Selma

[mnhtnbb]

My husband and I went to see it this afternoon. We are both old enough to remember
the events--but I was in middle school and he was in med school--so neither one of us
were participants.

It's a powerful film. It would not be the same film without David Oyelowo's magnificent performance
as MLK, Jr. I do not understand how he was not nominated for a Best Actor award by the Academy.

It is NOT a documentary. There is a lot of dramatic license--check out this commentary from
Donna Brazile. http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/08/opinion/brazile-selma-the-movie-message/index.html

Frankly, I can see how the director was overlooked for an Academy nomination. The movie, was, at times slow, and sometimes
felt like dissimilar scenes were just being linked together. But it was emotional. I had tears. It is a powerful story.

I cannot help but feel that the underlying bigotry, racism, and specifically southern white hatred of blacks that was swept under
the rug as a result of the civil rights movement, has resurfaced as a result of Obama being elected as President.

[bigwillq]

1. Oyelowo should have been nominated.

I thought Selma was outstanding, but a fairly standard biopic.

I can also see how and way the other actors weren't nominated. It would be hard for me to single out another performance besides Oyelowo from that large ensemble. The cast was terrific, but no other role really stood out for me aside from Oyelowo as MLK.

Good movie, though. I hope everyone goes to see it.

[onecaliberal]

2. I agree with your assessment. His performance was incredible.

[mnhtnbb]

3. I did think that Henry G. Sanders, who played Cager Lee, was terrific.

The scene at the viewing window of the coroner's office was so emotional, and
his performance was exquisite. It made me think of Judi Dench being nominated--and winning for her
8 minutes as a supporting actress-- in Shakespeare in Love.

Sanders' performance was no less exquisite, and I doubt he had much more screen time. It was really memorable,
and most of it was done without lines.

[bigwillq]

4. Judi Dench should have an Oscar

but not for SIL, imo.

This is the thing with the Oscars: they often reward performers for the wrong movies. Martin Scorese should have won for Raging Bull and Goodfellas but didn't win until The Departed.

I understand some folks are upset about the Selma snub, but the Academy often makes bizarre choices.