Director: Ava DuVernay
Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson and LaKeith Stanfield
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actors that achieved fame several years ago are as beloved as David Oyelowo. Ever since his rise to fame during the 1990’s, Oyelowo has made memorable films. Whether it’s political leaders, scientists facing dangers or police officers, Oyelowo has depicted many strong characters. Arguably, Oyelowo’s finest strength as an actor has always been his bold presence. He is one of those rare actors which has always had a strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Even when he is in a film is for a short amount of time, Oyelowo has always left a lasting impression. Through an ability to create characters that are easy to relate to, Oyelowo has become an actor which audiences value. Throughout a strong career, Oyelowo has made many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a massive fan of Oyelow and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Selma” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 2014, Ava DuVernay’s film has stood the test of time as a masterpiece. With the greatest film of her career, DuVernay paid tribute toward the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. packed with captivating production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest historical biopics ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by David Oyelowo, who portrays a political leader that achieved fame countless years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Selma” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about political leaders, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a politician that’s inspiring, there are countless strong reasons why “Selma” is a great movie that’s worth seeing.
Set in 1960’s Alabama, “Selma” tells the true story of a politician which changed America. David Oyelowo portrays Martin Luther King Jr., a political leader with dreams of ensuring his nation has a bright future. Martin has always had strong views about the issues of racism in his country making headline news. Seeking to change a way in which African Americans are treated in an unfair manner, King embarks on a journey to be a political leader. Faced with a dilemma, Martin questions whether it’s truly possible for him to change America. As all the odds are constantly against his favour, Martin questions whether he can ever be a successful political leader.
Ava DuVernay is fascinated with the stories of political leaders which face a price to pay. A brilliant black filmmaker, DuVernay has often made engaging films about racism in America. With “Selma”, however, DuVernay created her first history biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to celebrate the legacy of an African-American leader that changed history but she succeeded tremendously. Using spellbinding cinematography, DuVernay captures the life of a legendary African American politician which changed history. Taking inspiration from Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X”, DuVernay uses montages to capture hardships which African American politicians are facing. For instance, montages elevate the speech scene. During this intense scene, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a strong speech about voting rights towards the black community causing adversities. Montages are tricky techniques to employ in movies. As Tate Taylor’s “The Help” suggested, montages are suited to literary adaptations capturing racial segregation. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through bold visuals, DuVernay captures tensions African American politicians are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Selma” which merits appreciation is the production design. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. DuVernay’s decisions to shoot the movie is real-life locations in Alabama is risky but pays off tremendously. For instance, the real-life locations enhance the protest March scene. During this unforgettable scene, Martin Luther King leads a protest march against the injustice occurring in America. One admires real-life locations capturing the tensions that political leaders are facing. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Jason Moran’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that politicians in American history bear. Through phenomenal design, DuVernay captures lives of politicians that decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Selma” is a historical masterpiece which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions politicians in American history are facing. Throughout the film, Ava DuVernay deftly uses dramatic monologues to capture the larger than life presence of a black leader. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the murder aftermath scene. During this unforgettable scene, Martin Luther King delivers an emotional speech reflecting on the murder of his supporter. Through phenomenal dramatic monologues, DuVernay constructs a politician that audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” did suggest clearly, dramatic monologues elevate mystery movies. Lee Daniels “The Butler” did suggest that dramatic monologues enhance political dramas. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a sensational screenplay, DuVernay honours an African American leader that is beloved today.
One admires astonishing performances.
David Oyelowo delivers one of his greatest performances as Martin King Luther King Jr. Oyelowo first gained appreciations playing police officers in crime dramas. With “Selma”, however he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a legendary African-American politician that changed the courage of history, but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Not only did Oyelowo bear a resemblance to Martin Luther King through his looks but he captured the legendary politician’s larger=than-life personality. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actors working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for David Oyelowo, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Oprah is outstanding, capturing the trauma endured by a black woman that faces police brutality that affects her perception towards America. Tom Wilkinson is wonderful, capturing the tension of a president struggling to solve segregation in a conflicted nation. Lastly, LaKeith Stanfield merits appreciation. As a heartbreaking victim of police brutality, he brings heartfelt emotion towards the movie.
Finally, “Selma” will earn the appreciation of everyone for celebrating legacy of an iconic president in America. Unlike most films that capture the lives of political leaders, it covers strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including injustice, police brutality and leadership which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with African American history to appreciate it. It delivers a powerful message about racial injustice which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Selma” is one of those rare commemorated historical dramas which everyone would adore.
Fans of David Oyelowo will definitely recognize “Selma” and so will movie-goers seeking bold entertainment. A breathtaking historical biopic, it honours an actor which has created a legacy that is iconic.
Nearly 70 years after Dr. Martin Luther King became an iconic political leader leading a legendary march that forever changed America, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with charisma that has always excelled at playing iconic characters facing a dilemma in unforgettable movies which always attract audiences to the Cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 