SELMA -THE MOVIE

I have to admit, when I went to see the movie, I was not thrilled that all the major leads in this film was British. It hurt to think that we aren't capable of portraying our lives? I couldn't understand, there is no story more American than the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King is such an explosive, complex. blindingly intelligent, fallible human being, who would not want the honor of that role? I was heartened by the fact that Ava Duvernay  was the director ,who's work I fell inlove with in the Middle of Nowwhere. She is the kind of director I hope to work with in the future. I am a fan of quiet storytelling. I love to have the opportunity to have full moments of expression in a film, to just be present in the emotions without the distraction of comment. Your director has to really trust you and you have to really trust they wont let you stand out there alone. Its a beautiful communication when it happens. 
As all this was processing in my nuggin, I was also quite excited. I hadn't felt this sort of anticipation since "Precious".  I was aware of the beauty of the photography, the slow unraveling and the threat of violence in every moment. There were moments that didn't work for me, specifically Malcom. I don't know why we can't seem to get a comfortable balance on the two of them but that's another post.  Though you were able to see women at the table, more than usual in this bio pics their presence was still sideline.  The moments that did work for me completely overwhelmed the moments of disappointments. As an person active in the fight for a just world, you can become tired, disillusioned and just disinterested.  There is no financial compensation and sometimes it feels you have a spoon against the mighty ocean of greed. What I loved most about this film it inspired me. I left so clear why this work must not stop, a legacy that I am intertwined with that I have an obligation to continue. I felt proud of the work and could only hope to make a difference on any level. It made me love Dr. Kin g even more , if that is even possible and admire the people who put their lives on line for gratitude they would probably never receive.  There was lovely shots, incredible performances and all the rest but it was the spirit that moved me. This was a project of love, it had to be. You can't take such an iconic moment in history, a man that at this point ,is damn near a mythological figure and make him human, accessible while being devoid of histrionic emotions.  It was almost completely shut out of the Oscars except for Song.(which is beyond ironic) and Best Picture but with 10 nominees that loses its impact.  In time, it will be an achievement, this is a film that will be shown in schools, become a mandatory viewing in Feb and will have a long life.  Duvernay has a very bright road ahead of her and this will be one of the lights on her yellow road.  #selmathemovie  #selma #mlk #blackhistory #oscars2015  #acting  #blackwomen 

---