Review of Selma (2014) by Maksim B — 09 May 2015

An inspirational, emotionally and racially charged depiction of defining moments of the American Civil Rights movement, Selma is a powerful movie that asks uncomfortable questions, relates to our post-modern times and pleases with strong performance of its leading actor. Slower than necessary in the first part, it manages to build up in the second half a superb and electrifying atmosphere that keeps the audience captivated and hypnotized by this short, but extremely remarkable moment of the US history.

The movie tracks the events of 1965 related to the Civil Rights Movement, the preparation for the legendary march from Selma to Montgomery and the whole political gambling and playing during this period. The story shows in details how Martin Luther King (David Oyelowo) and his companions managed to electrify the whole country so that President Lindon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signed the Voting Rights Act later that year. Ava DuVernays' delivery needs some more time to take off as the first half of the movie is slow, hardly intriguing and taking more time to show King's personality rather than the events that electrified the whole nation. The patience, however, is rewarded and soon the story goes into a dramatic direction which confronts the audience with the tragedy of the activists, with the fears of the conservative white society and the political brinkmanship surrounding the events.

Two major assets of the movie should be pointed out in Selma. First and above all is the charismatic acting of David Oyelowo who stuns with his voice performance and articulation. The dialogues with President Johnson (Wilkinson) are the other fascinating element of DuVernays' movie. A finest example of political gambling and brinkmanship, observing MLK vs. President Johnson is an absolute pleasure. The same should be said for the moments when Oyelowo takes control with his presence in meetings with his companions, his ability to restrain himself and his people from acting emotionally and thus endangering the whole movement is remarkable. In the end, the movie becomes a sort of showcase to David Oyelowo's abilities to impersonalize Martin Luther King - something that he does formidably!

In conclusion, there has been much dissatisfaction that Selma did not take home at least several Academy Awards. It is hard to say whether it was right to receive only one award for Best Original Song (Glory), but one thing is sure: it could have received at least several nominations. With "Oscar Contender" written all over it, Selma deliver what it aspires to - a gripping and inspirational drama, outstanding performances and a topic that is still relevant to our post-modern society. Definitely a must see !