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Selma, a 2014 drama movie directed by Ava DuVernay, captures a significant moment in the civil rights movement of the 1960s – whilst also mirroring the struggle in the age of Ferguson and Garner. This movie is a perfect choice to have discussions about equality, civil rights, and social justice. This movie includes religious and spiritual themes that include a confrontation with evil and hate, the power of faith, courage, freedom, and the power of love.
Hollywood movies that illustrate American history intensely influence our sense of identity and what we believe is right and wrong in this world. Movies that represent Civil rights and the freedom of ‘black’ people are especially important. The movie Selma, repeats the story of the voting rights campaign that occurred in Selma, Alabama in 1965 which is portrayed cleverly throughout the movie by the screenwriter Paul Webb. This was a very important moment in Civil Rights history and this exact campaign played a crucial role in the way of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Early in 1965, Lyndon Johnson sought to believe that Southern states needed time to engross themselves in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with its ban on segregation before any extreme measures could be taken. King on the other side believed that a second bill was necessary to confirm the voting rights of African Americans. Toward the end, King decided it was best to introduce a major SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) voter registration drive. It was Jim Bevel (who is a member of the SCLC) who suggested that the drive should take place in Selma, Alabama where a previous SCLC voter-registration drive had been carrying on for months beforehand.
The movie Selma, which was released on the 11th of November 2014, stages how King (played by David Oyelowo) rallied calmly in 1965 Southern racism and the Alabama government George Wallace (played by Tim Roth) to have the Voting Rights Act passed and ensure black naturalization. Ironically Oprah Winfrey had a huge part throughout this movie. Her message of empowerment is a part of everything that she does throughout her normal life. In this movie, her main theme that is heavily implied is; ‘taking charge of your life means making yourself heard.’
Throughout the movie, King is characterized as a man that is unsure of the significance and the major values of the massive movement in which he leads. He hesitates with knowing the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Legislation. The movie begins as the camera is squarely framing Martin Luther King Jr. This opening effect is ironic as he is rehearsing a sincere line for an award speech. In a short sentence to ‘review’ the movie, I would say that the movie touches on many things throughout, both intimate and extreme. This movie gives an eye-opening experience and is such an inspiring lesson for everyone through the way Paul Webb makes the storytelling of the movie come alive.
In the movie Selma, it focuses on the three-month period of January to March when Martin Luther King, Jr. had been requested to lead the campaign and specifically when he shows his humanity, for example, his relationship with Coretta (his wife) and his inspirations along with his fears and doubts within life. Selma includes real-life news footage from March 7th, 1965, a day that has worldwide been known as “Bloody Sunday.” The name was given to the day when the ‘black’ people crossed the Alabama River they encountered 60 State troopers and the sheriff of the town. Civilian ‘white’ people also stood by to watch. The sheriff ordered the crowd to disperse but they refused. Seconds later, the troopers began attacking the ‘black’ people with teargas, clubs, whips, and electric cattle prod while the spectators yelled in encouragement.
Ruth Carter, the costume designer had a real challenge in front of her at the start of the movie. As much as we all love sparkly ball gowns and fancy clothing that isn’t the reality for Selma. Carter had to source retro pieces for the crowd to wear to make it look realistic. With having this challenge of costume design, it has earned her a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination for Excellence in a period film. It’s amazing to see just how closely related the civil rights movement looked in 1965 compared to the movie.
Annie Lee Cooper (who is played by co-producer Oprah Winfrey), is a Selma woman who became a campaigner after she was turned away from the voting booths. Later in the movie, she was arrested on the charge that she hit a police officer during the protests.
The movie Selma inspires me. It gives me a different perspective on what some people's opinions are of history, race, gender, sexuality, and class. As Winfrey says, “I’m hoping that all of the protests will allow a real, honest conversation to open up about race in this country.” The main quote that will stick with me is, “Laws do not legislate other people’s hearts.” It is honestly so appalling that still to this day race is still an issue throughout the world. Even though, ‘black’ people achieve such high achievements in this world, yet, there are still challenges that are forever occurring when some people in the world have been raised up in life to believe that other people aren’t as good as them just because of their skin color. In Selma, the past becomes the present. This fades the line between true talent and life. It doesn’t leave the viewer with the final and full resolution, but instead, it teaches many lessons from the people that have come before us and have fought for what is right. This movie shows the spirit of the past and present…the living and the dead, of people that have made a true difference through this movie.
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