Director: Ava DuVernay
Writer: Paul Webb and Ava DuVernay
Country: UK/USA
Runtime: 128 mins
Cast: David Oyelowo (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), Carmen Ejogo (Coretta Scott King), Tom Wilkinson (President Lyndon B. Johnson), Tim Roth (Governor George Wallace), Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper), Stan Houston (Sheriff Jim Clark), Nigel Thatch (Malcolm X).
**Spoiler alert: This review gives an outline of some of the events that occur in the film, though this should not be a spoiler for anyone familiar with the actual history**
A compelling account of the fight for black voting rights in 60s America
Fifty years on from the events it portrays, Selma is the story of how Martin Luther King led the campaign to uphold voting rights for black citizens in America’s southern states. In July of 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson had signed into law the Civil Rights Act, giving black citizens the right to vote. However, in several southern states the white authorities found various ways to deny black people the vote. Early on in Selma, Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) attempts to register for the vote in the Alabama town of that name. The Registrar (Clay Chappell) asks her to recite the preamble to the Constitution, which she does. He then asks her how many county judges there are in Alabama. “Sixty-seven” she tells him. Then he asks her to name them, which of course she can’t. He stamps the word “Denied” on her application.
King (David Oyelowo), who has unsuccessfully lobbied President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) to tackle the problem of the southern states, heads to Selma with various other civil rights activists. Here they organize a series of peaceful protests that arouse the wrath of the authorities and the brutality of the police. The President becomes increasingly concerned about the photographs and television images of black people being beaten by the police, seeing his own legacy disappearing before his eyes. However, he is reluctant to backtrack on his key policy of improving the economic welfare of all Americans, which he regards as his top priority. King responds by leading a march on the town of Montgomery, where they are badly beaten by State troopers. However, he not only rallies people for another march but calls upon white church leaders to join him, which they do in large numbers. Eventually, the President confronts Governor George Wallace and makes it clear that things cannot go on as they are. Soon afterwards he announces a new bill to eliminate restrictions on voting for the black community.
Throughout these events there are other conflicts that enhance the tension. By this point in 1964, Martin Luther King is an internationally-recognised figure who has been awarded a Nobel prize. However, he feels that his family, in order to retain credibility with the black community, must continue to live in modest accommodation. This is a sacrifice that his wife, Coretta, is willing to make, but somewhat reluctantly. King is so devoted to the cause that Coretta starts to wonder if he really loves her, a problem that becomes more acute when she learns about his infidelities. This is not an aspect of King that director Ava DuVernay dwells on, and nothing is actually shown, but it is there in the background.
When King comes to Selma he is not welcomed with open arms by members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, who are trying to pursue a less confrontational approach to black rights. On the other hand, King has been criticised by Malcolm X, who has referred to him as an “Uncle Tom” because of his own non-violent approach. When Coretta reveals that she has spoken to Malcolm X in order to try and get him on board with King’s campaign in Selma, King’s reaction is one of jealous anger.
However, the relationship between Martin Luther King and Coretta King was the one part of Selma that I was not entirely convinced by. Perhaps the problem here is that because we join the story once King has already become a major figure, we never learn about the earlier days of the Kings’ relationship and what brought them together. Consequently there never seems to be much of a chemistry between the two, especially as the two are apart for much of the time.
But of all the “true story” films nominated for this year’s Oscars best picture category, Selma is perhaps the most momentous historical episode. David Oyelowo delivers an outstanding performance as King, poignantly conveying his anguish and doubt after people have been seriously injured by police and State troopers, but also showing his strength, boldness, and brilliant articulacy. He should have been included in the Oscars shortlist for best actor.
There has been some controversy about the representation of Lyndon B. Johnson. Critics have argued that Johnson was actually much more receptive to King’s concerns that is depicted here. Whatever the case may be, Tom Wilkinson is quite brilliant in his portrayal of Johnson. There is actually one slightly surreal moment, which occurs when we see Johnson and Governor Wallace having a private head-to-head conversation in the Oval Office, and we realise that both these powerful American politicians are being played by British actors.
What is extraordinary about Selma is that it provides a vivid reminder of a brutal ugliness that existed in America within living memory. And in many ways the fight is not over, as arguments about the registration of black voters has also cropped up in recent elections. But Selma is also a reminder, in an increasingly conformist society, that civil disobedience has frequently been a core part of the fight for the most important fundamental rights we possess.
Rating: 5/5
