Resist Much/Obey Little: Selma with John Anzalone

Join John Anzalone (film professor, history buff, raconteur) for the second installment of “Resist Much, Obey little” (after Walt Whitman) to showcase films with similar claims to the truth of American history.

In a perfect world, “Selma” would exist solely as a depiction of darker days long since past, an American history lesson that concludes with reassurances that its horrors will no longer be perpetrated, tolerated nor celebrated. Alas, perfection eludes us on this mortal, earthly plane; “Selma” shows the evolution of change while beaming a spotlight on the stunted growth of that which has not changed. Its timeliness is a spine-chilling reminder that those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. Its story provides a blueprint not only of the past, but of the way forward.
There’s a reason why Ava DuVernay’s film is called “Selma” and not “King”. Like Spielberg’s “Lincoln”, “Selma” is as much about the procedures of political maneuvering, in-fighting and bargaining as it is about the chief orchestrator of the resulting deals. “Selma” affords Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the same human characteristics of humor, frustration and exhaustion that “Lincoln” provided its President. This relatable humanity elevates King’s actions and his efforts. It inspires by suggesting that the reverence for Dr. King was bestowed on a person no different than any of us. If he can provoke change, we have no excuse not to as well. (Roger Ebert, 2014)

THIS IS A WATCH AT HOME EVENT, SCENES AND CLIPS FROM THE MOVIE WILL BE UTILIZED BUT THE FILM WILL NOT BE SHOWN IN ITS ENTIRETY.

PLEASE NOTE THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED TO THE SMILEY LIBRARY

Free on site parking
No after event is scheduled