The Road to Freedom The film tells the story of Bayard Rustin, who was the initiator of the March for freedom and the abolition of segregation. Can you say this is a typical Oscar picture? Yes, it shows once again how bad it was for African Americans in the mid-20th century. We see this every 2-3 years among Oscar nominees. But if most of the tapes concerned specifically Martin Luther King (Selma, Judas and the Black Messiah), then Rustin did not bother with the main attention.
The tape in terms of immersion in history and for general development. The viewer learns who Rustin is, what he is. We have before us a clear supporter of rights and freedoms, who is tired of the infringement, who himself has gone through injustice. Flashbacks showed us an episode where only African-Americans were used to in the states: separate seats for people of color, separation on public transport, jobs, even toilets, and then had a limited number for people of color. And if you work for a company full of whites, either quit or adjust. A very clear example of the inconvenience was reflected in the film Hidden Figures (2016) by Ted Melfi. But back to Bayard.
Before us lies the life and views of Rustin, who tries to find supporters in the Communist Party. The Black Party, led by Chris Rock. For the film, the main fan Will Smith got old, so Rock looked unusual and cool. The party does not approve of the protest march, which can affect all participants, including criminal liability.
We see how Rustin tries to convey to his family and friends his ideas, his views, while hiding some details of his biography, including orientation. There is a hit on all the criteria of the award season. You see his desire, his arguments. Actor Colman Domingo perfectly conveys emotions and holds the drama.
Rustin is better known as a pacifist. His methods are limited to word, tact and courtesy, but the police have their own views on his behavior. In addition to the preparation, the tape touches on Rustin’s personal life, demonstrating his features and love. Without some scenes in the film could do, but for the full disclosure of the character Director George C. Wolf adds an action.
The picture shows the search for supporters, the conviction of young people. Rustin sends the message in a way that makes everyone feel like “part of the crew, part of the ship.” The plot is immersed in paperwork, in the mailing list and the secretarial party office. On the one hand, everything is gradually developing, on the other hand, even supporters are trying to convince Rustin to abandon the idea. We see what tricks people go to, even appoint a dinner party on the day of the March.
The closer Marsh gets, the more obstacles pop up. Historically, Rustin certainly went through a lot of bullying. Flashbacks once again demonstrate inappropriate behavior, which in the present time can act as blackmail, which makes the hero at a crossroads. It is in such episodes that you can feel the situation and appreciate the drama of life. Salvation or destruction! The march eventually passed, but with the participation of Bayard or with his absence, the viewer will have to find out.
It is a historical drama about preparing African Americans for a turning point in their lives. The government could not simply write off this massive event: from 200,000 to 300,000 people. No exact data. The consequences of the March resulted in the adoption of a civil rights law prohibiting segregation in the country. On paper (de jure) this is so, but in reality (de facto) segregation occurs to this day.
Well, now for reference, the name of Martin Luther King is associated with the name of Byard Rustin. Thanks. It’s funny that some of the actors appear in several films nominated this year. In Rustin, you can meet Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”) and Dane Joy Randolph (“The Left Behind”).