COURTESY: MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM
Rating: A+
Basing a film on an acclaimed figure is difficult work, but director Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” handles the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1965 voting rights marches in Alabama with extraordinary prowess. David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most celebrated figures in American history, gives a spine-tingling performance so realistic it almost feels like you’re witnessing the good Dr. King himself. Also featuring a stellar supporting cast, “Selma” easily emerges as one of the best films of 2014.
Though the film focuses on a very specific period during the struggle for civil rights, “Selma” includes a cast of characters all played passionately by their respective actors, with special praise reserved for Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King and Tim Roth as the ruthless Alabama governor, George Wallace.
Despite including a vast array of seasoned performers – also including Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon B. Johnson, Oprah Winfrey as Annie Lee Cooper and Common as James Bevel – Oyelowo’s Martin Luther King Jr. easily dominates every scene, as a man of his repute should.
His nuanced performance allows the entirety of King’s persona to unfold, in spite of the shared screen time. While he remains the gifted orator, the calm in the storm, the classic heroic figure that will prevail against all odds, Oyelowo subtly brings forth the doubts, concerns and struggles – especially involving his relationship with his wife Coretta – constantly plaguing King at the edge of the action and underneath his public persona.
Because of Oyelowo’s approach, the intimate side of King is allowed to develop through alternating somber and tender moments, highlighting the fact that even a charismatic leader at his zenith can be vulnerable.
The greatest triumph of Oyelowo’s turn as King occurs during the speeches featured throughout. These moments are pure magic; Oyelowo does not overact, as some may be tempted to do. From a pulpit in Selma to the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Oyelowo’s words and delivery are as real and powerful as King’s were 50 years ago.
The sheer accomplishment of fully developing Martin Luther King Jr.’s character while dually following a movement and the enormous host of people who each had a pivotal role to play, is a testament to Ava DuVernay’s skill as both director and uncredited writer.*
Never getting bogged down in too many details, DuVernay manages to avoid neglecting the most important ones while her direction keeps the story on track, moving towards the ultimate destination of Montgomery. Her dialogue – along with credited screenwriter Paul Webb’s work – is attentive and done with specific intent, elegance and eloquence. No words are wasted here.
The hard-hitting narrative, developed throughout the duration of the film, is punctuated with the necessary drama and violence that is essential in providing the raw story. As a result, “Selma” becomes painfully effective and as real as a biopic can get.
In spite of being one of the best-reviewed films of the year, the film only received two nominations this year, including its Best Picture nod. “Selma” currently sits above the other Academy Award Best Picture nominees at 98 percent on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes.
The other nomination received by “Selma” is in the Best Original Song category for Common and John Legend’s aptly titled “Glory.” While “Glory” will most likely win this category, as it is a harmonious blend of piano ballad, rap and soaring choral vocals, a single win of a mere two nominations is an enormous disappointment.
In neglecting to nominate David Oyelowo as Best Actor and Ava DuVernay as Best Director, the Academy has committed a grave lapse in taste. David Oyelowo becomes Martin Luther King Jr. in body and soul for the duration of the film, and, when considering the pressure surrounding portraying such an esteemed figure, this is an exemplary feat worthy of recognition.
Ava DuVernay wrangles a potentially crowded storyline into a condensed, impactful narrative, demonstrating a measured approach in judging the imperative from the extraneous when concerning major details. However, the Academy has failed to nominate her and subsequently has also failed to nominate an African-American woman for the first time in the category.
Regardless of being largely overlooked by the Academy, no amount of snobbery can take away the majesty of this film. “Selma” is captivating and inspiring and does Martin Luther King Jr. and everyone involved in the Civil Rights Movement the justice their collective – and individual – stories deserve.
*It is common knowledge in the industry that Ava DuVernay rewrote around 90% of Paul Webb’s original script, but a stipulation in his contract prevented her from receiving a writing credit.
