Own the rights?
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
At times the film seems to belittle the role of its African-American characters. Placing them within a plot that is heavily concentrating on the dominant white thought towards civil rights. The African-American characters are somewhat shoved aside at the expense of the brutality directed towards them. Although it is possible to approach the issue of civil rights and race relations in this manner 'Murder in Mississippi' deals with the subject inappropriately. The oppressed few, a strategic selection of U.S students, are treated disproportionately. When accused of a crime by a federal body, in this case a bunch of small town police officers, the majority of screen time is dedicated to the female character. This seems rather odd, as at that point I thought the film was one dealing with race and the civil rights involved within it. And instead now it has chosen to pursue the issue of gender, yet allows in no way for a feminist stance to develop (the female judge could have invoked this but her persistent animosity is entirely misguided.) The subject matter skates from race to gender yet fails to allow either importance or stability. A misguided film, with numerous examples of awkwardly emphasised messages, of what I am not sure. A note on cinematography- When composing a film, set within darkened rooms, using poor camera equipment, below par actors, and attempted realist lighting, why not at least attempt to have enough light in shot. At times I could not see anything happening on screen. In all seriousness, the African-American characters were themselves barely visible in scenes where there was light.Avoid, or, if you're in my boat, and studying American Political Fictions, you may have no choice but to endure and humour it. (The courtroom scene is especially farcical)
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