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Selma film analysis
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
– Dr Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
In 2014 the American film Selma was released for the first time, taking on the story of the historical march of Selma to Montgomery. The march was led by King, Bevel, Williams and Lewis and the film starred David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejego and Common. The film was re-released in 2015, in association with the 50th anniversary of the march, but had by that time already gained wide international attention. The film was not only nominated for two Oscar´s, …show more content…
The horrendous crimes committed against the black population and others supporting their cause are at times almost too cruel to stomach. While most are aware of this darker aspect of America's past, seeing it acted out in detail on screen will force viewers to face reality in a different way than what a text might do. The first scene on the Edmund Pettus Bridge is in my opinion on of the most emotionally taxing scenes to watch. The quiet musical build-up, the courage of the black protesters and the rage from the white spectators create a strong image. This accurately portrays the pointless hate and violence perpetrated by the white populace and police of the South in the 60s, and that sadly still takes place …show more content…
Johnson's character is in many ways a symbol of the last obstacle. We are fed the idea by King and the activists that Johnson has the ultimate power, yet simply refuses to wield it. Whether or not this is true is never actually questioned. This makes Johnson appear as a sort of antagonist in the start, working against the "heroes". He is very straightforward in his speech, not bothering to sugar coat his opinions. Of all the characters in the film he is perhaps the one undergoing the most considerable character development. Going from dismissing King's ask of help, to proposing the bill himself in Congress. The tension in King and Johnson's relationship reaches its peak after the white priest is killed, when Johnson gives the impression that he is about done with King. In the end Johnson has to be made aware of his legacy and how he will be remembered. In his meeting with governor Wallace he uses many of Martin's points, and says he will be damned if history puts him in the same lot as the likes of the governor. Here he takes a final moral stand, and shows that he despite all, admires Dr
Selma film analysis
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
– Dr Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
In 2014 the American film Selma was released for the first time, taking on the story of the historical march of Selma to Montgomery. The march was led by King, Bevel, Williams and Lewis and the film starred David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejego and Common. The film was re-released in 2015, in association with the 50th anniversary of the march, but had by that time already gained wide international attention. The film was not only nominated for two Oscar´s, …show more content…
The horrendous crimes committed against the black population and others supporting their cause are at times almost too cruel to stomach. While most are aware of this darker aspect of America's past, seeing it acted out in detail on screen will force viewers to face reality in a different way than what a text might do. The first scene on the Edmund Pettus Bridge is in my opinion on of the most emotionally taxing scenes to watch. The quiet musical build-up, the courage of the black protesters and the rage from the white spectators create a strong image. This accurately portrays the pointless hate and violence perpetrated by the white populace and police of the South in the 60s, and that sadly still takes place …show more content…
Johnson's character is in many ways a symbol of the last obstacle. We are fed the idea by King and the activists that Johnson has the ultimate power, yet simply refuses to wield it. Whether or not this is true is never actually questioned. This makes Johnson appear as a sort of antagonist in the start, working against the "heroes". He is very straightforward in his speech, not bothering to sugar coat his opinions. Of all the characters in the film he is perhaps the one undergoing the most considerable character development. Going from dismissing King's ask of help, to proposing the bill himself in Congress. The tension in King and Johnson's relationship reaches its peak after the white priest is killed, when Johnson gives the impression that he is about done with King. In the end Johnson has to be made aware of his legacy and how he will be remembered. In his meeting with governor Wallace he uses many of Martin's points, and says he will be damned if history puts him in the same lot as the likes of the governor. Here he takes a final moral stand, and shows that he despite all, admires Dr