Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Ariana
Neal
Synopsis: The true story of Oscar Grant (Jordan), a 22-year-old man who was shot by police on New Year’s Eve 2008 – the film follows the days leading up to the shooting.
A contrast to the gloomy depictions
of South L.A., Fruitvale Station may
still be a biting exploration of that environment, but it is a more redemptive
and ultimately heartbreaking story than many movies in the same vein. Awarding
it this reception is director Ryan Coogler’s relatively stark portrayal of
Oscar Grant (showing only a few days in the man’s life) and a terrific Michael
B. Jordan as the tragic hero of the story.
Jordan made a firm impression in The Wire and in Chronicle and, much like his co-star Dane DeHaan, he has gone onto
further interesting dramatic work such as this. Fruitvale Station asks a lot of the young actor – an entire
narrative for him to lead, and an empathy desperately needed for the film to
work. Jordan achieves this without question, heroically highlighting a figure
many may not know about, but will no doubt forget.
In order to make the last 20
minutes as harrowing and tear-jerking as possible, Coogler does a fine job at
building up an image of Mr. Grant – a sweet-natured ex-convict whose family has
helped him change his illicit ways. The relationship he has with both his
girlfriend and daughter never fails to feel genuine and touching – with both
Melonie Diaz and youngster Ariana Neal epitomising the supportive and adoring
family members. When we relive the tragedy witnessed briefly in the first shot
(mobile phone footage that recorded the shooting of Oscar), the sadness felt –
that each of these people have lost someone so close to them – is undeniable. Seen
through various vantage points, and played out in real-time, this is the film’s
glowing triumph – a scene of pure tension and horror, played out magnificently.
Performances, rather than
structure and direction (as great as it is for a feature debut), are what earns
the film its accolades. In terms of camera-work and editing, there are some
faults. Focus, whether it is in relation to lenses or character, often seem
clumsy. For instance, certain relationships need to be expanded on (perhaps
more with Oscar’s mother – the scene-stealing Octavia Spencer) and others need
detracting from (one of Oscar’s friends/customers buying weed). It does no harm
to the end’s poignancy but perhaps with more concise spotlighting of certain
characters it could have had a lasting impression (as it stands, Oscar Grant
becomes someone you care for, but know little about).
For those unaware of the events
surrounding Fruitvale Station and Oscar Grant, Ryan Coogler’s directorial debut
hammers it into your subconscious. Fruitvale
Station alerts you to the overarching message about gun-control in America,
and the harrowing incidents that surround it. The performances are
awards-worthy, yet soured on occasion by jagged structuring and moments of
trite cliché.
***
Fruitvale Station was competing in Un Certain Regard
Selection at Cannes 2013. Also posted on LiveForFilms.com
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