We will be discussing the film “Rustin” in this segment. Directed by George C. Wolf and written by Julian Breeze and Dustin Lance Black, this movie features a talented cast, including Coleman Domingo.
Bayer Rustin, alongside Chris Rock, Glenn Turman, Amal Amin, Michael Pots, Jeffrey Wright, and many others. This film is a powerful and impactful piece of work.
It is set to be released on Netflix’s streaming service on November 17th, following a limited theatrical run starting in the next few weeks. If you are interested, I highly recommend checking if it will be playing in your local area.
However, if you prefer to wait, it will be available on Netflix on November 7th. Now, let’s delve into the plot of this film. As mentioned earlier, Coleman Domingo portrays the character of Bayard Rustin, who played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rustin was instrumental in organizing the historic March on Washington. This march brought together over 200,000 individuals and played a crucial role in combating racism and promoting civil rights. The film explores the enduring impact of the historical moment that dealt with racial inequality and injustices.
It sheds light on Bayard Rustin’s pivotal role in organizing the March and the challenges he faced along the way. Rustin’s determination to create a world where people can live freely for who they are is both inspiring and heartbreaking, considering the racial inequality of the time.
Additionally, Rustin’s identity as a black, gay man adds another layer of complexity to his fight for equality, making him a compelling figure in this narrative. While Martin Luther King Jr. plays a supporting role, the film primarily focuses on Rustin’s perspective and the struggles he encountered to bring his vision to life.
In March, there were many skeptics, including people of color, who doubted the possibility of this endeavor. It is impressive to present a familiar story from a different perspective, considering the numerous documentaries and biopics that have already been made.
Focusing on Rustin adds an interesting dimension to the narrative, making it an emotionally engaging experience. However, I must admit that I found the film to be slow-paced at times.
Additionally, the inclusion of a romantic subplot and infidelity, while important in exploring Rustin’s personal life, seemed to detract from the overall message of the movie, which primarily revolves around the iconic March he played a crucial role in.
There were certain aspects of the film that could have been trimmed or reconsidered, as they felt somewhat forced and did not contribute significantly to the overarching story.
The film had some small subplots that didn’t add much to the overall story and actually ruined the pacing of the film. However, when the film focused on the inspiring, selfless individual who fought for freedom and equality for all, it truly shined and left a lasting impact.
Removing the romantic infidelity elements would have made the film stronger. As a black man during a time of racial tension and a homosexual during a less accepting era, dealing with discrimination was a double burden.
While I am not well-versed in Bayard Rustin’s true story, I can attest that the film is well-made, well-acted, and carries a strong message of equality. It serves as both an inspirational and cautionary tale, shedding light on the ongoing issue of racism in our world.
Although not my favorite biopic, it is definitely worth watching, and I thank you for recommending it. Look out for it on Netflix on November 17th. This film is based on the true story of Byron Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who played a crucial role in organizing the 1963 March.
On Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Directed by George C. Wolf, the film features an impressive cast including Comey Domingo, Chris Rock, Glenn Truman, Emil Amin, CC Pounder, and Jeffrey Wright.
Prior to its release, this film generated a lot of buzz and was highly anticipated at the festival. Comey Domingo’s performance in particular has been the talk of the town for the past month, with many considering it a strong contender for awards.
And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Domingo’s portrayal of Rustin is truly remarkable, capturing the essence of the character from the very beginning. The film opens with a powerful speech by Rustin about civil rights and the empowerment of black people.
From the moment Comey Domingo appears on screen, he effortlessly transports the audience into the world of Rustin. It’s as if he becomes the character, completely immersing himself in Rustin’s demeanor.
And delivery. George C. Wolf’s direction and attention to detail in depicting Rustin’s family life further enhance the authenticity of the film. As the story unfolds, we witness the challenges and obstacles Rustin faced during the civil rights movement.
Unfortunately, there were individuals who tried to undermine his impact and prevent him from pursuing actions that would have advanced the cause of black people. Despite these setbacks, Rustin’s magnetic presence and unwavering determination shine through.
This film beautifully captures the essence of a man who made a significant impact on history. It takes us back to a pivotal time period and allows us to experience the life of Byron Rustin, a man whose words and actions continue to inspire.
In this film, we witness the protagonist’s attempt to organize a protest at the Democratic National Convention, showcasing his unwavering passion. Despite opposition, he remains loyal to his friend Rustin, even when others disapprove.
However, the introduction of Powell, a conniving character, leads to the spread of a damaging rumor that not only sabotages the protest but also strains the relationship between Martin and Rustin.
This fracture highlights the consequences of a broken bond, causing Byron to spiral out of control. Nevertheless, his dedication to the movement remains evident, as he continues to engage with young activists and plan their next steps.
The film also delves into Marshall’s personal life, including his secret relationship with a pastor who exploits Rustin’s identity. These elements elevate the film beyond a typical Civil Rights-era narrative, making it a compelling exploration of Marshall’s life and the people who influenced him.
Most of the films out there cannot reach the level of Rustin’s story because the subjects in those films are nowhere near as interesting. This is what sets Rustin apart from other films.
Domingo’s performance is flawless, whether it’s sneaking off to a local gay bar or stealing a kiss behind closed doors with someone he truly loved. These scenes are truly amazing, and the way they are set up is incredible.
Even the arguments with the NAACP, with Chris Rock playing one of the heads, are portrayed amazingly well. We witness the struggle of organizing the March on Washington and finally learn the truth about how it was put together. Mr. Rustin, the true architect of the March, finally gets the respect he deserves.
Many people are unaware that the March on Washington was not solely Martin Luther King’s doing. This story reveals that it was Mr. Rustin and a group of passionate young individuals who refused to sit on the sidelines of the civil rights movement.
They wanted to push forward and organize a massive demonstration. However, they had to scale it back to make it more acceptable to a wider audience. These behind-the-scenes workings are truly fascinating.
The strength of this film lies in its unique focus on the life of Byron Rustin and the challenges he faced as a black, openly gay civil rights icon in the 1960s. While some aspects of the film may feel formulaic, Rustin’s story is so powerful and inspiring that it sets the film apart from other civil rights films.
Rustin’s commitment to living his truth and helping others do the same is truly remarkable and makes this film a must-see. This film is a must-see for everyone because it encompasses so many important elements.
Not only does it feature an outstanding performance by Coleman Domingo, but the original score is truly amazing. The film even ends with an original song by Lenny Kravitz that is just as powerful as the score. George C. Wolf’s passion is evident in every shot, making this film truly remarkable.
It has the potential to become one of the quintessential civil rights-era films for the next generation. The story of a black gay man living his truth at a time when it was not accepted is truly inspiring.
This film is especially important for young black people, as it highlights the importance of these stories and the struggles that they faced. It is a perfect film for the LGBTQ+ audience and any black young male, female, queer, or non-binary person who feels unseen.
Hopefully, this film will inspire more people to be open about who they are, just like the protagonist in the film. From the Toronto Film Festival and Netflix, Rustin is a powerful film that I would rate a 9.5 out of 10.
It not only tells a solid story but also sheds light on an important civil rights figure who has been forgotten by history. The film portrays how Rustin had to give up certain roles in the movement due to his sexuality.
But he never denied who he was. Coleman Domingo’s performance as Rustin is truly remarkable, and I don’t think any other male actor at the festival can match it. This is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers. This has been another JVS movie review from the Toronto Film Festival.
