Rustin

 

    Based on the true story of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights activist who was predominately responsible, along with Dr. Martin Luther King and others, for organizing the 1963 March on Washington.

    Coleman Domingo plays Rustin and he is a force of nature. He is completely deserving of his Oscar nomination this year. The film, based on its significance in American history, is important enough to see on its own merit but Mr. Domingo's performance elevates it to must see status. 

     The excellent supporting cast includes Ami Ameen as Dr. King, Glynn Turman as A. Philip Randolph, Chris Rock as Roy Wilkins, Gus Halper as Tom Kahn, Johnny Ramey as Elias Taylor, CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman, Audra McDonald as Ella baker, Michael Potts as Cleve Robinson and Jeffrey Wright as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Da'Vine Joy Randolph has a cameo as Mahalia Jackson. While I admire Mr. Rock's attempts at dramatic roles, I still have a hard time getting past his comedic background.

     The film is directed by George C. Wolfe and all his energy, rightly so, is directed at Mr. Domingo.

     It is currently streaming on Netflix.