Selma

Selma

 (2015)

A Review by Grant Kanigan

Directed by: Ava DuVernay

Written by: Paul Webb

Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, 

              Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth,

              Oprah Winfrey, Wendell Pierce

Rating: PG

Release Date: January 9th, 2015

Wendell Pierce & David Oyelowo talk to Trai Byers & Stephan James in Selma
© 2014 Paramount Pictures

   There are a plethora of films that immortalize and define the popular consensus of whom important leaders in the twentieth century really were, most of which have been helmed by seasoned directors. Gandhi, Che, and JFK are all superb films made by visionary directors, yet the most important figure of the twentieth century, (at least in North America, and in my book), hasn't yet found his way to the silver screen. Maybe it's because it's too soon a time to tell a story that left national and international wounds that have yet to heal. However, in the wake of the riots in Ferguson and protests in New York, maybe it's the perfect time.

    With biopics, it's always a gamble to tell the entire life story of a brilliant figure in two to three hours. Some can pull it off brilliantly, like the aforementioned Gandhi. Others, like Walk the Line wallow in mediocrity and stink of exploitation and profiteering. Thankfully, writer Paul Webb has had ample time to see the repercussions of King's assassination, as well as time to formulate a plot that doesn't attempt the impossible task of outlining King's entire existence, but merely something that represents his basic ideals. In that sense, Selma, Alabama, is the ideal setting. 

     Simply telling the story of how Dr. King gathered people from differing races and religions to march from Selma to Montgomery, (their legal right), to raise awareness for black voting rights, Webb is able to weave a screenplay that is as inspiring as it is brutal. The simple act of wanting to register to vote is made into a national moral quandary. Why was Alabama so intent on stopping black voters from registering? What deep seated bigotry was it hiding? It turns out, Selma wasn't hiding it's bigotry anywhere. Alabama wore it proud on it's sleeve. The simplicity of Dr. King's demands, (quite simply, 'every man should be treated equally,' which is literally a constitutional right),  in contrast to the unflinching and unwarranted brutality of Alabama's police force is gut wrenching; a middle aged woman slaps a police officer for pushing over a confused blind man and is then clubbed directly in the face. Four young girls going to school and gossiping about their hairstyles are instantly killed when a bomb goes off in their stairwell. A young man making sure his parents aren't hurt during a peaceful protest is shot to death while sitting down in a restaurant. This juxtaposition of peaceful protests with brutal violence is one of the strongest methods of highlighting rank ignorance in the American south. 

     This ability to showcase the inherent grotesqueness of racism would make a good film in and of itself, yet Oyelowo pushes the film into the stratosphere. As Dr. King, Oyelowo embodies the famed orator. Humanizing his seemingly infallible character, Oyelowo inhabits Dr. King as a thoroughly intelligent and meticulous man, but also highlights his faults. Dr. King's moments of doubt before the Selma march, as well as his admission of guilt to his wife that he was cheating on her are given credibility through Oyelowo's performance. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it the best performance of the year, (that has to go to Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything), it's still one of the best, by far. 2014 has been shaping up to be one of the best years of performances in ages; the supporting cast does some amazing work. Tom Wilkinson as Lyndon B. Johnson is brilliant, and the under-appreciated Wendell Pierce, (of The Wire fame),  has some stellar lines. Oprah Winfrey, too, while underused, is fantastic in her short few scenes. While she's multi-talented, Winfrey showcases why she's such a respected actress here. 

     Overall, Selma has been a long time coming. It's simple, yet passionate, and showcases the brutality, coldness and ignorance of racism brilliantly - and it's a completely true story, (those complaining about the portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson are completely wrong, unintelligent, and must have not have seen the film; LBJ is it's second biggest protagonist, behind Dr. King). Selma doesn't take cheap shots, and the writing is stellar. Additionally, it's ample time for racial tensions to re-enter the national discussion. The issues discussed in Selma still exist today. As simply a film, a biopic this excellent hasn't come out in years. As a piece of culture, Selma is an important reminder of our recent history. As a great many have said regarding history, "those who cannot remember the past, are doomed to repeat it." 

Grant's Rating: 5/5 Stars 

Oprah Winfrey in Selma: "Application"