“Selma”, which made its theater debut on Jan. 9th, is already a sparking conversation among the public.
If you haven’t gone to see it yet, here’s six reasons why you should.
Directorial and writing chemistry is notable
Writer Paul Webb and Director Ava DuVernay (whom also co-wrote the screenplay), seems to have concocted cinematic gold with bringing their ideas to life. The script of the movie peaks interest by hitting the audience over the head with effect and influence; while the directorial aspect gives an exciting, dramatic, and artistic feel to the visuals.
This is not the MLK you learned about in History class
What makes this movie so unique and interesting to watch is that it doesn’t follow the pattern of the MLK stories you’ve heard since elementary school.
The movie focuses on a pivotal point in MLK’s life and the impression he had on society. “Selma” doesn’t shy away from the fact that King, just like any other human being, had flaws; yet those same flaws didn’t diminish his powerful impact. The movie touched base on his marital issues, vulnerability, etc. Nevertheless “Selma” still painted him in a positive light.
DuVernay has kept it all the way real!
The actors do a heck of a job
David Oyelowo, who has been featured in movies such as Red Tails and The Butler, put an immense deal of time and effort into practicing his role as Martin Luther King. His talent and knowledge of King’s defining presence has set this MLK depiction apart from the others.
Oyelowos co-stars Carmen Ejogo (Coretta Scott King), Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper), and Lorraine Toussaint (Amelia Boynton), do riveting jobs on letting their characters speak for themselves, all while still showcasing their own talents. When watching the movie, one could say it gives the feeling of actually being there.
Critics are giving rave reviews.
…and the movie is receiving some great feedback.
Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritc, and a plethora of others have given the movie high praises. New York Times states, “Even if you think you know what’s coming, “Selma” hums with suspense and surprise. Packed with incident and overflowing with fascinating characters, it is a triumph of efficient, emphatic cinematic storytelling and much more than that, of course.”
No sugarcoating the violence
Selma does an impeccable job at portraying the real life acts of violence against “Selma” protestors. There was no skipping of police brutality in this movie. The audience will get to see the inhumane ways that the victims were treated, and possibly cringe at the realistic yet powerful depictions.
IT IS IMPORTANT!!
It is dire that we as African Americans, support movies that highlights and celebrates our history in in the manner in which it deserves to be. “Selma” is a movie of substance that can give its audience something to be proud of, something that can only push the culture in a forward moving direction. Right in the thick of current issues that a large portion of society has chosen to protest over (Mike Brown and Eric Garner killings), Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” is right on time with its message of standing for what you believe in.
