Sam's Blog - Selma

SELMA

There are many reasons why peaceful protest is considered the best way to bring about change in society, but there is one factor that people forget: it can bring out the violence in those opposing the protest. Peaceful protest can sometimes be a chess match, as the protestors wait for their opponent to make a mistake -- and in the meantime, pray that they don't make a mistake, themselves.

Director Ava DuVernay's newest film, SELMA, gives us a glimpse into such a chess match, telling the story of the events leading up to President Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black American citizens now have the legal right to register to vote, but threats and general fear prevent most of those living in the South, particularly Alabama, to actually do so. A group of peaceful protesters, led by Martin Luther King Jr (David Oyelowo), decide to take matters into their own hands. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) is not going to take action if the matter is quietly swept under the table; so these peaceful people must reveal the violence done in dark corners, risking their lives to get it out in the open and bring about change. A plan is made to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest.

The film tweaks the relationship between King and Johnson, portraying it as heavily burdened by the restrictions of a political agenda. Many have argued that in reality, Johnson was more than willing to help secure the voting rights of black Americans... however, for the sake of the film, whatever discrepancy there is benefits the flow of the story. Most films, even those based on historical events, take artistic liberty at some point. What takes precedent in SELMA is the heart of the story -- the unity of the protestors in the midst of danger, and the fight for equality.

But this is not just some Hallmark film about getting together to incite change... SELMA delves right into the good and the bad. Even in a peaceful protest, mistakes are made, and emotions run high. And though the film spares you from any gore, there are still some jarringly vivid depictions of the brutality that black Americans experienced. Pairing with the physical violence, the cast really brings home the emotional torment that occurred -- Oyelowo gives a phenomenal performance, and his supporting cast keeps up quite nicely: Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Andre Holland, Lorraine Toussaint, Oprah Winfrey... the list goes on and on.

This is not a film you want to miss, especially on the weekend preceding MLK Day. DuVernay has a challenge ahead of her, if she wants to top this film. SELMA is now playing at the Midtown Cinema!