For a film to bring me to tears within the first 10 minutes, told me that I would be on an emotional rollercoaster for the next 2 hours. SELMA is hands down one of the best films of the year, from Ava DuVernay’s direction & (revisions of Paul Webb’s initial script), Bradford Young’s beautiful cinematography, Spencer Averick’s editing, Ruth E. Carter’s Costume Design, and Kim Jennings’ Art Direction to name of few. This is not a story solely based on MLK Jr. (hauntingly embodied by David Oyelowo), but about a few months in the Civil Rights Movement to get southern Blacks the right to vote and all the key players on both sides. It’s eerie how this film reflects today’s protesting and demonstrating in America. Using information from FBI surveillance to help tell the story was a great device, especially how it was presented as title cards within the editing. Big Brother was definitely watching and manipulating, which turned up the tension. I loved how Oyelowo & DuVernay pulled back the layers of one of the best-known heroes in American history and presented a humorous, yet flawed man who battled self-doubt, fear and stress of leading a movement. Carmen Ejogo scores big as the embattled, yet strong Coretta Scott King. DuVernay gave many characters a chance to shine, while crafting an outstanding film that can be viewed over and over, despite the pain because the violence and heartbreak is front and center. I’m predicting many awards for this film. A must see.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:15:25 +0000