Page 98 - All About History - Issue 29-15

HISTORY HOLLYWOOD

VS

Fact versus fi ction on the silver screen

SELMA

Director: Ava DuVernay Starring: David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Roth Country: USA Released: 2015
CT An honest, and at times brutal,
Will we be voting in Selma’s favour? portrayal of King’s campaign in Selma
WHATTHEYGOTWRONG… WHATTHEYGOTRIGHT…

Most of the controversy When King meets with None of King’s speeches The death of 26-year-old Early in the film we see a woman attempting
01 surrounding the film is 02 Johnson at the Oval 03 that appear in the film 04 Jimmie Lee Jackson to earn the right to vote, but is rejected after
on the portrayal of President Office, the famous Resolute are accurate. However, this is is one of the most harrowing being unable to name the 67 county judges in
Johnson. Many working with Desk can be seen, but this is for good reason – all of King’s sequences and, unfortunately, Alabama. This was one of many requirements
him at the time dubbed him a inaccurate. Towering at six foot speeches are under copyright. almost entirely accurate. The used to restrict African Americans from voting.
champion of civil rights; King’s 3.5 inches, Johnson was too large Ava DuVernay had no option but only fact that the film missed is The woman, Annie Lee Cooper, was real, and the
autobiography paints a different for the historic desk. For comfort, to rewrite all of King’s famous that Jackson died days after the film portrays her fifth attempt to register.
picture. We may never know if he had a plainer replacement phrases, but this is cleverly and shooting in hospital, not in the
Johnson was a barrier to King. made by the Senate cabinet shop. subtly done. café where he was shot.

©Alamy

98