On June 11, 1963, two African-American students in Vivian Malone and James Hood both were given admission to enroll at the University of Alabama by a federal court judge yet Governor George Wallace refuses to comply with federal law leading a two-day showdown between the state and President John F. Kennedy and his brother in attorney general Robert F. Kennedy. Being the final state to integrate, Alabama is set to deal with this change but Wallace refuses believing that blacks and white should segregate for their own good. The film explore these two days where Malone and Hood are getting ready to enroll yet they have to deal with all of these issues as they’re aided by deputy attorney general Nicholas Katzenbach who goes to Tuscaloosa where the university is at.
Robert Drew, along with cinematographer Gregory Shuker as well as several camera operators including D.A. Pennebaker covers both what is happening at the home and office of Robert F. Kennedy, the Oval office, and what is happening in Alabama as he gets perspective from all sides. Notably as Drew showcases how Robert F. Kennedy and Wallace both start their day with the former surrounded by his kids at home while the latter is watching his young daughter play piano and chat with a few workers and play ball with a kid. Shooting on a cinema verite style that allows complete access to what is happening as well as this fly-on-the-wall perspective, Drew and his crew use hand-held cameras to showcase what is going on that climaxes with a showdown between Wallace and General Henry Graham as the latter represents the federal government and the national guard.
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment is an incredible film from Robert Drew. Not only does it capture a moment in American history during the Civil Rights movement but also showcases what goes on when political forces try to figure out what to do to avoid violence as well as do something peaceful. Especially during a moment in time where change is hard to accomplish but also face with acceptance for a better future. In the end, Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment is a remarkable film from Robert Drew.
Related: Primary
© thevoid99 2020
This sounds great. Sadly, it's also still relevant with people in power trying to prevent "others" from doing or being part of things all over the country. Sigh.
ReplyDelete@Wendell-I watched on election night as it was sort of coincidental considering that I saw another film by Robert Drew 4 years ago on election night. It's a 52-minute film that is worth anyone's time and yes, it says a lot of what hasn't changed. I may not believe in democracy nor did I vote (nor will I ever) for this year's election. The fact that you have this whiny little asshole trying to stop people from counting his votes and sends his idiotic minions to help him is proof of how little things has changed. I'm also fearing for the worst that is yet to come.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check this out.
ReplyDelete@Jay-It's a look into a moment in American history as Robert Drew made these films that chronicled much of JFK's ascent and its aftermath right in those moments.
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