Director: Ava DuVernay
By Alex Watson
After being controversially overlooked in several key categories at the Oscars (despite scoring a Best Picture nod), Ava DuVernay's Selma is an engaging look at the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. Although slightly dragging in places, this piece comes alive with a spirit that is undeniable. DuVernay never once holds back from showing the sometimes violent consequences of the Civil Rights movement. But through non violent resistance and determination, a crucial cornerstone in US History is made.
In 1965, Martin Luther King (David Oyelowo) is concerned that although segregation has ended, black citizens are still being denied their right to vote. Bring his thoughts to President Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), the big man is reluctant to get involved despite many recent racial related deaths in the southern states. In order to bring about change, King and his supporters descended upon the town of Selma, Alabama and plan to march to the state capital Montgomery. Their mission will be no simple one and all the way there is substantial damage to bring about change.
Smartly picking the story up when Dr King received his Nobel Peace Prize rather than his "I Have a Dream" speech, Selma is a very focused effort by DuVernay who ensures that the story is told in a bold but never lecturing fashion. From the very outset, their work in Selma is tainted. Alabama was a difficult place to make progress and under racist governor George Wallace (Tim Roth), black voters were hindered at each turn. One of the opening scenes sees Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) attempt to register, only for the court clerk to ask her impossible questions until she cannot answer! As King himself points out to Johnson, racist killers are always absolved by all white juries because the black people cannot be part of the process.,.. unless they are register to vote.
Although there are no less than three tense and brutal marches that occur with DuVernay's film, the real story in this film comes from the back room politics. Through these scenes we see the preciseness and subtle power of King's strategy through non violent protests. However, it is these scenes that on occasions derail the film slightly. The power of MLK's oration is present, along with his continually strained relationship with wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo). Problem is it often seeps into needlessly long monologues that delay the action. A sense of hardship occurred in the marches is also disappointingly absent and this subject feels more tailor made for awards. Although we see King proudly preaching their victory on the steps of the State Capitol, we never truly feel the required power desired for this result.
Where Selma does succeed though is in the unflinching portrayal of the notorious first Selma march where the predominantly white police force horrifically turned a peaceful protest into a national televised nightmare. As we feel the batons club innocent victims and see them run for their lives in the midst of tear gas, a great injustice is unfolding. Though this makes for horrifying viewing, a crucial breakthrough is made. Attitudes in the country swiftly changed and people from all corners of America descend upon Selma! Even Johnson who has been sat on the fence up until this point is finally forced to act.
But the film is carried on the shoulders of the excellent David Oyelowo who with a great subtle skill is mesmerising as MLK. Embodying the required charm and allure, the British actor is fascinating in the quieter moments of this character and is not afraid to give it gusto when it comes to the speeches of King! Cruelly denied a Best Actor nomination, Oyelowo has finally been given the role that he was born to play and from this point onwards, Hollywood should take note of this. Great support is given by Tom Wilkinson as the conflicted Johnson and Tim Roth who makes from a great on screen menace as the narrow minded Wallace.
Many will still complain about Selma not receiving more nominations, and in some ways it is a shame because DuVernay herself does deserve credit. This film is an inspiring one and we will get few civil rights films that match the power of this one. Dr King's victory was one that forever be echoed in history, but it was a fight that wasn't without casualties!
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