Fruitvale Station - Minority Mindset

Warning: SPOILERS for Sinners and Fruitvale Station.

Despite the current acclaim of “Sinners” as Ryan Coogler’s top work, it’s important to note that he previously directed another notable film featuring Michael B. Jordan. From the start to finish of “Sinners”, Coogler’s latest horror movie offers a thrilling journey that tugs at viewers’ emotions in surprising ways. It’s not just your typical vampire story, and so far, the box office performance of “Sinners” reflects this uniqueness. Even those who usually avoid horror films might find something to like in it due to its historical atmosphere and intricate relationship dynamics.

The multitude of favorable reviews from “Sinners” viewers underscores its authentic portrayal. This positive feedback has increased significantly since its wider cinema debut. However, it should be noted that Ryan Coogler was already a renowned director prior to writing “Sinners,” and this early work provides the most compelling argument for his talent. Among his other projects, including “Creed” and the two “Black Panther” films, Coogler’s first and only theatrical feature is “Fruitvale Station.” From a specific standpoint, it remains the most impactful film he has produced to date.

Fruitvale Station Was A Tragic Movie About Oscar Grant

A Hard-To-Stomach Tale That Deserved To Be Told

Maintaining suspense in movies based on true events can be challenging due to the audience’s knowledge of the outcome. However, Ryan Coogler skillfully achieved this by commencing Fruitvale Station with actual footage of Oscar Grant’s tragic shooting by a Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in 2009. Though the inspirations for Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners spanned from animated films to personal tales, Fruitvale Station is grounded in a story that has regrettably been repeated throughout history. Despite this repetition, it remains a narrative that unfortunately continues to resonate and sometimes needs to be shared again.

Unlike Hailee Steinfeld’s character in “Sinners“, Oscar didn’t transform into a villain on the day his destiny was set. Instead, as portrayed in “Fruitvale Station“, he was trying to leave his life of drug dealing behind and focus on more positive aspects such as reclaiming his job, wishing his mother a happy birthday, and spending time with his daughter. However, due to the way Coogler begins the film, every seemingly hopeful event is tainted by the awareness that Oscar won’t be given the chance to fulfill these moments. This adds an extra layer of sadness to the movie, making it far more poignant than any of Coogler’s work in his vampire film.

Why Fruitvale Station Is Ryan Coogler’s Best Movie

The Performances Alone Are Devastatingly Impactful

In contrast to the multitude of deaths in the series Sinners, it takes just one death in Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station to pause time. Although we know Oscar will die, his murder seems less dramatic than witnessing others react to it. Octavia Spencer beautifully portrays Oscar’s mother, whose composure hints at being both resigned to the police’s actions and painfully aware that prayer is all she can rely on now. On the other hand, Melonie Diaz adds tension to the scene as she anxiously seeks information about her daughter’s father from the first responders who remain tight-lipped. Coogler demonstrates his exceptional ability to draw powerful performances from his actors.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate how Ryan Coogler skillfully infuses his unique style into “Fruitvale Station.” His cinematography, such as the shot where Oscar tumbles to the ground during a wrestling match with his family’s children, is masterful. It’s clear even to those versed in film structure that this composition will be mirrored after the BART officer fatally shoots Oscar. Yet, despite knowing this, the scene retains its powerful impact. In my opinion, “Fruitvale Station” stands as a testament to Coogler’s extraordinary craftsmanship.

Fruitvale Station Launched A Long-Running Collaboration Between Coogler & Michael B. Jordan

The Actor Has Been In All Of Coogler’s Features To Date

It’s said that Coogler had previously considered Jordan for the role of Oscar Grant in “Fruitvale Station,” and their collaboration on this film certainly proved beneficial for both parties. They subsequently gained widespread recognition when Coogler chose to cast Jordan in Creed and both Black Panther movies. Currently, Jordan portrays twins in Sinners, a film that is rapidly gaining acclaim as one of Michael B. Jordan’s finest performances yet. However, “Fruitvale Station” stands out as one of his most significant works due to the climactic revelation that Oscar was just 22 years old at the time of his passing.

In a different wording: The character Oscar is not portrayed as perfect; instead, his strengths and weaknesses are presented together. However, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the understanding that none of his faults made up for the loss of what could have been. At the end of the movie, when his girlfriend must break the devastating news to their daughter that Oscar will never return home again, it delivers one of Coogler’s most poignant and affecting final scenes. While many may feel similarly about Sinners, Coogler demonstrates with Fruitvale Station the power he wields when he brings to life a story that resonates deeply within him.

2025-04-21 23:00