Review of Salma (2014) by Foxgrove — 09 Feb 2015

Based on true historical fact, Selma has a great asset in a lean screenplay which omits extraneous story threads in favour of just honing in on the voting rights of blacks in the Deep South. Using the state of Alabama as its anchor the film tells of a series of marches organised by Martin Luther King in order to win those rights. Establishing scenes make one fear that an unwanted history lesson is on the cards. However, once the marches start in earnest the film emits an undeniably emotive power. Scenes of preparation for the peaceful demonstrations are successfully juxtaposed with the violent solutions planned by the police and officials.

David Oyelowo is dignified as King and the domestic moments with his wife are tender even as they show him to be a flawed womaniser. Also his scenes with Tom Wilkinson, a standout as Lyndon B Johnson, are probably the best in the movie. Ava Du Vernay's direction is unflashy but she does get the most from her talented cast including Tim Roth, who, as George Wallace, also shares a wonderfully written scene with Wilkinson. For a two hour plus movie it doesn’t really drag once the main narrative gets underway. It’s actually a small film with a big subject matter. The Oscar nominated song Glory which, whilst not that inspired as a piece of music, pertinently and unashamedly declares a suitably victorious outcome for the oppressed.