Selma

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Selma.

Directed by Ava DuVernay. 

Written by Paul Webb.

Review #264

MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material including violence, a suggestive moment, and brief strong language.

Run Time: 128 min

Hulk Spoils Hollywood Podcast Page

Cast

David Oyelowo...Martin Luther King Jr.

Carmen Ejogo...Coretta Scott King

Oprah Winfrey...Annie Lee Cooper

Tom Wilkinson...President Lyndon B. Johnson

Giovanni Ribisi...Lee White

André Holland...Andrew Young

Ruben Santiago-Hudson...Bayard Rustin

Colman Domingo...Ralph Abernathy

Omar J. Dorsey...James Orange

Common...James Bevel

Lorraine Toussaint...Amelia Boynton

E. Roger Mitchell...Frederick Reese

Dylan Baker...J. Edgar Hoover

Niecy Nash...Richie Jean Jackson

Corey Reynolds...Rev. C.T. Vivian

Wendell Pierce...Rev. Hosea Williams

Stephan James...John Lewis

Trai Byers...James Forman

Stan Houston...Sheriff Jim Clark

Tim Roth...Gov. George Wallace

Nigel Thatch...Malcolm X

Stephen Root...Colonel Al Lingo

Lights....Camera....Popcorn's Quote/Quotes of the Film.

"We will not wait any longer! Give us the vote! We're not asking we're demanding! Give us the vote!"

 Dr. Martin Luther King played by David Oyelowo.

Movies about the great Martin Luther King have been made before Selma. So why did this one impact me so much? I'm not sure if I can point to an exact reason but several factors are very intriguing to me. It's that intrigue that gives this movie a power that I never expected it to wield.

Plot

A chronicle of Martin Luther King's campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.

Before I begin this review, I'm going to take a quick moment to express my PASSIONATE opinion about how this film got SCREWED out of some very worthy Academy Award recognition. By now you've all heard of the films and talent that have been nominated for an Oscar. As is always the case with this process there were some snubs and surprises.

It's very rare that the snubs and surprises are married to each other when one film is concerned. Sadly, Selma is one of those films. It was nominated for Best Picture and deservedly so. The surprise is the omission of Ava DuVernay for Best Director. The snub goes to David Oyelowo for his "non-mination" in the Best Actor category.

Putting it simply....This is a CRIME and a TRAVESTY!

I will be illustrating this in greater detail on my next episode of Hulk Spoils Hollywood when The Ranger and I will dive into all the nominees and the controversies surrounding the announcements.

I hope you all check it out.

Now that my shameless plug is finished. Let's get into Selma.

It seems appropriate to begin with the man the film is based on and the man that plays him. David Oyelowo brings something new to the table with his performance. The film chronicles a specific portion of King's fight for civil rights and equality but it does something far more stirring. In brief glimpses, Selma takes you behind the wizard's curtain to show you just how human this Superman truly was. The opening scene accomplishes so much by doing so little that you are immediately served notice that this will not just be a story about black suppression and redemption. Oyelowo's portrayal was a treat to watch. He commands your attention during the many speeches he gives but does more in the moments where the bravado is toned down.

This is captured brilliantly when King interacts with Corretta. The film takes you through the strategic moves King and his supporters (including Coretta) employ to make their point in Alabama and more importantly Washington. This is an expected part of the storytelling, what I wasn't expecting was the after effects King's movement would have on his home life. You know the saying, "Behind every great man is a great woman!" In Selma's case it's pure truth but not for the reasons you may think. Selma does a great job showcasing King's ability to lead and display his immense power and influence. Corretta isn't left on the sidelines here and her inclusion in some very key moments of the film do more to humanize the world's most famous activist.

The other relationship in the film that Oyelowo brings major gravitas is with President Lyndon Johnson played by the great Tom Wilkinson. At first their interactions are cordial and professional. Both men expressing a desire to achieve a common goal. It's only when both men see different ways of getting to said goal does this "partnership" become explosive. It's no secret that Dr. King was just as skilled in politics as he was peacemaking. Selma does a nice job of giving us the dynamic between the leader of the civil rights movement versus the leader of the free world. Oyelowo wasn't afraid to take the gloves off and go toe to toe with Wilkinson in some very choice moments after the violence escalates in Alabama.

This is nothing new when it comes to describing how powerful this man was. I'm just reacting to the incredible performance by a man who was able to take the entire scope of Dr. King and give us a fair and balanced view of his days in Selma. Oyelowo displayed a dignity in playing King that felt fresh. I'm sure some scenes that dug at the heart of some personal issues with his home life didn't hurt. That being said the performance was a driving force that was LUDICROUSLY ignored by the Academy.

This segues nicely into the second half of the dynamic duo of this film.

Ava DuVernay.

There's no way this film gets any of the heat it's gotten without the tremendous contributions of this director. For someone directing their first feature she hit a home run and makes a strong case for female directors. I'm not saying that she broke a barrier here. There have been plenty of great directors that have come before her. What gives DuVernay so much oomph was her ability to tell a powerful story filled with amazing characters and be able to balance the emotionally charging elements of racism and inequality and layer it with compelling side issues that give the audience a chance to digest what just happened.

DuVernay did a great job of building tension and calm amongst the anarchy of the times this film takes place in. The people of Selma would follow King into hell if it meant having the right to vote and DuVernay gets that across in simple moments that lead into or following moments of outrage. She doesn't dismiss the thought provoking debates the film gives you as you follow the characters journey across that bridge.

To not be recognized for her work by the Academy is unacceptable.

The simple fact is Selma is a great film that for some inexplicable reason was collateral damage in the wake of the bombs the Academy dropped on announcement day. Best Picture nomination is not enough and whether they choose to admit it or not, (we all know they won't) Selma deserved better. The best part about all of this is that it doesn't change how I feel about this film and I have every confidence in the world that you will enjoy this film when you see it too.

On the 5 star scale. Selma gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"