By Julia Sheth
Arts Editor
Winning Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, “Selma” is an international success because of its inspirational messages.
With “Selma,” director Ava DuVernay has successfully created a film that includes both an impassioned narrative and heart-wrenching performances.
Based on events surrounding the Voting Rights Act of 1965, “Selma” depicts the actions that African Americans, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo, shown below), took in Selma, Alabama in 1965 to assert their right to vote. Throughout the beginning of the film, racism is shown to still be extremely prevalent in the American South, causing African Americans to be denied the right to vote. On March 25, 1965, thousands of nonviolent activists marched from Selma to Montgomery to protest civil injustices.
One of the many highlights of “Selma” is the new perspective on the civil rights movement that it offers. The film showcases a part of the civil rights movement which is less widely known: what occurred after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted. This new perspective displays how this period in American history was not as straightforward as it may seem. It shows how even for years after the civil rights movement was said to be resolved, African Americans still faced constant discrimination.
Another engaging element of the film is the shockingly brutal actions taken against the non-violent protests of the African Americans by white government officials, such as beating them with batons and spraying them with tear gas. This brutality allows the film to have a sorrowful tone of oppression.
In addition, the actors in “Selma” are deeply invested in their characters, ensuring the believability of the story. The strong emotions, ideally-timed reactions and profound relationships that the actors portray through their characters display this devotion to the film.
For example, Oyelowo creates the perfect balance between power and humility in his portrayal of King by being assertive, passionate and hopeful, while still having moments of weakness and vulnerability. Another example of this is when Selma protester Viola Lee Jackson (Charity Jordan) mourns the death of another character who is killed in a protest. Jordan’s performance is full of intense and unrestricted emotion.
“Selma” conveys its perspective on racism and oppression through a vivid plot line and thoroughly invested actors.
“Selma” is rated PG-13 and is now playing in theaters nationwide.
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