SELMA (2015) Built and centered on an admirable topic, Selma proves to be a surprisingly weighty historical drama in a season of underwhelming Oscar bait hopefuls. I actually always wondered what a well-made film about Martin Luther King, Jr. would look like that was NOT about the march on Washington, the Montgomery bus boycott, or his assassination. In addition to a different setting than we are used to seeing him in, we also are allowed to look at King the human being, i.e. the flawed man who used politics and arm-twisting in order to achieve his goals. The script avoids pandering hagiography in a similar manner to Lincoln. King understood, both here and in reality, that any struggle would have to be public and caught on camera for Middle America to see, and this helped steer his choice toward demonstrating in Selma, Alabama where resistance would be fierce. We also have David Oyelowo giving an underplayed King, while displaying more assertiveness than we are used to seeing. Oyelowo probably gives the best depiction of MLK we have seen to date and I must join the chorus of voices arguing that this actor was robbed by the Academy for a nomination. There are some problems with accuracy regarding the role of President Johnson, which some historians have rightfully pointed out. Namely, this version of LBJ comes off as a bit cowardly and downright obstructionist toward civil rights. He is shown yelling at King in most of his scenes, conspiring with J. Edgar Hoover to damage King’s marriage by releasing evidence of his infidelities to his wife, and only pushing the Voting Rights Act to protect his legacy after it becomes clear the way the wind is blowing. I got news for ya. Johnson, like most if not all U.S. Presidents, probably hated J. Edgar and often avoided him if he could. The wiretapping of King and other Civil Rights leaders predated LBJ, and Hoover often acted unilaterally on that kind of behavior and without oversight. Furthermore, Johnson for the most part approved of King’s actions, and specifically in Selma. This is not to say Johnson was an angel. He could be a gigantic asshole. But he was not a coward and he certainly didn’t act to obstruct MLK, even if they disagreed on many issues. On that note, they definitely got George Wallace right. He really was a creepy, racist self-absorbed douche - largely unconcerned with the future or his legacy…until he got shot and paralyzed years later. But I digress. This is the kind of low-key, unpretentious, honest story telling I wish I saw more of. The stellar portrayal for our protagonist, competent direction, tight writing, and simple but relevant message make this a must see. Get chill bumps listening to the speeches. Cringe every time nightsticks are brandished and George Wallace opens his mouth. Easily one the best films of the year. -Joshua Wayne Sheetz aka The God***n Batman https://youtube/watch?v=x6t7vVTxaic
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 01:57:33 +0000