Aaron Schwab
Staff Writer
“Selma” is a powerful depiction of the evolution of change in civil rights while beaming a spotlight on the stunted growth of that which has not changed.
Though exceptional directing and acting, the film is reminder that those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it.
“Selma” is a story of Americas past and the role Martin Luther King Jr. played in changing his era, but this isn’t just the usual monotone recounting of facts. It follows the icon through the tactics and truths of a historic civil rights protest march King led from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery in 1965.
Director Ava DuVernay creates striking images with the substantial and significant help of cinematographer Bradford Young. Young’s camerawork perfectly captures everything from the massed power of a group on the march to the quiet pain of betrayal and forgiveness between a man and a woman.
Known for her indie dramas “I Will Follow” and “Middle of Nowhere”, DuVernay has proven herself a master of small, intimate moments. “Selma” never loses focus on the personal dynamics of the relationships between King and his followers.
DuVernay gives memorable scenes to a wide variety of actors in real-life roles. Andre Holland (Andrew Young), Stephan James (John Lewis), Coleman Domingo’s (Rev. Abernathy) and James Bevel stand out, even comedian Niecy Nash shows up as a gracious, funny host who invites King and his invites into her home.
As King, David Oyelowo is stunning. In recreating King’s speaking voice, Oyelowo resists the preacher’s ideal one might be inclined to use based on hearing King’s speeches. Oyelowo channels a conflicted King, a tired man with the weight of the movement on his shoulders, then merges that with defiance, humor, strength and strategic expertise. In Oyelowo’s performance, King becomes a complex, flawed man whose faith in God keeps him from utter despair.
“Selma” continues DuVernay’s exploration of female empowerment by devoting time to King’s marriage to Coretta Scott King . In one of the film’s most profound scenes, King is asked a very hard question by his wife. The actors and the director take their time here, with Oyelowo and Ejogo masterfully working the uncomfortable pause between question and answer through their realistic expressions.
This is an emotional movie that aims to anger, sadden and inspire viewers, sometimes in the same scene. “Selma” has no intention of sugarcoating its horrors for political comforting. This film successfully shows the talent in DuVernay, and with the combination of the flawless acting on the part of Oyelowo and Ejogo, “Selma” works as both an epic and a small scale drama that is meant for all types of moviegoers.
“Selma” is rated PG-13 and is now playing in theaters nationwide.
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