News | Entertainment
29 Mar 2024 19:59
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Denzel Washington insists 'Fences' isn't a story about race

    The 61-year-old actor directs and stars as former professional baseball player Troy Maxson in the upcoming drama movie, and says that despite the feature's primarily black casting, the film features subject matters that are universal to anyone, regardless of their ethnicity.


    Asked by The Hollywood Reporter what insights into black lives 'Fences' gives to white Americans, Denzel said: "It could be that it's not that different. Circumstances, no matter what the colour is, could be similar. Troy's whole [resentment of his lack of success as a baseball player] ... was it his colour or was he just too old? I think he was just too old regardless of his colour. Or, as his friends said, 'He just come along too early.'"

    'Fences' - which was adapted from a play written by August Wilson that premiered in 1985 - tells the story of Troy when he creates tension in family after denying his teenage son's dream of playing football and comes home with the baby he had through an affair, and Denzel says the story is still relevant 30 years later as "it could happen to anyone".

    He said: "The circumstances, again, are universal. It could happen to anyone. I don't know if it's more political now given the election or whatever, but it's a long way from Troy to now because now we're post-Obama even."

    Previously, Hollywood attempted to get 'Fences' made with a white director, but playwright August refused as he said the director needed to have an understanding of black culture, something which Denzel agrees with.

    He added: "[Martin] Scorsese probably could have directed 'Schindler's List' and [Steven] Spielberg probably could have directed 'Goodfellas'.

    "But it's as much to do with the difference in culture as it is with race. We know what hair smells like when a hot comb hits it. That's a cultural thing.

    "We know what that smells like on Sunday mornings, usually church-related or something. In my house, it was getting ready for church and your sister was getting her hair fried."

    © 2024 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     29 Mar: Katie Maloney doesn't "hang out" with her 'Vanderpump Rules' co-stars
     29 Mar: Jessica Chastain found it "difficult" to film 'Mothers' Instinct' with her showbiz pal Anne Hathaway
     29 Mar: Queen Camilla hosted authors and actors at a star-studded event in London to celebrate reading
     29 Mar: Simon Cowell has adopted another puppy just months after he brought home a new German Shepherd called Pebbles
     29 Mar: Tracee Ellis Ross has paid a glowing birthday tribute to Diana Ross
     29 Mar: YouTube star Ninja has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 32
     29 Mar: Pierce Brosnan has given his seal of approval to Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the next James Bond
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    The Chiefs are backing young first-five Josh Jacomb to step up in tonight's Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Matakana Smokehouse in its recall of a specific batch of two of its salmon products because of the possible presence of Listeria More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Katie Maloney doesn't "hang out" with her 'Vanderpump Rules' co-stars 19:53

    Rugby League:
    NRL Good Friday: Bulldogs take on desperate Rabbitohs, Broncos renew rivalry with Cowboys 19:47

    Entertainment:
    Jessica Chastain found it "difficult" to film 'Mothers' Instinct' with her showbiz pal Anne Hathaway 19:23

    Rugby:
    The Chiefs are backing young first-five Josh Jacomb to step up in tonight's Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch 18:57

    Entertainment:
    Queen Camilla hosted authors and actors at a star-studded event in London to celebrate reading 18:53

    Law and Order:
    A man's due in court tomorrow facing a murder charge, after a body was found in a burnt-out car in Longlands, Hastings 18:47

    Business:
    New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Matakana Smokehouse in its recall of a specific batch of two of its salmon products because of the possible presence of Listeria 18:37

    Entertainment:
    Simon Cowell has adopted another puppy just months after he brought home a new German Shepherd called Pebbles 18:23

    Entertainment:
    Tracee Ellis Ross has paid a glowing birthday tribute to Diana Ross 17:53

    Cricket:
    Cricket's best female all-rounder has led England to a 4-1 T20 series win over New Zealand 17:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2024 New Zealand City Ltd