REVIEW – Fruitvale Station, A Slow-Moving Drama But Certainly Worth A Watch

There is always a few films that somehow manage to get much later distribution deals following the Academy Awards in February. Despite their obvious relevance and the fact that they are lauded by the Academy and critics alike, they don't manage to get a worldwide release, partially due to the insistence of Hollywood to release much less worthwhile films like Adam Sandler's Blended. Fruitvale Station is certainly one of those films overlooked by distributors since the beginning of the year. The Academy Awards this year however honoured quite a number of films that featured themes of social and racial issues. 12 Years a Slave, Mandela and Fruitvale Station all dealt with horrific crimes against humanity, tying tales of abuse from South Africa all the way to California. Even though there was quite a significant time difference between the three stories, they all took on the serious issues of inequality and racism which is unfortunately still far too dominant in our "modern" culutre. Based on a true story which occurred in 2008, Fruitvale Station tells the story of Oscar Grant and the final day of his life, the last day of 2008, December 31st. The film begins with an introduction to Oscar's life, an attempt to be a better father, husband and son following a small stint in prison. However, not everything goes according to plan for Oscar and he soon finds it difficult to keep on top of the bills and duties in his life when he is without a job. Even though Oscar is clearly struggling with his duties, Oscar and his friends decide to let off some steam and head to the city for some New Year's celebrations. On their way home, things take a turn for the worst when Oscar runs into someone who wasn't too fond of him in prison. When a fight breaks out on the train, the police are called and Oscar is pulled off the train for questioning along with his friends. The progression of Fruitvale Station is a little different from the majority of films, it begins the film with the end of the story, the scuffle in the train station involving police and Oscar which is shot from a camera phone on the train. This is the actual footage from the event. We are then introduced to Oscar and his life and although we know this is building towards a quite disturbing finale, the film for the most part moves incredibly slowly. The final twenty minutes certainly have a change of pace but it does take quite a while to get to this point, depicting all the ins and outs of a normal day. The performances are excellent. Michael B. Jordan brings a depth to a character who says so much while barely uttering a word; Oscar isn't perfect but he's trying, a point the film really wants to stress. Octavia Spencer, who was really put on the map by The Help, is perfect as the long-suffering but loving mother while Melonie Diaz does what is required as the girlfriend in the piece. For the most part, Fruitvale Station is a very depressing piece, filled with dread but it is shot beautifully with some really touching scenes, the birthday party with his mother and especially the dog who gets knocked down, almost a symbol for Oscar himself. The incident itself which the film is heading towards is completely brutal and horrific. If you don't leave the cinema full of sadness, regret and anger, you may be devoid of humanity. A very worthy film.