Selma (2014)

Last updated:
October 11, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Church Bombing

The film opens with a powerful scene depicting the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young African-American girls. This sets the tone for the civil rights struggles depicted in the movie.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel Prize Acceptance

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) accepts the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. Despite this honor, King is acutely aware of the ongoing struggle for civil rights back in the United States.

The Voting Rights Struggle

King meets with President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) to push for federal legislation to protect voting rights for African Americans. Johnson is reluctant, citing other priorities and political pressures.

The Selma to Montgomery March

King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) travel to Selma, Alabama, where African Americans face significant barriers to registering to vote. The SCLC joins forces with local activists, including John Lewis (Stephan James) and James Bevel (Common).

Bloody Sunday

The first attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery, led by John Lewis and Hosea Williams, ends in brutal violence. State troopers attack the unarmed marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, an event that becomes known as “Bloody Sunday.”

The Second March and Turnaround Tuesday

King leads a second march, but they turn back after crossing the bridge to avoid another violent confrontation. This strategic retreat, known as “Turnaround Tuesday,” garners national attention and support.

The Final March and Victory

With federal protection and a court order, the marchers finally succeed in marching from Selma to Montgomery. King delivers a powerful speech at the Alabama State Capitol, calling for equality and justice.

Signing of the Voting Rights Act

The film concludes with President Johnson addressing Congress and signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark victory for the civil rights movement.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a hopeful note with the successful passage of the Voting Rights Act, highlighting the impact of the Selma to Montgomery marches. The closing scenes show real footage of the march and the key figures involved, reminding viewers of the historical significance of these events.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Selma” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Selma” is a historical drama and biographical film focusing on the civil rights movement and the pivotal 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery.

Cast

David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon B. Johnson
Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King
Common as James Bevel
Stephan James as John Lewis
Wendell Pierce as Reverend Hosea Williams
Tim Roth as Governor George Wallace
Oprah Winfrey as Annie Lee Cooper

Film Music and Composer

The score for “Selma” was composed by Jason Moran. The film’s powerful anthem “Glory,” performed by Common and John Legend, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Filming Locations

Atlanta, Georgia: Many scenes, including interior shots and speeches, were filmed here.
Selma, Alabama: Key scenes, including the marches and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, were shot on location to maintain historical accuracy.
Montgomery, Alabama: The final march and rally at the Alabama State Capitol were filmed here.

These locations are historically significant, adding authenticity and emotional weight to the film.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Won Best Original Song (“Glory”); Nominated for Best Picture.
Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Original Song (“Glory”); Nominated for Best Director (Ava DuVernay) and Best Actor (David Oyelowo).
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film and Best Actor (David Oyelowo).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Ava DuVernay made significant contributions to the script, focusing on the human aspects of the story and the strategic decisions behind the marches.
David Oyelowo spent years preparing for the role, working closely with King’s speeches and mannerisms to deliver an authentic performance.
The film faced challenges with historical accuracy, particularly regarding the portrayal of President Johnson’s role, which sparked discussions among historians and viewers.

Inspirations and References

Historical Events: The film is based on the real-life Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965.
Biographical Accounts: The script draws from various biographies and historical records of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. The narrative was tightly focused on the key events of the Selma marches.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Based on Historical Events: While not directly adapted from a single book, the film incorporates elements from various historical texts and biographies about Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.
Dramatic License: Some events and character portrayals were dramatized for cinematic purposes, leading to discussions about historical accuracy.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Bloody Sunday: The brutal attack on marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
MLK’s Speech in Montgomery: King’s powerful address at the Alabama State Capitol.
Coretta Scott King’s Meeting with Malcolm X: A poignant discussion highlighting different perspectives within the civil rights movement.

Iconic Quotes

“Our lives are not fully lived if we’re not willing to die for those we love, for what we believe.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“I am a man. A man stands up.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Selma is now.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film includes cameos from real-life civil rights activists and their descendants, adding a layer of authenticity.
The depiction of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the film matches the real-life location, down to the smallest details, to honor the historical significance.

Trivia

David Oyelowo fought for years to get the film made and personally advocated for Ava DuVernay to direct.
Oprah Winfrey, who plays Annie Lee Cooper, was also one of the film’s producers.
“Glory” by Common and John Legend became an anthem for modern social justice movements.

Why Watch?

“Selma” is a powerful and moving depiction of a pivotal moment in American history. The film’s emotional depth, historical significance, and outstanding performances, particularly by David Oyelowo, make it an essential watch for understanding the civil rights movement.

Director’s Other Movies

Middle of Nowhere (2012)
13th (2016)
A Wrinkle in Time (2018)