Review: ‘Selma’ a vivid image of nation’s history

“Selma” is a reminder of what people are capable of, both good and bad. David Oyelowo’s performance as Martin Luther King Jr. is wonderful.

“Selma” takes audiences back to 1965 in the wake of a major event that would help bring an end to discrimination in United States voting polls. The film follows King as he takes on President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) over the right of African-Americans to vote in the South. King comes up with the idea that a peaceful march can be conducted from Selma, Alabama, to the state’s capital Montgomery, in protest over the prejudice in the South. The film follows the events that ensue from this idea.

Director Ava DuVernay does a wonderful job at pulling audiences in and keeping them on the edge of their seats. From the beginning of the film, you will physically jolt in your seat. This abruptness helps to set the tone of the film moving forward.

I’m not one for movies with a slow pace, but “Selma” did a great job with pacing and did it in a way that added to the film. Rather than long scenes that have a tendency to pull you away for the sake of being dramatic, this film’s slow burn adds to the overall experience and feel of the story.

Another thing that the film did an excellent job of was choosing not to hide the violence that occurred in Selma. You will see people being brutally beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in an event that is now called Bloody Sunday. These acts of physical violence on screen pull audiences in and have you feeling for those characters in a strong, meaningful way.

After doing some research on the film, I did find that there are some historical inaccuracies. All I can say is do your homework either before or after seeing the film. The most interesting fact I came across was that President Johnson is made out to be a villain in this film. In reality, he was a big supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.

“Selma” has an amazing extended cast as well, featuring Oprah Winfrey, Giovanni Ribisi, Wendell Pierce, Tim Roth, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Martin Sheen.

I have to say that I did enjoy this film, and that it is a shame it did not garner any other awards at the Golden Globes Sunday night on top of best original song.

— Jay Wolin started writing film reviews for The Utah Statesman in the fall. He loves football, movies and comics. He will major in communications this spring. Send questions or comments to jacob_wolin@yahoo.com.