Cast
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David Oyelowo
as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Carmen Ejogo
as Coretta Scott King
Tom Wilkinson
as President Lyndon B. Johnson
Giovanni Ribisi
as Lee White
Tim Roth
as Gov. George Wallace
André Holland
as Andrew Young
Colman Domingo
as Ralph Abernathy
Common
as James Bevel
Stephan James
as John Lewis
Omar J. Dorsey
as James Orange
LaKeith Stanfield
as Jimmie Lee Jackson
Oprah Winfrey
as Annie Lee Cooper
Tessa Thompson
as Diane Nash
Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Fred Gray
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
as Bayard Rustin
Crew
Director
- Ava DuVernay
Writer
- Paul Webb
- Ava DuVernay
Producer
- Dede Gardner
- Oprah Winfrey
- Jeremy Kleiner
- Christian Colson
Reviews
Martha
I put off watching this movie because I am from Selma Alabama and I grew up there. Being from a town that was the heart of the Civil Rights Movement is hard growing up as a poor white girl because some of the black people in that town hold the racism against every white person and do to this day. I've never been one to be prejudice, but some of the people in that town really are and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Selma was the turning point for all of Civil Rights. I left Selma and I can't say that was a bad thing. I had researched the March as a teen because I wasn't old enough to be there or wasnt even born yet, and I know for a fact they left out a lot of key elements in that movie that they didn't want you to see so I cannot give this a decent rating higher than a 1 because there's quite a few things omitted for the public not to see. The actors were very well casted and the backdrop made me proud to see my hometown shown so beautifully. Still I can't give this anything but one star due to the omitting of certain aspects of the story which are HISTORY and should not have been left out.
Jul 26, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Selma examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ava DuVernay brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Selma took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Selma shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Right Stuff, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Selma offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Perfect World and Tears of the Sun explore similar territory, Selma stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 25, 2014
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $66,787,908
Where to Watch
