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So I finally got see Ava DuVernay's impactful and exceptional film, Selma.
And it was amazing.
First off, let me say that DuVernay was ROBBED of an Oscar nomination for her brilliant, emotive and innovative direction. From her brilliant use of slow motion to enhance and strengthen the already emotional story, to her ability to confidently steer her actors through the excellent screenplay, she directs the film with a seasoned confidence and sense of purpose. Never does she make the film feel heavy handed or emotionally manipulative, but rather, full of real emotion and real drama, and a real sense of both timelessness and immediacy. The screenplay also does an incredible job at translating the already dramatic events in Selma into a gripping and impactful narrative.
David Oyelowo plays King impeccably, perfectly syncing up with the screenplay in portraying the full Dr. King. We really get under Martin Luther King's skin in this film. We see him at home, both as a loving family man and as a flawed man who succumbed to several affairs. The film doesn't sugarcoat him, but it doesn't demean him either. It shows him as a full and complete person, a man with flaws who is simply wishing to do what's right with every fiber of his being. The best part is that his faith in God is in no way marginalized or glossed over. Instead, it's shown as the cornerstone of his crusade for equality and justice. From the hymn sung to him by a friend over the phone, to the quote from Matthew that gives him strength while in prison, it's all there, and it's brilliant.
The rest of the supporting cast is one the absolute best I've ever seen. From Tom Wilkinson's memorable and stern performance as President LBJ, to Tim Roth's sneering, arrogant Gov. Wilson, to actors like Common and Oprah Winfrey, everyone gives it their all and feels completely and fully developed. Nobody feels underwritten, and nobody feels inconsequential. They help strength and provide an excellent backing group to Oyelowo's electrifying performance.
The cinematography by Bradford Young is a work of genius. He works hand in hand with DuVernay to help craft an evocative emotional color pallet for the film that is beyond reproach. From the slow motion to the rich colors, it's all there, and it's a feast for the eyes. He just shot up my favorite cinematographer's list and that's a fact.
The music is a perfect mix of the old and the new, with old spirituals sitting right along side the original score and John Legend and Common's incredible musical offering. It's a rich light behind the screen of the film, glowing warmly and strongly.
Selma is a film that is both timeless and timely. In light of recent events around America, a film like Selma, which shows the struggle of Civil Rights at such a key and vital point in it's history, is the perfect film.
Five out of five stars.
And it was amazing.
First off, let me say that DuVernay was ROBBED of an Oscar nomination for her brilliant, emotive and innovative direction. From her brilliant use of slow motion to enhance and strengthen the already emotional story, to her ability to confidently steer her actors through the excellent screenplay, she directs the film with a seasoned confidence and sense of purpose. Never does she make the film feel heavy handed or emotionally manipulative, but rather, full of real emotion and real drama, and a real sense of both timelessness and immediacy. The screenplay also does an incredible job at translating the already dramatic events in Selma into a gripping and impactful narrative.
David Oyelowo plays King impeccably, perfectly syncing up with the screenplay in portraying the full Dr. King. We really get under Martin Luther King's skin in this film. We see him at home, both as a loving family man and as a flawed man who succumbed to several affairs. The film doesn't sugarcoat him, but it doesn't demean him either. It shows him as a full and complete person, a man with flaws who is simply wishing to do what's right with every fiber of his being. The best part is that his faith in God is in no way marginalized or glossed over. Instead, it's shown as the cornerstone of his crusade for equality and justice. From the hymn sung to him by a friend over the phone, to the quote from Matthew that gives him strength while in prison, it's all there, and it's brilliant.
The rest of the supporting cast is one the absolute best I've ever seen. From Tom Wilkinson's memorable and stern performance as President LBJ, to Tim Roth's sneering, arrogant Gov. Wilson, to actors like Common and Oprah Winfrey, everyone gives it their all and feels completely and fully developed. Nobody feels underwritten, and nobody feels inconsequential. They help strength and provide an excellent backing group to Oyelowo's electrifying performance.
The cinematography by Bradford Young is a work of genius. He works hand in hand with DuVernay to help craft an evocative emotional color pallet for the film that is beyond reproach. From the slow motion to the rich colors, it's all there, and it's a feast for the eyes. He just shot up my favorite cinematographer's list and that's a fact.
The music is a perfect mix of the old and the new, with old spirituals sitting right along side the original score and John Legend and Common's incredible musical offering. It's a rich light behind the screen of the film, glowing warmly and strongly.
Selma is a film that is both timeless and timely. In light of recent events around America, a film like Selma, which shows the struggle of Civil Rights at such a key and vital point in it's history, is the perfect film.
Five out of five stars.
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