I realised that Denzel Washington was playing my father
'I am reminded how much his character angered me. How much he disappointed me. How much he taught me. Then I realise that Troy was my father, who died almost a dozen years ago'
OF ALL the post-Oscars analyses this will be the most deviant: it comes from a man who watched only one of the films nominated in the 24 categories, but who felt hard done by when its protagonist didn't win for best actor. The film is Fences — adapted for screen from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. Troy Maxson, played by director Denzel Washington, is our tragic hero and he has stayed with me since watching the film. Like a stubborn pimple one tries to ignore while passing the mirror, Troy has popped into my head every time I come across Washington's face on websites and social media.
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