Fruitvale Station

 FRUITVALE STATION

Director : Ryan Coogler

Year : 2014

Genre : Drama

Rating : ****

 

On New Years Day 2009 at the Fruitvale Bay Area Rapid Transit Station, 22 year old Oscar Grant III was senselessly gunned down by a transport police officer after a fight broke out on a train. A loving father, a loyal husband and a dear friend to many, Grant was a good hearted man who died in the most appalling and needless way possible. The story itself became infamous when mobile phone recordings of the shooting were released to the public and ever since his death 5 and a half years ago, mourners have congregated around Fruitvale every January 1st in memoriam.

Predominately based on the testimonies of those nearest and dearest to him, 'Fruitvale Station' is a very compelling and profoundly moving portrait of Grants final day on Earth. Beginning with the actual footage of his shooting in Fruitvale Station, the film then goes back a number of hours and recreates the actions, conversations and events that would all lead up to his untimely death. Wonderfully played by 'Chronicle's Michael B. Jordan, Grant is painted as a well rounded and caring person who is trying to correct the mistakes of his criminal past and lead a quiet life with his daughter and girlfriend. What is so extraordinary about 'Fruitvale Station' is how unextraordinary it's central protagonist is and the film plays very much in the same way, with Grant going about his daily life, meeting his friends and enjoying the company of his family. It is only when the inevitably harrowing and hard hitting final act plays itself out that the movie becomes something truly unforgettable with Jordans pivotal performance really helping to drive the tragedy of the story of Oscar Grant III into our hearts and our souls.

The film is the directorial debut for Ryan Coogler who allows the sombreness of it's plot and the development of it's characters to really generate emotion and empathy, rather than the usual flashy camera moves and auteurish pretentions that we have now come to expect from first time filmmakers. It's a story that doesn't need to be dressed with grandure or flare to be distressing and I am so glad that Coogler made the decision to film 'Fruitvale Station' in such a basic and realistic way as this helps us to not only believe in the performances but also the true intentions of its director. The picture looks great too with the holiday decorations, quiet abandoned streets and the communal goodwill of New Year providing a perfectly ironic backdrop to the tragedy and overwhelming melancholy of it's narrative. 

Winner of  the Best First Film award at the Cannes film festival and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, 'Fruitvale Station' has been very well received by both audiences and critics alike and while I can't see the movie doing as well over here in the UK, I still think it should be recognised for the important work it truly is. Bold, unflinching and heartbreakingly truthful, 'Fruitvale Station' is a very well judged and wonderfully acted drama that is most definitely going to stay with me for a very long time indeed.