“Rustin” paints powerful portrait of activist behind March on Washington
Written by Madisyn Welborn. Photo by Madisyn Welborn.
On August 28, 1963, an estimated 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. for the March on Washington. In “Rustin,” which was screened at the Lucas Theater on Oct. 25, director and producer George C. Wolfe tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the openly gay activist who, despite facing prejudice for things he can’t change, was responsible for bringing the event to life.
“Rustin” focuses on the presence of prejudices. While Rustin faces backlash for his sexuality, the film brings direct attention to the movement’s dedication to a specific look — the same look that made Rosa Parks the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott instead of Claudette Colvin, who’d committed the same act of protest nine months prior. The film addresses Rustin’s personal and intimate relationships in all forms, allowing the viewer to understand his motivations and actions throughout history. His relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. in particular brings to light the forces that can be forged when powers unify to fight injustice.
Apart from the storyline, the technical components of the film only elevate its impact on the audience. With powerful songs like “The Knowing” and “Shotgun,” the composition and soundtrack of the film guide the audience’s energy through outbursts of joy and dignified solidarity. The cinematography places the viewer in the time period, immersing them in scenes as if they were a firsthand observer of one of the most significant actions in the fight for civil rights.
Before the screening, Wolfe accepted the SCAD Savannah Film Festival Storyteller Award. As the film closed, it received a standing ovation from the audience lasting through a majority of the credits. For those who weren’t lucky enough to be in the Lucas Theater during the Southeast Premiere, “Rustin” will be available on Netflix starting November 17th.
In the Q&A that followed the screening, Wolfe and Scott Feinberg of the Hollywood Reporter took a deep dive into Wolfe’s career, going back to his time in high school as a thespian. As his career began, Wolfe took some of his first steps in the industry as a playwright, creating incredible productions like “The Coloured Museum” and “Spunk.” In 2005, Wolfe began directing for the big screen with the screen adaptation of “Lackawanna Blues,” saying, “Working on musicals trained me to work on film.” Now, Wolfe possesses the titles of Broadway producer, Tony Award winner and more. With the release of “Rustin,” one can only assume there are many more accolades to come.
