Intense exploration of the true story of the FBI investigation into the disapperance of three Civil Rights workers in 1964 small town Mississippi, codename MIBURN (Mississippi Burning).
Tough-talking, seasoned agent, Anderson (a splendid no-nonsense Gene Hackman) finds himself partnering idealist Willem Dafoe with his very different approach. Internal conflict between the two sits side by side with indifference from the local Sheriff, confrontation from his Deputy (Brad Dourif) to the escalation of violence and KKK activities throughout the county.
Racism in the Deep South in the 1950s/60s – particularly Mississippi – is an oft visited subject for filmmakers (A Time to Kill, In the Heat of the Night). A source of powerful stories of injustice with many incidents of racist violence, films such as Mississippi Burning tend to focus narrative on the white perspective of race politics. That does not change its intention (nor ‘entertainment’ value), but it’s only recently, with such voices as Spike Lee and Ava du Vernay, that black voices are heard more clearly. Director Alan Parker may be guilty of whitewashing history with his broad brush strokes, but he perfectly captures the small town racial hatred in a suspenseful, thrilling feature.
Nominated for 7 Oscars in 1989 including best film, director, actor, supporting actress (Frances McDormand), won 1 for cinematography Peter Biziou (The Truman Show, Ladies in Lavender).
Rating: 80%
Director: Alan Parker (Evita, Midnight Express)
Writer: Chris Gerolmo (Miles From Home, Above Suspicion)
Main cast: Gene Hackman (The French Connection, The Royal Tennenbaums), Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate, Spiderman), Brad Dourif (Wise Blood, The Lord of the Rings)
An Opinion or Two 