The timely Fruitvale Station tells the story of a day in the life of Oscar Grant and the events leading up to his fatal shooting on the subway. Not only does the social climate in which the film is released give it a heightened gravitas, but a singular performance by Michael B. Jordan elevates Fruitvale Station to a level it might not have achieved had the lead role not been in such capable hands.
But, as with any instance of best intentions, events do not always unfold as one may want. Oscar, however, seems up to the challenge of turning his life around and it certainly doesn’t seem as though he will waiver in his conviction despite a series of obstacles that loom ahead for him. Throughout the day he meets with, talks to, and helps out family, friends, and even strangers; with each encounter, a little bit more of Oscar’s character is revealed. So effective is this technique of portraying Oscar that you’re emotionally destroyed along with the other characters in the film when the inevitable encounter with police officers at Fruitvale Station obliterates any plans Oscar had for his future.
While the film packs its own emotional wallop, it is Jordan’s work as Oscar that elevates Fruitvale Station above a typical bad kid turning his life around until tragedy strikes story. Jordan supplies all of the drama here as he does a brilliant job of conveying the hopes of a young man trying to change his life while being met with violence, crime, and racism. This is where the film’s resonance lies as most of the film has life being something that is merely happening to Oscar. There’s a sense early on that he has very little control over his destiny, or at least that may be the way he feels. But at some point that changes and Oscar’s face conveys a longing for something other than what he’s used to. From that point on, everything begins to point towards Oscar turning his life around. There’s even a flashback involving his mother that’s meant to provide something cathartic for Oscar’s character, but ultimately it’s more Hollywood foreshadowing than anything else. But that scene works because Jordan makes you believe he’s recalling that episode as motivation to keep him on his path of reclamation.
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While Fruitvale Station may have a few problems, the work of Michael B. Jordan raises the tragic story of Oscar Grant to something far more emotional and poignant than it would have soared in another actor’s hands.
Mike Tyrkus
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