About Fruitvale Station (HBO)

"Fruitvale Station" is a dramatic motion picture that recounts a real-life, heart-wrenching story. It unfolds the events leading up to the demise of Oscar Grant, a young man who was shot by the police on New Year's Day in 2009 at Oakland's Fruitvale subway station. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, provides deep insight into Oscar's personhood and the last day of his life, highlighting the human tragedy and social implications of the event.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Forest Whitaker. It was filmed on location in Oakland, California to add authenticity. Coogler aimed to present a balanced view of Oscar Grant’s final day, highlighting both his positive attributes and his flaws so that audiences could understand him as a complete person.

Actors

• Michael B. Jordan: Plays the role of Oscar Grant. Jordan gives a powerful performance communicating Oscar's struggles, dreams, love for his daughter, and remorse for his past mistakes.
• Melonie Diaz: Portrays Sophina Mesa, Grant's girlfriend. Diaz offers an emotional performance of Sophina, a woman grappling with Oscar's flaws but deeply in love with him.
• Octavia Spencer: Acts as Wanda Johnson, Oscar's mother. Spencer gives a moving performance as a mother facing the worst tragedy any mother can experience.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was filmed in 20 days.
• Fruitvale Station is Ryan Coogler's feature direction debut.
• The scene where Oscar Grant befriends a stray dog was not in the script; it happened spontaneously and was included in the film because it added depth to Oscar's character.

Awards

Fruitvale Station received many accolades. At the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, it won both the Best First Film award and the Prize of the Future. At the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Ryan Coogler won Best First Feature and Michael B. Jordan took home the award for Best Male Lead.

Quotes

• "You're gonna start off the new year in the right way." - Wanda Johnson
• "I'm good. I'm good. I'm gonna be good. I'm gonna be good." - Oscar Grant
• "We're not leaving you, alright?" - Sophina Mesa

• "Feeling Good" - Nina Simone
• "Hey Little Mama" - Mistah F.A.B., Johnny Ca$h, Jacka
• "My Homeboy's Chevy" - Adrian Younge