James Earl Jones is a much better actor in my opinion.
Regardless of which one of them is a better actor, this skit is protrayed VERY differently by JEJ than by Denzel. The first is much more serious and succinct. The second is somewhat light-hearted and potentially a bit more endearing. What this video's focus emphasises is the difference in each's point of view on the scene, not the skill of each actor, though they both are VERY skilled actors.
Denzel seems more natural. He seems so dadlike.
@@bryant7542 more natural than Jones??
@@Beregond1861 one thing to keep in mind when it comes to the commentary section is that not everyone is judging the performances by the rubric. So going from person to person is going to have a very different interpretation of who performed the scene better, who related to the audience better, or other elements that could be compared.
For all it means; As a former acting instructor at National Black Theater, both are solid performances, but, James Earl is more rooted to adherence to the context of the play as written by August Wilson than Denzel.
I want to give that dude a hug bro
There’s absolutely no reason to be cruel to your children. My father never understood this. Always gotta be a macho and show who’s boss.
I feel like they both intentionally put their own spins on this...JEJ set the tone early by slamming down the 2X4s and Denzel set it by chuckling before he said "like you...?" why must everything be a comparison...I like both... they provided different things.. they're both HOF level actors... just enjoy it
Everyone talks about James and Denzel’s different interpretations for the character of Troy. My theory is that JEJ is more commanding because on stage, you’re almost supposed to, if not exaggerate, sit on every emotion in your delivery. The audience is right there and they must feel the performance up close. In the movies, the performances aren’t very broad because they want to imitate real life because most people in real life aren’t super animated when they talk.
The fact that the crowd was laughing so much in the second version shows how much dignity and respect black men and our stories have lost in modern times. Everything is a joke now -- even the relationship between a black father and his son. We are lost.
When this was shown to me I was drawn into the seriousness because of the relationship between a father and a son. Yes, the father referred to their race, but I was focused on their relationship, not their skin color. When everyone started debating race I had to stop and think "They're both the same race. There's nobody of a different race in this scene. Why are we debating this? How did the feelings between a father and son about their relationship turn into a racial issue?"
The second performance was obviously made to be comedic. The speed, their expressions, the quick pauses after Denzel Washington said something, were all planned. They do rehearse these things. James Earl Jones was deliberate in his speech. He spoke slowly. His actions and facial expressions made the mood serious. In the second performance there was smiling. Not in the first. That changes the tone.
Do you really believe that if James Earl Jones went out today and did the exact same performance in the same manner that people would laugh at him?
Being that the relationship was not very good...a little comedy didn't hurt....Actually I thought the play was depressing....
Also James Earl Jones brings more tension to the character...not to say Denzel was not good but the voice of James Earl Jones is hard to laugh at....even when he's funny....
I just believe that James Earl Jones "got" the script and August Wilson's original intent and the others didn't. And of course, you lost me at "It's not about race." LOL Nothing more to say on this.
Lee Hawkins James Earl Jones "gets" every script right....
R.I.P. James Earl Jones 1931-2024
James jones reminded me about my mom and dad. I even straighten up myself when he said it.
I've watched these two scenes so many times now. And I think I finally figured out the difference for me. I like Washington. He's a likable persona - even when he's not particularly supposed to be. So, this scene comes out as having jokes. (Don't get me wrong, finding humor in darker material is a great way to engage the audience - Hamlet's one of Shakespeare's funniest characters.) But with Jones, the point comes across so much clearer - the lesson he's teaching - his version doesn't have time for humor when he's making his point to his son - it's too important to make light of. Both of these actors are among my favorites, but for their different strengths. Washington has a charisma that draws you in, but Jones makes you sit still and pay attention and not miss a word.
a real actor controls the stage the audiance and the actors with them such incredible pressence
Both are great in their own regards, but JEJ started out so angry and then brought it back down towards the end. You really felt the scorn in the beginning, but brings it back with a teaching moment about it not mattering if someone likes you. Denzels is more of a sarcastic undertone the whole performance, and there's never a moment where you feel that heart to heart. Those are the biggest differences.
The contemporary style of Denzel's production did not do this scene justice. I feel like it was played for the audience not for each other. Much harder for the actors to approach if from the JEJ perspective.
Rest in peace James Earl Jones 😢
James Earl Jones was def better in this role than Denzel, but I REALLY dont know what this audience found so funny. this is a serious scene... a cpl flawed characters in our community, but holding it together to get through this thing we call life, as a family. But we are better, as a community to have these characters than the alternative.
I think Denzel's modern demeanor kind of took away from the scene. There's a power to JEJ's posture, stillness, and distance he keeps with that Cory. The Cory in that scene was afraid of him, but he also wanted his love. It's also worth noting that JEJ doesn't make physical contact with Cory until he drives home the lesson he is trying to prove to his son. Denzel steps into the scene a bit looser, and he closes in on his son rather than maintain that distance. He pats Cory on the back, breaks eye contact, slouches, gestures a LOT more both with his head and hands, and he laughs. He instantly takes his own power away from the interaction with his son, and the Cory in this scene acknowledges that. "Cause you like me!," is a certain and sure response he gives when his father asks him why he does what he does. There's no fear in that statement, and Denzel, rather than taking that seriously, makes a joke of it. It proves that the scene is not just for Troy to instruct but for Cory to really strive for a connection with his father; if you don't see both needs by the actors in the scene then there is no point for us to ultimately invest worry or concern when Troy unleashes his powerful speech on his son.
By 2010 you're dealing with Black theater audiences used to gospel plays and Tyler Perry. They've been trained to think black theater is always supposed to be funny.
I don't believe the audience understood that that this was a SERIOUS matter and/or conversation of this part of the play with respect to Denzel's version. I would be curious to know the ages of the audience that saw Denzel's version.
Jones took the character as a broken father, ashamed of his son. Denzel took the character as a common-sense father, trying to teach his son.
The audience is laughing because the way Denzel performs is in a style that exhibits a different type of communication: the teacher. He took the scene as a way of two people communicating with each other; most character interaction actually should follow this concept in professional theatre.
Jones's performance was all about character-- the man within-- he wasn't communicating with his son, he was voicing his shame for his son. His son could've not even been in the scene and Jones's performance would've still made sense, talking to himself. That's why it was more powerful.
I feel like it was also the pace (one was 3 min while the other was 2 min). Jones scene was slower and he gave off the tone of the scene when he threw down the wood with anger along with sounding more authoritative. Denzel was more fast paced like a comedy and Denzel himself was playing it up. Even Cory ran off stage fast, instead of walking away made it more comedic so, it can't be helped. I prefer Jones scene.