Director Ava DuVernay and Writer Paul Webb bring to life the historical march from SELMA to MONTGOMERY Alabama of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers – crusading for voting rights for ALL AMERICANS – with this very gripping film – SELMA.
Dr. King (David Oyelowo) has been fighting for equal treatment of the African American population in our country for quite a while. One very important issue still being ignored by our own federal government is for all Americans – Negros included – have the right to vote. Dr. King feels that there is no better time to push on President Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), J. Edgar Hoover (Dylan Baker), and Governor of Alabama, Mr. George Wallace (Tim Roth) than the present.
When neither the President or the Governor will budge on putting voting rights in place, Dr. King and his many followers converge on Selma AL, where Negros are denied this given right, including Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey), one of Dr. King’s many supporters in Selma. The people of Selma come forward to aid Dr. King and his staff in their crusade to make their lives better, only to be beaten and tortured repeatedly by the “the Law” in Selma.
Determined to make an impact, Dr. King continues to push on the President, his staff and Gov. Wallace. Seeing no other way to get our country’s attention on this very important issue – and the brutality that is being dished out in Selma – Dr. King proceeds with his planned march. When the brutality that befalls those participating is broadcast via CBS Television, the entire county becomes outraged at how its citizens are being treated at the hands of the Police in Selma. Supporters arrive in Selma from all over the country – both black and white – to support Dr. King and his mission. Will Dr. King and his followers continue to be beaten at the hands of the law in Selma?
Will President Johnson do what’s right, and put a bill in place to make voting legal for everyone in our country, regardless of the color of your skin? Or will brunt force and stupidity from the top continue to impede Dr. King, his supporters, and the fine people of Selma?
I give SELMA an A: Having been born in 1964, the only things I could reference about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision which was being portrayed on screen, I learned in History Class or on a television program. But, even though I didn’t live through it actually happening, I was still very moved throughout the entire film – portions even brought tears to my eyes. I was blown away by the performance of David Oyelowo portraying Dr. King – he was absolutely incredible. This film is definitely raising the bar for what is usually released in January, as it is a definite MUST SEE, as usually films of this caliber are not released this time of year. I feel that everyone over the age of 13 has to see this film, as it truly takes you into the heart of Dr. King’s vision, and his constant struggles for equality, every step of the way. I also feel that everyone in St. Louis should take a moment out of their lives to see this amazing film too, as we move past what we experienced in Ferguson this past year – as SELMA will move you – regardless of your color, religion, or social status – to come together to improve relations with one another, or in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 