James Earl Jones - Fences "You Ain't Never Liked Me"

A scene from the original Broadway production of Fences at the 1987 Tony Awards by the incredible James Earl Jones. This is a piece of acting that I thought needed to be shared and even more of reason why I think they should continue to show performances from Plays at the Tony's, instead of just a synopsis. Enjoy!

[@tykuresa22]

He was a lot nicer to Simba

[@BigElkification]

Still nicer than he was to Luke.

[@dannyhuskerjay]

BigElkification ehhhh a argument could be made lol

[@terrellgibbs7423]

lmaooooo

[@bigplays3798]

and Roscoe Jenkins

[@TheTrueNarthumpulous]

That's because he liked Simba.

[@mingodingo]

His body language changing from angry to earnest trying to teach his son something at the end was masterful.

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

Henry Ng Right. At first he comes off callous, but as it goes on he is clearly trying to teach his son an important lesson.

[@KumoCC]

It's a great lesson, however many young men do need some softness and love (including from their fathers now and then) - and need to be taught to express it comfortably, it's human nature to need that, otherwise they grow up uncomfortable expressing emotions and have daddy issues and such. So, while it's a great lesson that you ain't gotta worry so much about whether or not somebody likes you, it's a fucking shit lesson for fathers to take away from this scene, that this is how you should educate your child

[@mingodingo]

@@KumoCC it would be dangerous to watch this scene without the context of the rest of the plot. The whole point of Fences is that he was flawed man.

[@topflightnationalsecurity5432]

He's crazy about him and Denzel said the exact same lines but was saying two different things

[@SoulsteppersKrew]

Top Flight National Security I like this version better. Denzels character is a scumbag.

[@cin3madelight]

"They didn't give me a Tony because they like me, they gave it to me because they owe me!"

[@emily1729]

Can we also appreciate the acting of the Courtney?

[@emily1729]

@Sid Sam thanks for the reply, it definitely makes my heart ache too

[@boogienightsmarkwahlberg6011]

yea, this hurts to watch. there are some times like this im almost glad I didnt know my dad, this is how I could have turned out.

[@emily1729]

@@boogienightsmarkwahlberg6011 🥺🥺 well if it’s any consolation i’m sure the dad, though a complex character, does love his son underneath it all and you seem very lovable too!

[@boogienightsmarkwahlberg6011]

@@emily1729 He actually reminds me of my Papa(grandpa) He was similar, not quite as harsh, but had loved me in his own way. Thanks for the complement and I try to be, even tho I mess up quite frequently. Hope you have a nice day!

[@emily1729]

@@boogienightsmarkwahlberg6011 aw my grandpa was like a dad to me too :) and everyone messes up haha we’re only human! you have a nice day as well!

[@rayhanes1347]

The folks in the audience sure got their money's worth this day.

[@longdirtytoenails1076]

All white crowd.

[@geminiwriter8875]

DeathDealerGaming what difference does that make? Beautiful acting ought to be shown to all races because it’s about fatherhood, growing into a man, And discipline

[@longdirtytoenails1076]

@@geminiwriter8875 It makes a big difference.

[@geminiwriter8875]

DeathDealerGaming you’re one of those ones. Race has nothing to do with this. Just because it’s two black actors and a black dominated play, the story itself is relatable. Growing up, seeing your father different, bearing responsibility, being better than the generation before, so on and so forth, are what ALL cultures can relate to to some degree. Because it’s an all white crowd meant that they performed to a white crowd probably on broadway, and probably to more white crowds. It’s their profession; I detect that you’re going to end up saying they were performing just for white people, you don’t know that. They’re professionals and artists. They perform to whomever can get in the door. And if it bothers you so much in the way I’m seeing it, ask why no black people or any other race attended? Could be perhaps they didn’t want to? Didn’t know about it? Didn’t care? White people came to support and learn about growing up in that era, that culture. They’re educating themselves in a visceral and realistic way, not pondering and trying to appease like they do today. When white people come to see my cultural performances, I’m prouder than ever. It’s differences that highlight greatness. More of the same is just that. Nothing new, nothing groundbreaking. They reach across melanin content into culture. That’s a major breakthrough we NEVER see today anymore.

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

DeathDealerGaming stfu

[@oakninjasean]

"How come you aint never liked me?" "I find your lack of faith disturbing."

[@SunChipss]

KuroSora Ninja take this W, bro lol

[@oakninjasean]

@@SunChipss thanks lol

[@b3at2]

LMAO

[@jeremysears4263]

HAHAHA HAHAHA!!!!

[@scinnyc]

"How come you ain't never liked me?" "Because your a part of the Rebel Alliance and traitor! Take him away!!"

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

His voice is so commanding and full of authority.

[@chelseathecreativeFox]

Just like Mufasa from The Lion King.

[@triggerwarning5911]

He is Darth Vader after all 🤷‍♂️

[@speedracer2008]

Courtney B. Vance does a phenomenal job of making us feel sorry for him as he has to deal with James Earl Jones’ powerful speech.

[@Damar158]

Damn James Earl Jones is huge.

[@chevyDboyMike]

Damar158 look like If he slap you ya jaw would dislocate

[@seanlauer9819]

Michael Grey DAMN James Earl Jones is SUCH an Incredible Actor.

[@extremeking425]

he's 6'2

[@MUFFINHEAD1985]

The size of his guns

[@Darksky1001able]

Damar158 I think hes one of the few actors who actually knows how to fix shit around the house when it breaks down. And isnt afraid to work under the hot sun.

[@eduardorivera508]

Everyone on here can joke all they want, but there's no denying James Earl Jones delivered a powerhouse performance here!

[@GerardoSantana]

Facts

[@basedsoothsayer]

The scattered laughter from the audience reveals the uncultured of the group.

[@englandbengal]

Yeah...Luke was a dick to him as well. They could’ve ruled the Galaxy...

[@jakedizzle]

Eduardo Rivera there was way too much laughter when Denzel did this scene. I don’t get it.

[@deshaunx776]

Jason Wilson I completely disagree with that. That laughter came from the tension & release created by these actors and that brilliant writing. It is sad when people think that laughter is only appropriate during a typical comedy. The wonder of theatre is you get visceral responses, whatever they may be.

[@errickflesch5565]

Lol......I grew up with a dad just like this. Not once did I ever hear...I love you....Good job......or even talk to me civil. But the work ethic he taught me through that.............served me well and more lasting than an I love you. RIP dad..........you were an angry mean sob.......but you are and was.......my dad.

[@francoisbessing]

And this is why an entire theatre was renamed in his honor.

[@Me-wk7dz]

Luke, with his arm just cut off, "Why don't you like me?" Darth Vader: "What law says I have to like you!?"

[@kentstank]

The Guy hahahahahah

[@ProxyMinePro]

I would pay money to hear Darth Vader call Luke a nigga. 😂

[@lumpas7]

The Guy lmao this needs to be voiced over on darth vader in that scene lol

[@ManPursueExcellence]

Lmao

[@Gorboduc]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5CkfoWKi69mpLc

[@tank100286]

Got damn... I'm grown, with kids of my own and I got nervous as if he was talking to me. Earl is a good ass actor.

[@celestialprime8851]

Right lol he had me questioning myself

[@Thiccness_Is_Delicious]

That’s a scary thought lol

[@sid2112]

I had a boss like him. Hated me because I was white. Told me so straight up. I worked my ass off for him, and he always paid me fair. Never got a kind word from the man until about 3 years into working for him when a new guy kicked a ladder out from under me. Without a single word he had that guys neck and carried him off the job site. Came back up to me dusting myself off and said 'are you alright, son?' I said yessir and he said 'then get your white ass back to work!'. It didn't matter that he hated me personally, I was part of his crew and nobody f--ked with his crew. His actions told me his heart.

[@dsandoval9396]

Right? When James EJ said , "'Cause I like you!?!" I was thinking in my head, "Boy..! You done stepped on a lion's tail. RUN, run like yo life depended on it!"

[@SasukeUchiha-kf4ie]

If you think you have kids if you're own...you failed

[@brucedavis6567]

I love this depiction of the black man in this period of America history, the Era when a grown man of color was referred to as boy. Back then you were hard or you DIED!

[@V0KAN]

I straightened up in my chair when Mr. Jones was talking.

[@blackscreennoiseforrelaxat1517]

With a father that big and voice that deep I wouldn’t even ask that question.

[@swoopes7777]

Same Here LOL

[@jeffoliver2652]

say hi to my pops lmao

[@davecrupel2817]

And when you do he pulls the Mufasa voice.

[@ammadali7056]

Aks*

[@boopboop7208]

S i m b a h

[@Bajanprince67]

If James Earl Jones ever looked at me and asked, “Liked you?” I would’ve been like, “My bad, wrong person.” 😐

[@Rooftop-Ali-BR]

You forgot "sir" at the end of that.

[@zach_sharif]

😭😭😭

[@hazeleyest9562]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Bepeze]

Haha. Facts

[@jeperkin90]

Wrong number. K bye

[@jamiealexandermiller]

The depth of this performance is amazing. The scene at first just seems like a father teaching his son a lesson in a very harsh way, but as I processed it, it seems to be about how the father can’t open up and turns all his pain into anger and spite. It opens with one of the most painful things I can imagine, a child earnestly asking his father why he doesn’t love him, and the father gets mad, but I think the anger is just to cover up how much that question hurt him, because he was taught that men and fathers should never be “weak” and that kind of expectation is what drives his rant. He asserts his authority and talks about duty and responsibility because that is ingrained in him as what a father should be, but it’s really all to distract himself from the fact that he failed to make his son feel loved and how much that hurts

[@jamiealexandermiller]

@@wbay3848 That's setting the bar at rock bottom. A shed that only has four walls and a roof is technically shelter but it's far from being a good home.

[@jamiealexandermiller]

@@wbay3848 you don't think the scene could be using those dire straits to better highlight aspects of those characters and their relationship? Obviously their lives are very hard, but that isn't the only thing that defines them.

[@Sai-xc8ij]

Definitely missed when he specifically said "like." The whole explanation was bcz he loved his son.

[@beatboxerzpro]

Your wrong. James Earl Ray's character doesn't suffer fools and he thinks that his sons question, if not a foolish question, is so low on the level of what his son should be concerned with that he questions his son's intellegence

[@sha11235]

If you have read or seen the play, you see why Troy turned out this way.

[@Nate-cg9mm]

Denzel was amazing in this scene but James Earl Jones performing this live holds the crown. Brilliant writing plus Brilliant actors will always equal a masterpiece. The Author is the true hero here.

[@Iwasherelol14]

Denzel did the play as well back in 2010, tbh I prefer the play over the movie

[@knightowl368]

Live is always going to feel different than the movie.

[@aaronbrochu]

James Earl Jones should of gotten that roll

[@kastr366]

Nah Denzel killed it- what was with this African ass accent weren’t they in the states ?

[@TheRentIsTooDamnHigh]

@@kastr366yeah, Pittsburgh to be exact LOL. And he from Mississippi.. idk where the hell that accent came from

[@skepticalbaby6912]

What's truly amazing is how Mr. Jones looks hurt as the scene goes on. Almost like he's hurt that his son asks him why he doesn't like him after everything he's done for him. Or maybe because it hurts that he doesn't like his own son? I don't know. It's just fascinating.

[@amusedbygod]

Good observation.

[@skepticalbaby6912]

amusedbygod Thanks!

[@orestes67]

Sounds like a man that regrets is life but he doesn't his son to make the same mistakes. He doesn't like his son, he loves his son.

[@skepticalbaby6912]

big mo That's an interesting view on it... I hope Denzel can do as much in the role.

[@paulclemens7953]

I saw this amazing performance in person, and there were so many levels to it. As in this scene. The tenderness and love become just as clear as the anger and makes the scene unforgettable and unexpectedly moving.

[@skepticalbaby6912]

Denzel plays Troy as an angry, bitter man with contempt for his son. James Earl Jones plays Troy as an angry, bitter man who loves his son the only way he knows how. Denzel is more natural but James is more layered.

[@TheMariemarie16]

Skeptical Baby I disagree with only one thing you said. I thnk that Denzel also portrayed that he loved his son. But he was not good at showing it

[@skepticalbaby6912]

TheMariemarie16 I get that from James Earl Jones. From Denzel I just feel he has nothing but anger and contempt for his son.

[@skepticalbaby6912]

Eternity With Christ James Earl Jones plays this character as so much deeper than that. Angry and bitter people are still people, and they are capable of loving others. I'm not saying Troy is a good father or a good husband but to say he doesn't love his wife or his son is an insult to August Wilson's writing and Jones's portrayal of the character.

[@seek.sample.start.1325]

Skeptical Baby i disagree

[@skepticalbaby6912]

Random Music Generator How so?

[@brucewayneissupermanquinn601]

Absolutely amazing performance. You can see how Jones softens briefly at 2:43. Like the character wants to show love for his son, but feels it wouldn’t be “manly” to do so. So subtle, yet effective/

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

required viewing for sjws. imagine if they had some tough love growing up, they wouldn't be begging for social approval everywhere

[@ephraimwinslow]

I love it when people throw airquotes around the concept of traditional masculinity & manliness. As if modernity has ANY idea what those words mean. Modernity can't even differentiate a man from their genetic counterparts.

[@kaylons]

​@@ephraimwinslowWhy'd yew spill yer beans, Tommy?

[@FruityHuevos]

​@@ephraimwinslowwahhhhhhh

[@brucewayneissupermanquinn601]

Dude, perhaps try some decaf…

[@TomFoti]

That's some of the best acting I ever saw. I don't think I have ever been so riveted by watching 3 minutes of theater. Kudos James Earl Jones.

[@Pulang_Diwa]

Luke Skywalker: How come you don't like me? Darth Vader: *N I G G A* Stand up straight boy!

[@dandiisun6217]

Ahahah

[@sgshumblecrumb6046]

This got me good lol

[@kingfrozt2305]

😆

[@starkreactor82]

🤣🤣

[@darkmatter-thinktank6262]

😂😂😂😂

[@ryano6094]

He chops his son’s hand off in Star Wars He dies on his son in Lion King He forces a marriage on his son in Coming to America He doesn’t like his son here Imagine a Father’s Day with James Earl Jones.

[@-Zakhiel-]

He also was a false father to Conan.

[@victorramos1355]

And wanted to make his Son in Coming to America marry a woman he did not love. I know is not that bad, just sayin...

[@keithliggins8545]

He loved his son here.

[@Wolf10media]

He got Martin Lawrence to get his ass over to the family get together in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.

[@dildonius]

He didn't "die on his son" in _The Lion King._

[@HelloTardis]

GOD DAMN! That man Can ACT!

[@matthewcooper4248]

It's such a great scene because it perfectly shows the time period the father grew up in. He loves his son, but he's not allowed to show it. He knows that his son doesn't have a loving figure in his father, but he knows that he's teaching his son how to avoid being stepped on when he has his own family. It's so heartbreaking.

[@bobbybeard1497]

It's heartbreaking that if his son learns that lesson he will inevitably perpetuate the cycle. He will grow to see his own family in the same way. This is not a healthy environment to foster love, compassion and togetherness, it's one of ownership, control and domination... and abuse is the end result everytine

[@Kazanko28]

There is more to it then that. His father had his dreams taken from him when he was young and he grew up bitter and hateful about it. He even withheld those same opportunities from his son out of spite I’m pretty sure

[@270MOX]

@@bobbybeard1497 Most of us keep learning every day, and since our parents taught us well, sometimes we find some stuff we didn't like from them that hurt us. We have two options: perpetuating the cylce over and over, or breaking it and being a better parent, but keeping the same values our parents taught us, since that's the only thing that matters: good values. As long as you keep those good life lessons and good values your parents had taught you, you are free to do as you please in life. Yeah, our parents can still worry about it, and most of them should learn that if they raised their children well, they'll be able to do excelent in the future.

[@_NobodySpecial_]

@@bobbybeard1497 you see ownership, control, and abuse i see honor, responsibility, and duty

[@TheViktorPutin]

@@_NobodySpecial_ being loved and learning honor, responsibility, and duty are not mutually exclusive. you can have a loving parent that shows their love, while still learning honor, responsibility, and duty.

[@mr.pastrami5153]

James Earl Jones: Don't you eat every day Son: Yeah! James Earl Jones: *N* *I* *G* *G* *A*

[@ojohnson5057]

Why did I read this in the same voice from the GTA scene

[@neondragon1633]

@@ojohnson5057 so did i 😂😂😂

[@mitchellspreadborough156]

*Producer looks down the script 😐*

[@JelloFluoride]

@@neondragon1633 fuck now I AM! lmfao! I just restarted GTA V too lol

[@EhlistarsWrath]

*N I G G U H*

[@bigwaxx520]

James Earl Jones waayyyyy scarier than Denzel😂

[@jackmeyers7805]

I hate when either one gets cast as a bad guy. I love them both and they do so good either way but it kills me to see them like this.

[@DarkMuj]

he could defeat denzel in a beyblade match thats for sure

[@colinsoder]

Holy cow...

[@DarthLetalis]

@@jackmeyers7805 how is he a “bad guy” in that scene? I don’t see that at all....

[@jackmeyers7805]

@@DarthLetalis just watch the rest of the play. He taught a valuable lesson here as an asshole, but it goes downhill fast

[@Laxhoop]

The other dude was legit crying. I can’t tell if that’s just good acting, or a natural reaction to James Earl Jones yelling at you.

[@MustacheMenace117]

My Daddy was raised like this. It showed when he was raising me. Tough, relentless, bitter but he dropped it all after my brother was deployed to Iraq. I guess having a kid in a combat zone helped him remember what love is.

[@hiawathaclemons]

I’m truly sorry it had to come to that.

[@brianwelborn5220]

The Iraq war was based on lies

[@djmaxxsaint]

“How come you ain’t never liked me?” *BOSS MUSIC*

[@Wppk765]

Top comment

[@michaelnewton1332]

Because you have not yet realized your importance. You have only BEGUN to discover your power!!!

[@kingfrozt2305]

😆

[@wilsonfisk6626]

"Nigga as long as you live in my house you put a SIR on the end of it!" Badass

[@thornie123]

Wilson Fisk it’s so weird seeing James Earl Jones talk like that. This Shakespearean actor saying nigga lol

[@ThatOneDude521]

2:42 You can tell by the look in his eye that he really does love his son, but doesn’t know how to properly express it. I love James Earl Jones’ depiction of this character, there’s a lot of depth to it.

[@clairestark9024]

Too much damage, too much pain. My grandfather had the same problem going on. My father can Just about admit to loving us but he's still more reserved than we'd like.

[@petcats2984]

wow you really missed the message of this movie if you think he loved his son

[@stansman5461]

@@petcats2984 exactly. A father must love their children. But if for whatever reason they don't or can't (because it wasn't acceptable to be an emotional father), they still MUST provide for them. That is their responsibility.

[@lllemons]

Must've not seen the play I'm guessing

[@midnightinaperfectworld]

If you think this is a demonstration of paternal love, then I seriously hope you never have children of your own.

[@rickymoranjr9609]

James Earl Jones really brought the hurt when he confronted his character's son about not liking him. plus his acting is what made the character realistic and a father to the end.

[@HellAintHalfFull]

James Earl Jones is built like a brick house.

[@walrusmctusky6549]

Malveaux - The Monk from the Void you should see him in the old movie called The Cay

[@jayjay86443]

@@walrusmctusky6549 He's built like a black Jesus there, but here? Dude's arms can sleeper-hold a bear and pump like a steam engine!

[@booqrdoit9138]

@@jayjay86443 lol bro thats all fucking hilarious

[@JohnstasBACK]

he's scary. apparently he's quite tall, too.

[@enhanced6892]

So is Courtney B's wife.

[@Caine61]

That chest bump at 2:18 caused 5 different earthquakes around the area.

[@1bridge11]

He slammed his mic.

[@facelesscarmy101]

Funniest comment I’ve ever read

[@ericshun2552]

James Earl Jones got that never took a day off in 18 years look

[@KGBeast.]

Bro James Earl Jones is a criminally underrated actor

[@demetriusroberts9816]

James Earl is GOAT they don't talk about him like they should great actor

[@JohnFreedman0]

That's cause the academy is full of shit. I been a huge fan of Mr. Jones since 1982 "conan the barbarian". Also was one of Arnold's first movies.

[@DaForgottenGentleman]

and just think... we see his work first hand... and he gets no recognition...imagine all the great black ppl that have been lost in history!

[@larniieplayz6285]

DaForgottenGentleman not just black people

[@rueben44]

GOAT!

[@jonathanw5108]

You are not lying

[@tarastrong6875]

"A sense of duty is useful in work but offensive in personal relations. People wish to be liked, not to be endured with patient resignation." -Bertrand Russell

[@Fodsmyth]

+Tara Strong Very appropriate to choose this quote. The scene is a little confusing taken in isolation.

[@Juwar1974]

+Tara Strong You have to understand the context of the situation. "Being liked" by others, even by family members, doesn't put food on the table. Everyone knows that if certain basic necessities like food, clothes, and shelter are not physically met or maintained, "being liked" will not be a priority--survival will. For many blacks back then, or just poor people in general, they had to walk on egg shells just to keep the first three (food, clothes, shelter) in order to survive. One mistake, i.e. piss off the wrong person (for blacks, piss off the wrong white person) and everything could be gone up in smoke, so people didn't have time to sit around and think about other people's feelings so much. What this scene shows is how there are generational differences of what it means to survive in this world---you either have to bust your ass and not worry what others think of you, or you can only become or have a chance of success only if first your emotional needs are met. Most men think the former, while most women think the latter. Most men think the physical needs need to be met first in order to maintained a stable home, while women think the other. And because the physical needs are paramount for most fathers, worrying about emotional needs were not considered for men of that generation, where jobs were scarce and money was low.

[@bugingobarnabe2361]

i like you Juwar, am a father too and i like the way this man puts it. it is not necessary to tell you that i like you, but to show it with action may be more appropriate. love comes through taking responsibilities and fatherhood is a responsibility not a jock

[@pjds1989]

Provide, protect, teach = love. But hes not going to say it. And didn't really have to, because he put in the work to show it.

[@tonyzan5268]

PrinceJamal89 I watched the movie. The dad is an ass. He sabotaged his sons future in college football because he is jealous and didn't want to see his son shine when his life was so dim. He cheats on his wife because he hates his life. His brother is brain damaged in ww2 and he steals his disability settlement to buy his house. He then accidentally commits his brother to an institution because he can't read and is too proud to ask for help. The dad is one of the most selfish and bitter characters in fiction, a horrid father that sabotaged his sons dreams because his own dreams were sabotaged by racism.

[@robertstark7631]

This is absolutely majestic acting here. Never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@suprekoolio1227]

Wow...Mr Jones is amazing

[@Signingman]

His voice is so powerful and provoking, it gives me chills every time.

[@popsingerstar]

his voice is insane

[@0heck]

The man has a powerful persona and a voice to match.

[@magentuspriest]

He was Darth Vader after all

[@DarkLorddReviews]

Same

[@grieskaterwaynie3722]

Atreus: "Why don't you like me?" Kratos: "what law says I have to like you, boy?"

[@unguidedflame1550]

grieskater waynie hahaha

[@DM-bv9uh]

COME HERE, BOY!!!

[@tle398]

READ IT BOY

[@sir_will_iam]

Half-breed, as long as you living in my house, you put a sir on the end of it when I talk to you!!

[@patrickthornton4673]

Thats pretty accurate

[@alexvignolo7798]

I lost mom at 7 but I'm very thankful to have a loving father. The older I get the more I realize others never had that.

[@jordancourse5102]

My father shows his love through guidance. When I was kid he was always working and I thought that was a bad thing. As I got older I had to correct my mother and tell her, he sacrificed to ensure we had what we needed. I will forever be grateful for that. Dad I love you and I thank you. When I become a father I’m going to do the same BUT I am going to spend more time with my family. By the grace of GOD I’ll be in a better spot economically than my parents were so that’ll give me a little leg room. Fences taught me a valuable lesson from another man’s perspective.

[@Kinos141]

Don't worry, son. He didn't like Luke either.

[@ecks2087]

+Kinos141 haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa lmmfao

[@UndiCreator]

I see what you did there

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

lool

[@Renegade-Sam]

Kinos141 omfg im dead Hahaha

[@Floridaburg-]

Kinos141 Nigga!!! As long as you in my Death Star you’ll put a “sir”!! On the end of it when you talk to me!!!!

[@GeneThundersnow]

I met James Earl Jones at the stage door of a play he did in London. He was absolutely lovely.

[@ogichi32]

Lucky!

[@Bren-ni9iw]

Did you stand up straight? :)

[@zer128]

Did he like you

[@GeneThundersnow]

@@zer128 lol I think so? He asked where I was from and shook my hand. He just seemed like a nice person in general.

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

Was that at the Old Vic?

[@BenjaminGinsberg]

For the brief all-but-tender moment at the end when Troy puts his hand on his son’s heart, that’s all you need to know. One of the best monologues and deliveries of all time.

[@reecemahdi4436]

If you want a master class in acting, for stage or even film, this is one of them. Incredible actor!

[@alexfrazier6948]

Man! James Earl Jones is UNFUCKWITABLE! THAT'S acting!

[@seukfuhi]

Way scarier than Denzel's rendition IMO!

[@crayvd8229]

“A man provides. And he does it even when he's not appreciated, or respected, or even loved. He simply bears up and he does it. Because he's a man.”

[@kezianaomi1839]

but all that shouldnt be just the mans burdens

[@Kpba32]

@@kezianaomi1839 For long awhile it has been, its starting change ever so slightly

[@hyunweewoo]

lowkey toxic

[@Jaslath]

@@kezianaomi1839 Nice sentiment but that's not the reality of the world. And the sadder part is that trying to push a new narrative only weakens men in their own eyes and contrary to what the media says in the eyes of women as well.

[@flexquan2006]

@hyun, Just like Marxism you're gender studies bullshit doesn't work in the real world. If a man doesn't feel and act on an innate sense of responsibility he will live a meaningless existence. Men aren't blowing their brains out and hanging themselves because they aren't expressing their feelings it's because society has purposefully made them redundant with automation and welfare. If you think a welfare check is an adequate replacement for a father then why are the vast majority of prison inmates the children of single mothers?

[@alexandru5369]

"Do right by you" Damn strait respect is what matters not likes

[@Tj-ot4jp]

James Earl Jones, one of the finest actors ever to have lived.

[@iiAngelic]

This acting gives me chills!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Michael-be7uw]

James Earl Jones is the truth one of the greatest actors of all time

[@kennythomas2516]

Without a doubt

[@DarkLorddReviews]

Damn right

[@justussquires5080]

James Earl Jones is the SENIOR KINGS OF ACTING and the Greatest Of All Time

[@mrmakeitreign9995]

Mr Earl Jones’ voice is just God

[@derisme1987]

James Earl Jones put the fear of God in you

[@theory8sf]

When he said “straighten your back boy” I immediately straighten my back lol

[@justtony21]

I subconsciously did the same thing without even thinking!!!

[@ItsJussMe]

No you didn’t.

[@justtony21]

@@ItsJussMe um yea I did

[@deshaunx776]

He said "Straighten up G**DAMMIT!". That'd make anybody straighten their back.

[@lukebouthillierperformance8998]

James is probably the nicest celebrity I’ve ever seen. Yet he’s very intimidating just by looking at him, especially hearing his voice. And then when you see a performance like That from him if your seeing him for the first time!….. It’s incredible.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

A masterclass in acting

[@JakeJon]

This scene gets me every time. I love Denzel, but THIS is the version that moves me

[@denniswilkerson5536]

Denzel’s version seems tacky compared to this.

[@JakeJon]

@@denniswilkerson5536 I wouldn’t say tacky only cos he’s a brother 😂 but I definitely agree with your sentiment James Earl Jones clearly took it too another level. It’s almost like when I saw Jamie Foxx in Ray after watching Will Smith in Ali. It made Will Smith‘s portrayal of Ali seem basic. Not because Will didn’t do well but becauseJamie was just different!

[@francoisbessing]

Same.

[@sha11235]

Well, they originated the roles.

[@nilesstark]

Denzel seems more unhinged.

[@DomR1997]

"How to make sure your child is emotionally stunted and unprepared for affection and child raising when he grows up" is something I never knew James Earl Jones did lmao. Great actor, he really could play any role and make it real.

[@DomR1997]

@@jamkat7785 thin shin? I wish. Mine are so large they're impossible to miss. It's like being a boss fight, I just have this huge structural weakness for anyone to kick.

[@turkeyman631]

Teaching him to become a man that can make it in the world **

[@felixgonzales9786]

@@turkeyman631 yeah that's bs, some of us had loving parents and turned out fine. it's annoying seeing people justify crappy parenting thinking it's the only way to parent

[@BobSmith-pm3wx]

​@@felixgonzales9786 People grow up with all sorts of parenting. The responses that annoy you are probably from people with a vastly different upbringing, and it might be wise to take a moment to understand that what they're really doing is processing feelings about their own parents, or their own failures as a parent.

[@felixgonzales9786]

@@BobSmith-pm3wx it's not my job to play armchair psychologist

[@chaci1]

Omggg I remember watching this in 12th grade English class after reading and before performing Fences💕

[@shanejacobson5647]

I was blessed to watch this man play in Othello. Such a phenomenal actor and performance.

[@brotherLee340]

When he hit his chest and Said 'He Owes Me'! I really felt that.

[@josefgutierrez1164]

This reminds me of my Dad when I was growing up. He worked hard and was tough on me most of all. I was the 1st born. He let me have it when I questioned him about anything. Boy this and Boy that. He never liked to be affectionate when I was growing up. Later in life as we both got older, we bonded and got closer. We argued and talked and had adult discussions and forgave him for his sometimes over the top reactions. I told him I loved him many times and he finally started saying it back everytime we talked. He had a stroke a few months ago. He can barely talk now and can't eat by mouth. But when I see him we both still communicate and he still says he loves me by tapping his chest with hand. I will always be grateful for how my father raised us. He made us good men. This upcoming movie "Fences" is a very important one. God Bless

[@PrincessNinja007]

Jose F Gutierrez Haha I was a bit the opposite. My dad and I had adult conversations, until I was 13 and just gave up. Lol he expected a college-level working of economics and political science out of an eighth grader

[@leon4000]

That's just it though. While some fathers and son do turn out okay in the end, not every father does things right, and it becomes a hot mess to the point it's already dysfunctional beyond repair. So unfortunately to some, it's not all that good for kids growing up under abusive parents. Fortunately I grew up with parents who taught me this, it took awhile to get it in head. But I haven't given up yet.

[@josefgutierrez1164]

Yeah, I love my Father for it. He made me a Man. Like I said before, I would give anything to have my old Dad back. he is different now after the Stroke he had last year. I forgive him always. Forgiveness is the greatest gift that we've been given from God. 🙌♥️

[@leon4000]

Jose F Gutierrez Yeah, my parents did a lot for me too, and so far, seeing me on the Stand with the Bachelor's Degree was an award for them, but I'm not done yet. I'm still trying to work on my skills, it is tough, especially without the guidance of teacher, but I can still go back to ask them tips and hints. And if I'm serious about what I want, now's the time to turn all the talking I did and make them into reality.

[@leon4000]

While Troy has a message I'll remember, as it reminds me of my parents, that doesn't mean I have to completely change the fact that I dp not condone how he treated his son and his entire family. Maybe it had to be done, but it left his son resenting him for holding him back out of an opportunity that would have ensured that he had the education Scholarship give people some education. Get some good grades and bam, but Troy didn't know that, he thought they were going to give him all but sports. I don't blame Cory at all for how he felt during the end. And even I found it a bit insulting to be called out that he was becoming his father when he chose not to go to the funeral. When Troy had no parents to guide him anymore, and Cory had parents, but his dad, despite working his butt off and caring for him, struggled and treated Cory like he was Troy himself. Taught him about responsibility, but prevented him from choosing a possible future, out of fear and possibly jealously, then he cheated on his wife who been with him for 18 years. For someone who talked about doing right by people, he did wrong in a way that even his wife left him out of taking care of the baby that came from another lady, and wrong by his son Cory. Troy was given forgiveness that even I find that he possibly doesn't deserve. While Forgiveness is a gift, it's not something always passed out unfortunately. Troy was a bitter man who unfortunately never got to live his dream, and he's not the only one, because they lived in a time where discrimination still continued all the way from the past. I wonder what Cory truly felt in his mind, did he truly forgive his father at that point?

[@bobo42024]

I'm so glad I got a chill dad.

[@FlowKio]

James Earl reminds me of my grandfather whom is the strongest and smartest man I ever known he is a hunter, pilot, fisherman, and an actual hero who saved a man’s life from the frigid waters of lake Winnipeg. my entire life I’ve been terrified of disappointing him so I push myself to be the best I can be because his son was a deadbeat and left us. So my grandfather is one of the only men I truly respect

[@turnbased608]

"I done give you everything I had to give you. I give you your life." His delivery of that really resonates with me.

[@HorFell]

Yea but God wasn't the one who made love to the mother that produced said child. Without his seed, no child. He and the mother had the child and in the end he chose to take responsibility to his son to provide for him giving everything he had in him to fulfill his fatherly obligations.

[@thdgcfx]

The tooth fairy gives life and so does the easter bunny.

[@michaelnewton1332]

"Look at the strength in your body. The desire in your heart. I GAVE YOU THIS!!!!! Such a waste."

[@aniksolaris]

First Denzel’s trailer, then Double Toasted's comparison to Earl Jones, then the realization that James Earl Jones is much scarier in real life.

[@brianjackson3885]

Anik Solaris the king of Zamunda dont play..

[@smileydog5941]

Brian Jackson Dart Vader plays even less.

[@stayout9]

Why do you think his domain is everything that the light can reach?

[@brionmckay162]

Anik Solaris he looks like somebody grandad for real Lol

[@soybasedjeremy3653]

Brion Mckay He is a grandfather lol.

[@thewhat6219]

First time I saw this scene, I really was expecting him to turn it into a "because I love you" thing and boy was I slapped with surprise when he went in an entirely different direction. Great scene, it really resonated with me. I saw the movie version first, but now I'm hoping to see a recording of this one as well.

[@Stevofaves]

You can feel how much he resents his son-- he supports him because he feels like he HAS to. But he can't articulate why he has to- he can't say it's because of love, just a nebulous sense of duty. And that confusion, that obligation that's been put on him by life, it makes him resent his boy. He has to work doubly hard for people who hate him to be able to put food on the table for a son who he can't bring himself to care for.

[@Shinigami13133]

I don't think he resents his son, I just think he has a tough time showing affection. At the end of the scene, when he steps in close and places his hand on his sons shoulder and touches his chest, that's the best way he could think of to show his love for his son. As well as teaching his son a very important lesson "it's more important that people are treating you fairly than if they like you.". He might have his flaws, but he is definitely a good father.

[@vicwaters87]

@@Shinigami13133 The rest of the play would beg to differ. The man sabotages his son's future multiple times because he's a bitter man with some serious baggage. He wasn't a good father at all because his definition of what it meant to be a father was incomplete. You have to support your kids, but you also have to be their champion. You have to be a source of light especially if times are cruel. I think, at his core Troy DID love his son, but love isn't enough if you are actively hurting those you love. As the saying goes, "blood eventually runs thin."

[@seymourglass26]

@@vicwaters87 I mean, look how he is with his larger family. He wasn't there for Lyons. He cheats on Rose and leaves her with a child not her own. He basically abandons Gabriel when things get too hard. The man doesn't know how to love, even though he tries. He lived a tragic life filled with trauma, and only partially made his way back from rock bottom (being nearly beaten to death by his father or going to jail; take your pick). Edit: I don't think we need to like him, but he's not an abject villain. I genuinely feel sorry for him, and I wish things could have been different. Unfortunately, he comes off as a blowhard with a major chip on his shoulder.

[@hannipede]

@@Shinigami13133 it kinda just sounds like you're using a character whos a shit human being to cope with poor parenting you experienced

[@Shinigami13133]

@@hannipede more like lack of parenting, my father has basically never been a part of my life. But I also think you're failing to understand the nuance and context of the scene.

[@jacobp-i.5738]

such power in his voice and stature. incredible performance.

[@215_Philly_4for4]

You imagine If someone backsassed vader and he just said “n-- please”

[@xBen_III]

Earl is something else man. Absolutely stunning.

[@Jojo-bk2pq]

Damn, I wish I could've seen this on Broadway in 1987. I remember I read Fences for summer reading and thought it was powerful. James Earl Jones seems really powerful in this role.

[@Orrator900]

JEJ said "I love you" without ever saying it

[@prodbyxanderjohan]

yeah... he's scarring his son. Screw the man.

[@AbG-pk4ti]

xander Screw you

[@tjcogger1974]

But why not just say it?

[@dab0331]

No he didn't. He said it was an obligation. The point is that if a child feels you're taking care of them simply because they are YOUR seed then they feel they you don't truly love them but only feed them and take care of them to continue your own selfish need to continue your lineage. If you give them that impression that you don't like and love them as an INDIVIDUAL and not merely just as your seed they will resent you. Then the day survival is taken care of they will not make time for your emotional needs and throw you in a senior citizens home and you won't be able to criticize them because they're "putting food in your belly" but never visiting you or communicating with you, as you did with them. It is no surprise that the ww2 generation is now the generation thrown out of sight out, of mind in nursing homes. Because they focused so much on survival their children feel they have done their part and are free to live their lives apart from the critical parents who never liked them.

[@yarpy4927]

@@prodbyxanderjohan Were the Spartans terrible people because they raised their children as warriors? They did it so they could survive the onslaught of pillaging, rapes, barbarism, kidnapping, slavery, murder. They didn't brutally train their kin for sadistic purposes, they did it so they could survive, something you and many others in the modern world forget, there's a reason you're alive and reading this right now, it's because our ancestors raised our grandparents with survival in mind. Nowadays at least in first world countries we've become very comfortable and don't need to be as harsh, but at the time especially for black families, it was ridiculously difficult just to not starve to death, these life lessons were not pretty, but absolutely necessary.

[@victorlittleton4158]

Never gets old, l have so much love for this monolog.

[@paisfresh2def]

The beauty of watching versions of this scene in Fences is that you can tell how each actor is channeling memories of their own father. Tone, hand movements, eyes, look. It’s beautiful.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

So, he didn't use the force to choke him. That clearly shows his love.

[@keithliggins8545]

🤣😂🤣

[@nicmagtaan1132]

did vader even choked luke which i foubd odd

[@l.pietrobon3925]

Ohhh, that's why his name sounded familiar to me.

[@indeliblemakes5359]

I am white as hell and my dad had the same attitude. It really hurts when you have a parent who is responsible and sensible enough to take good care of you.......but at the same time, NOT like you. I suppose its better then just having a dad who will do nothing for you....but the question , " why dont you like me?" will always haunt me.

[@Thetruepianoman]

If your dad doesn't like you and he raised You, he's done a shit job then hasn't he. Don't forget parents aren't always right. How do you know you didn't just end up with shit parents and your personality is fine?

[@dookieman718]

@@Thetruepianoman at the end of the day you can still call him a father... some kids didnt have fathers at all...

[@DoctorSess]

@@dookieman718 that doesn’t excuse the emotional neglect he experienced.

[@joshfletcher4708]

He was giving a message. You can tell that he has love for his son by the way that he got close and softened his voice and put a hand on his shoulder and chest. He wanted to teach him a valuable lesson in life to make sure that people treat him fairly. He wouldn't have given him lesson if he didn't love him. In a sense actions speak louder than words. Maybe the boy won't see it at the time when he looks back he'll know that his father loved him and he told him the truth.

[@indeliblemakes5359]

@@joshfletcher4708 Ya...I think you missed the point of the whole scene. Its a nice thought but , no. His dads an absolute Ass and is covering his eternal soul by doing the bare minimum of what he is expected to do. You can teach a lesson without making someone feel unloved or unliked. I grew up with a dad like this. So...I know the difference between teaching a lesson and...........this. I dont need to talk to people like that to get my point across.....why does he? Because he's weak. In everyway but physical.

[@denoarmy8930]

His deep voice really makes it believable

[@77acacosta]

Gave me goosebumps watching this performance.

[@MorKmbt]

If James Earl Jones raised his voice and put his hands on me like that i’m going “yes sir” and “no sir” for the rest of my life

[@BarberJ95]

Even 90 year old JEJ would have me standing straight and saying yes sir.

[@svtelos4726]

I got that speech when I was 15. "Im not your friend. Im your father!". Scared the hell out of me then; and to this day.

[@sebastianbartolomeo6501]

It's crazy how perfect of a casting it was to have James earl Jones play Darth Vader. As his whole career was spent understanding the complexity of being a father under intense stress of being something he's afraid of failing. coming to America to lion king.

[@brettdyer472]

That dude is having nam flashbacks of his real dad. Thats how good James earl was here

[@jaywilson4520]

There was something so gentle, even loving, about the way he put his hand on his son's chest at the end of it, despite how harsh he was. Gets me every time I watch this.

[@mrtyrant1680]

That's the reason why I prefer his performance over Denzel Washington. There's a certain warm on his delivery, which indicates that he does love his son. Denzel speaks in this disgusting sarcastic tone that makes him come off as a fucking asshole that hates his son.

[@troywright359]

This scene, without any of the rest of the context, portrays Fences as a production about a hard working dad who loves his kids, rather than the very flawed individual he actually is

[@Pub2k4]

Yeah it’s obvious that some of these people in the comment section haven’t seen the rest of the play. He kicked him out of the house, causing him to quit high school. That’s not a good parent. His son was successful in life in spite of his father’s actions.

[@bmardiney]

@@Pub2k4 Sometimes the best thing a parent can do is let their kids fail or let life mete out the consequences.

[@Pub2k4]

@@bmardiney But he was actually a good kid. The man was a shitty father. The entire premise of this scene is the father refusing to let his son speak with a college football recruiter.

[@Pub2k4]

@@bmardiney But he wasn’t doing it to teach a lesson. He did it because he was bitter that he missed out on his own chance to play Major League Baseball.

[@sid2112]

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. I raised three good boys, and it wasn't out of like, it was out of love borne of a duty the moment I saw them. The Dad in this didn't love the duty, but he did it as best he could, I think. He was harsh at that moment out of a necessity to teach that very hard lesson. He was also harsh because he was an angry, bitter man. There is a time for that, and a time to be gentle.

[@NikkiJayArtistry]

wow. just wow. never seen that kind of performance in a play before

[@curtisanderson8013]

i was Raised by my dad just like this im 54 now and a Man that has 2 Men that Protect Our Great Nation Thank You Pops for your making a Man out of me!!!

[@DTylerFultzVA]

James Earl Jones being as awesome as always.

[@zenith8417]

James Earl Jones did amazing here, but Courtney B. Vance did great too. He looked genuinely horrified.

[@crofoegbu6535]

With that voice booming at him? Not sure boy was acting.

[@roberthouck8486]

oh my god, thank you!! It was killing me trying to figure out who was playing his son!

[@Syntherios]

Anybody on Earth would be damn near shitting themselves if James was yelling at them like that. I know I would.

[@cameronragsdale1402]

Good eye there on courtney. One of the b look ack actors i grew up with that just doesnt seem to get the respect he deserves. Even in more b movies as a dirty cop. He is always a standout. Keith david even more so. Funny these guys are not household names.

[@EloSolo]

I can only imagine what rehearsals looked like...

[@hamporpabor859]

why did this hit harder than 'how come he doesn't want me' from fresh prince...

[@d2dar459]

Cos Fresh Prince was a sitcom. And the line waa delivered by an actor who technically wasnt an actor. 🤷🏽‍♂️😄

[@francoisbessing]

His diction and measuring of words is so so very delightful. This is what KJV Readers and Shakespearean actors do. So lovely.

[@user-yn8ll7fj1e]

SPOILER: You find out later in the play that the father was cheating on his hard working house wife and the fathers anger is really coming from deep inside because he has secrets. People with secrets either (1) are good at hiding it or (2) the guilt makes you lash out at people closest to you. One moral of the story is men or just people in-general, don't cheat because you'll just make everyone around you question your thought process like the boy. The boy thought his father didn't "like" him, when in reality the father was dealing with deep rooted issues of respect, loyalty and honor towards his family. And when the boy questioned him, you see all the hidden emotions of the father come out. When all the father had to say was that "I love you son," because in reality you only truly take care of people you love. And notice... the father never told the son that he loved him only that it was his duty to provide for him. Which is true but... later on in the play the father leaves for a while so... yeah...

[@larniieplayz6285]

What

[@justtony21]

he sure did dance around it. well played.

[@RandomOne1999]

Could’ve just said don’t cheat instead of saying men

[@Darksky1001able]

@@RandomOne1999 I assume its only because this play and situation involves a man.

[@luisarroyo8408]

.