The laughter from the audience makes this seem like a 90s sitcom

The laughing totally kills the scene for me.

Denzel is just an amazing actor flat out,never broke character and just as good in person as he is on film.

I don't really think people should laugh during this play..

James Earl Jones sounds like he's pissed at his son for thinking that he doesn't like him. Denzel sounds like he is just calling his son out for asking a stupid question and making him realize that.

Watching Denzel and then James Earl Jones do this scene is like watching Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn both play Little Wing....Two absolute masters ...I’m in awe of them

Laughing didn't kill the mood, it changed it.

Simba: “Dad, please wake up.” This audience: “LOL!”

so... I never watched the play or read it. I saw this clip after seeing the James Earl Jones clip. I think what changed the audience reactions was delivery. James played it stern, hardened, and angry like he felt insulted at such a question. Denzel played it not for laughs, but played up the wit of the speech. his delivery gave the tone of "I'm about to show you how dumb a question that is and laugh at you." it wasn't because they thought it was funny, but more like cheering with how he was on a roll. he played it witty.

how do people not understand that people are laughing because of the tone and delivery Denzel uses?

The caliber of actor you have to be to make people laugh at that scene. Denzel is next level.

If Fences was a sitcom

James Earl Jones was "scary" compared to Denzel Washingtons character. To me...Denzel was funny because as a Dad I understood what he was saying from personal experience. I can relate to his portrayal of the character.

This is why I love acting (and August Wilson's brilliant writing). Denzel had such a different approach to the material but it was just as compelling and great to watch. Truly a master of his craft.

This is such an amazing comparison to Jones' portrayal of the character. The way two totally different, but great, actors can do the same show, the same lines and still come out totally opposite. I've got to commend Washington for going in a different direction, as well as Jones for using his natural strength to imbue that role with something really stern. It's the reason why we haven't gotten rid of live theatre.

*Denzel Is the greatest actor of all time* 🐐🐐

Denzel is just the greatest to ever do it and it's not even close

People complaining about the laughing or comparing performances are missing the entire picture. Just because they are laughing, does not mean they don't understand the message. In most cases, it means they understand it to a T, similar to a lot of black comedy. They had two different personalities but relayed the message as intended. Also, you can't look at one scene and judge a performance, maybe if you watched the entire play from start to finish you'd see what mood was set. Was it set to be serious throughout, or was it set to be light but with a message that those in attendance could take home? Knowledge and perspective come easier with laughter sometimes.

This scene actually made me tear up in the movie theater. was damn good.

That these two can take audience energy and make this scene comedic is a testament to their abilities as actors.

He said “ don’t go in life and make sure people like you, make sure there doing right by you” that was the best thing he said the whole scene

It's fascinating how the energy of the two actors (Denzel and James Earl Jones) are so different on the stage, even though they are playing the same role and saying the same words. James Earl Jones' energy is powerful, commanding, and intimidating while Denzel Washington's is more down to earth, susceptible, and almost friendly. If this were real, I'd rather be Denzel's son than James Earl Jones' because he seems to be more approachable, but Jones' performance is simply powerful..

Plays evolve from night to night. It's never the same. That means that what makes an audience ripple with laughter one night may keep a new audience in a stunned silence the next. Performance is everything, and no single performance can ever be truly replicated. That's the wonderful, unpredictable quality that only theater has. So, yes, the laughter is 100% appropriate on this occasion.

both of the performances are different, from the James earl one you could immediately tell the scene was a lot more stern because he throws the plank on the ground and his son sure looks so terrified. with this one i get a more laid back feeling ie the son rolls his eyes. they both different and deliver the message in different ways, love them both.

As an undergraduate actor I can say all crowds are different.

I liked this version just as much as the original. Same words but with a different tone and delivery. James Earl Jones version came from a powerful, no nonsense type of Man who will not tolerate foolish comments. Denzel Washington’s version came from a Man who is self aware, who knows what his purpose in life is and is willing to teach his Son through a level of playful, Fatherly wit.

Denzel and James did GREAT PERFORMANCES in DIFFERENT WAYS!!! Tbh they both did equally well in my opinion. You don't have to compare peoples' performances all the time.

Washington vs Jones Two totally different deliveries. Great actors, great material.

It's really a testament to the quality of the writing that the same scene, given slight alterations in tone, delivery and body language, can be either dead-serious and solemn (JeJ version) or humorous (while still retaining its essential quality and message) like here. The laughter was justified; Denzel's delivery allows for it. This is what it looks like when a piece of drama stands the test of time.

Mr. Jones reminds me of my grandad with the way he delivered this scene. Denzels delivery sounds more like how my father would to me if I asked that question.

Shows how this scene looks 10x better as a movie. The slow motion, dramatic effects. The pace. This is great practice for them though!

For those concerned about the laughter. There's a great deal of humor that comes in pain and truth. This was the key to Richard Pryor's legacy as a comedian. I find that people (specifically blacks) tend to use laughter as a coping mechanism for harsh truths and pain. Couple this with Denzels amazing timing as an actor and I understand where the laughter comes from.

Just watched the Fences 2016 trailer, EPIC AF!

Crowd be like "Haha, I too mistreat my child!"

An absolute legend. This man is truly gifted!

A Baseball Bat ??!! A great tool to reflect upon...and an excellent award winning segment of this 2016 directed movie! Standing ovation and trendy in showing some love.

This is so me and my step dad. He had nothing but good intentions for me but I use to resent the way he spoke. As I grew older and wiser I realized he was teaching me in how to be a man when no one was. Don't you cry and go through life worrying if somebody like you or not. You best be making sure they're doing right by you. My step dad still says, "Everything I ever did for you had a reason, but you ain't have to like me, this ain't no fukin popularity contest." lmao..sigh..the teachings of tough love.

Denzel is just genius. I mean to turn a serious and somber scene into a light hearted banter is no easy feat.

I love Denzel's acting. I watch everything he is in. In this play, his fathering is classic good fathering. He has a smile, a warmth, a firmness and wisdom.

Denzel........You all did an excellent, outstanding job..... Absolutely loved the movie. As I watched, I felt as if I was a part of the movie!!!!!!

I like that people laugh at Denzel and sit quietly in aw at James Earl Jones

Don’t know why there’s laughter... was nothing funny about it.

Wow. I can imagine being there in the audience witnessing perfection.

Denzel being so relatable and likable makes it seem funny because he's always kinda clownin. James being so fucking large with that booming voice makes it seem terrifying like he's your own dad tearing you apart. The actor makes all the difference.

why are they laughing?

Its wild that the audience found this part comedic but in the movie Denzel did it the same way and it was very serious and heavy. Perspectives is a mug.

i love this play so much im glad that i check this video out and i will be writing about it for my theatre class

Don't try and go through life wondering if somebody like you, you best make sure they do right by you!!💯

This is cool, this shows you that plays could be played out in different ways, as for this they made it a bit more comedic when it's always been dramatic. I prefer the dramatic but I'm amazed at how they changed the whole tone in this performance.

Why the hell is the audience laughing? I prefer James Earl Jones' version, anyway.

The laughter is wild..

Isn't it mad how when u watch the film it's such a serious sean but yet on stage there's laughter while agreeing with the point he's putting across.

There's something quite visceral about the human condition that we laugh at things deeply rooted in truth regardless of a playwright's intention. That's the beautiful thing about live theater is that it takes your emotions on a whirlwind journey. This is such a riveting play, I saw this performance on Broadway.

Denzel Washington is a legend but James Earl did it best .

One of the best advise I have ever heard

Dayum! One of the best recommended videos I've gotten.

Denzel is absolutely brilliant!! He’s one of the finest actors to have ever lived.

The audience spoiled this clip for me

Idk how this audience finds this so humorous?... This scene was so emotional during the movie. Idk maybe its just me but I was speechless when I first saw this scene.

aw man that was awesome

Alright let's put it this way: if James Earl Jones did fences in 2016 and delivered that speech would there be any laughter?

i wish more kids in my generation understood the meaning of this scene-so powerful it brought tears to my eyes thinking how my father raised me...ill never forget this production

Denzel delivers an awesome performance 🎭

Wish I had seen this earlier ... awesome !!!

The laughing 100% killed the mood of the scene.

They are laughing because they go through the same thing as a parent.

This is why, Denzel is my all time favorite actor

Excellent performance.

Denzel's version: Kind of funny and very good. James: I felt like he was talking to me and his tone was damn near terrifying. Both are great performances. It just goes to show how an actor approaches the scene when they interpret it.

The people laughing thought they were at a Tyler Perry Production. This is, well is intended to be, an extremely serious scene in the play. In fact, every scene with the protagonist is meant to be. He's cantankerous.

See how subtle denzel playes this role that in broadway it's a scene with a sense of comedy and with a little change of tone and camera angle it's a dramatic scene in cinema.hats off to you my man🖤

I was there at this play on Broadway. Bloomfield College took all of us in the EOF program to this play. This was a powerful display all the way around.

the audience made this a sitcom lmao

It shows the level people are when they witnessed this scene. Its not the Cosby show. Really missed the message behind this impactful scene

WOW!!!! this is what I'm talking about!!! Man, this is GREAT Acting!!!

Denzel is probably my favorite actor of all time

To all the people comparing this performance to that of James Earl Jones, James' performance was a little robotic and mechanical, Denzel's performances flows more naturally. Also, Denzel's version has a wittier and more sarcastic tone, and the audience appreciates that. Nothing to complain about though, both Earl and Denzel gave great performances..

The people laughing are probably those who relate most to the scene. I imagine this crowd was much more black and the one in 1987 with James Earl Jones and Courtney B. Vance was likely predominantly white. We always talk about accepting cultural differences...until it's, you know, time to accept cultural differences.

Greatest after ever!!!

I like that this is one of the more serious scenes and everyone reacts to it like it’s a comedy spot

To all those concerned with the audience laughter: Think about the racial tensions in 1987 and 2010. Think about the tensions that were going on. Maybe the audience was more serious in the James Earl Jones version because they were relating to the current events going on in that time. In 2010, all though racial tension is still present, the audience may hold a different attitude toward this scene. Just a thought.

I like how Denzel turns a such a serious scene in to comedy. Yes, it was serious indeed, and I understand the message very well. But c'mon! Laugh every now and again, lol. This was awesome! I liked both James Earl Jones' and Denzel Washington's rolls.

Watched this play live and laughed my ass off the whole way.

Damn! It amazes me how these professionals can remember all their lines. Denzel is the 🐐

The differnce between james and denzel is generational. James comes from a time of hate. The danger ever present for a black man. the trust only came after the racial bias, after the stereotype, after the fear... this is what he really means about not going through life worrying if people are gonna like you. it starts as an angry antidote but beautifully becomes the talk all black fathers and mothers will have with there children. I think we lose that with denzel. and for good reason. for one, its a different choice. and two because it really is a funny bit. James just brought more truth but if anything, it shows the strength of august wilsons writing. to be played so drastically different.

Compared to James Earl Jones this is like the dad from Friday

It's mad seeing the movie and the play looking at it side by side. The audience laughing but watching the film it was such a dramatic moment. Denzil will leave this earth as one of the most talented actors ever

“You get your f***kn Hands off me!”…fav line from nearly every Denzel movie!

Don't force a life into this terrible world, then get mad when they ask about your love for them.

WHY THE FUCK ARE PEOPLE LAUGHIN

Wow great acting, I wish I could see this whole production.

My favorite actor right there 👌👍🤘

I like James Earl Jones' portrayal better. The words stick to my head better than Denzel's version of it. I felt that bitter silence of lesson learned from a parent's words. After watching Jame's portrayal first, it seemed awkward to me when people laughed in Denzel's portrayal.

I love Fences. This scene gives a lesson to son's. It's not the perfect scene but it is real life. If more father's would step up to the plate these days there would be less violence and crime in this world.

Best advice every kid should hear!

God i love live theatre. We as people need to support more live theatre. This is great.

The audience act like this was a Tyler Perry play.

Some laughter would be fine, but they’re laughing through whole scene like it’s a neil Simon play.

Mad the difference between the James Earl Jones audience and this one. With James they were quiet an was played more serious, this one they just laughed. Really shows a change.

Denzel Washington the GOAT 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 seen everything he’s ever done