Rustin Review – Compelling, Undeniably Powerful, A Must See

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Category: Streaming, Cable

Published on Friday, 16 February 2024 10:14

Written by Janet Walker

Rustin, a Netflix Original film, brings to the screen the story of Bayard Rustin, a black gay man, who is credited for organizing the 1963 March on Washington in under eight weeks, a feat all believed was impossible.

The film begins with visual reflection of the time in American history, and black culture. An America that still operated under Plessy v. Ferguson, a separate but equal policy, and as we see through the eyes of the negro women walking to school, and the lunch counter sit-ins, the verbal and physical violence perpetrated against anyone, white or black that supported integration and equal rights was shocking and revolting and obvious that there was an insidious hatred that drove this rage. These scenes set the tone of the film we understand where we are in history which has been graphically punctuated by these moments.

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Suddenly we are on the edge of the 1960s, and U.S. Representative Adam Clayton Powell, played by Jeffrey Wright, explaining to NAACP leader Roy Wilkins, played by Chris Rock, that Martin Luther King, Jr., played by Aml Ameen, may be riding high over the success of the bus boycotts, but in Los Angeles, he is just another southern negro. Which sets up the triangle of contention between the goal of integration and equality, verses politics and power.

This is when we meet Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist, a whirlwind of organization his is gifted with a spirit of efficiency and has the abilities to make things happen. He moves at high speed all the time, and his enthusiasm for success and even setbacks propel him forward. Now is pitching now is the time for L.A., which is not sitting well with the NAACP, Rep. Powell, or any of the black leaders who are strategically looking at the cause and finding cities where they can make the most impact.

Rustin decides he can maneuver himself out of this tough spot by resigning, expecting Martin to reject his resignation and all feathers would be smoothed over. Unfortunately, Martin accepts the resignation, and Rustin is essentially regulated to the white man's cause of banning the bomb, noble, but unfulfilling for the man who suffered at the hands of racist, segregationists.

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While he is wasting away in New York, his neighbor invites him to a party, and suddenly, as he enters and begins to hear the message from the youth, he realizes this new generation of activists have drive, determination, and anger. The anger will be to their detriment unless someone helps guide them.

As it is nearing re-election season, then President John F. Kennedy, announced a civil rights legislation bill, which many felt fell short and was really the same lip service without action. This ignited a fire in Rustin, and suddenly he is pitching his idea of a two-day March on Washington, that would bring together everyone, from all walks of life, to unite mankind in a cause bigger than themselves.

This sets up the last half of the film, when in just two months, eight weeks, a coalition of volunteers begin to move the mountain, literally, without computers, email or support. Armed with truth volunteers told their story to donors, spent days making phone calls, and secured the financial support one person at a time.

Of course, we see throughout the film that Rustin's past, including his affair with a preacher, continues to creep into his present, and when the goal is within reach, in front of those who are devoted to the cause and his direction, the worst mistakes made are regurgitated by jealous power-hungry politicians.

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Throughout this time, Rustin's allies, A. Philip Randolph, played by Glynn Turman, and Dr. Anna Hedgeman, played by CCH Pounder, silenced the detractors.

Of course, for students of history we know how the story ends, the March on Washington was more successful than Bayard Rustin, Martin Luther King, Jr, A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, or Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, could have imagined. More than 250,000 Americans converged on Washington, demanding jobs, and equality, and where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Rustin, riveting and compelling, is more than a film about the civil rights movement, it is about people who come together, willing to do the menial tasks to make the dream happen and change the direction of the nation. The ensemble cast of many recognizable and well-known actors embody these, at times, flawed leaders. The performances are captivating, and from the beginning introduction Rustin holds the attention, even as the film uncovers the darkest of secrets.

Colman Domingo has been nominated for nearly every major preforming award, including an Academy Award for his performance, as Bayard Rustin.

Rustin, streaming on Netflix, is undeniably powerful. A must see!

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Country: U.S.

Runtime: 106 minutes.

Language: English.

Director: George C. Wolfe.

Executive Producer: Barack and Michelle Obama, David Permut, Alex G. Scott, Daniel Sladek, Chris Taafe.

Producer: Bruce Cohen, Tonia, George C. Wolfe.

Writers: Julian Breece, Dustin Lance Black.

Cast: Colman Domingo, Jeffery Wright, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, Johnny Ramey, CCH Pounder, Michael Potts, Audra McDonald, Lilli Kay, Jordan-Amanda Hall, Jakeem Powell, Ayana Workman, Grantham Coleman, Jamilah Rosemond, Maxwell, Whittington-Cooper, Jules Latimer, Carra Patterson, Rashad Demond Edwards, Da'Vine Joy Randolph.