A touching, tragic, and superbly acted film concerning racism.

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2007)

"Mississippi Burning" has to be one of the greatest films I have scene to depict racism during the Civil Rights Era. Directed by Alan Parker and released in 1988, this film is without a doubt great at not only being a well acted drama concerning racism, but something of a thriller as well. Watching this movie is watching one of the most ingenious and emotional crime dramas to be made in the past twenty years, and perhaps even longer than that. All though it was overshadowed by "Rain Man" when it was released in 1988, that does not dampen just how impactive "Mississippi Burning" truly is.
Based on the true account of three civil rights workers (two white and one black) being murdered by the Ku Klux Klan, the story follows fictional FBI agents Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Ward (Willem Dafoe) as they try to prove the culpability of Klan members in the murder. Do not expect this movie to closely follow exact history records, however, as you will end up being disappointed. Instead, the movie bases itself loosely in historical accuracy and shows the evils of racism in its own way. Still, many instances depicted in this movie really did happen, such as the KKK bombing the houses and churches of black people, but actual names, places, and dates are not adhered by. Actually, though, I think it was wise for the movie not to adhere itself so close to history, as it gives the film more to work with.
A popular criticism of "Mississippi Burning" is that it makes the federal agents look more like heroes to Civil Rights workers than they actually were. I can agree with that point to an extent in the film, but with the great performances the movie gives, you should not be wasting time on noticing that issue. Gene Hackman gives off another superb performance in this movie as federal agent Rupert Anderson, who I feel should go down as one of cinema's greatest law enforcement individuals. In the movie Anderson is actually from Mississippi himself, where he worked as a town sheriff. Due to this, Anderson knows how things work in the South concerning crimes against Civil Rights Workers and black people, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty to see a crime get solved. Anderson often clashes with his by-the-book boss, Ward, because of this. As for Willem Dafoe's portrayal of federal agent Ward, it is solid, but sometimes it is overdone with "good guy" themes. Even though I am sure that there were FBI agents that wanted to help with the Civil Rights cause, would any FBI agent in that time period really be allowed to bring down over a hundred federal agents and men from the naval reserves (as he does) into Mississippi in order to help solve a murder case? Unlikely, but as I said, to quibble on such a menial matter is to lose sight of the grand scope of the film.
Another stand-out performance in the movie is given off by Frances McDormand as the quiet, subdued, and seeming battered wife of town deputy Clinton Pell (Brad Dourif), and the owner of a beauty parlor. Clinton Pell is a member of the KKK himself, and even participated in the shootings of the three Civil Rights workers. Playing this man's wife, McDormand shows how her character truly disapproves of everything her husband stands for, but is simply too scared or perhaps does not think enough of herself to break free of his violent domination. She plays a very important part in the movie with one Anderson, but I should not spoil anymore of the plot for those that have never seen the film. Many will argue that characters like Clinton Pell are over-exaggerated for the time, but that is not true, as even today I can find men and woman who share many of his same thoughts.
Along with the tremendous acting comes excellent cinematography. Every shot wonderfully captures the look and feel of a small Mississippi town in that age, with dusty streets, small diners, general stores, farms, and houses (some ramshackle, some nice). Camera work in this film makes you feel that you are in Mississippi yourself.
My review of this movie simply does not do the film any justice. One must watch the movie to feel all of the strong emotions within it. Upon my initial viewing of this film, I was shaken and disturbed by the racism that is presented. It was smart for this movie to not preach how racism is evil, but to simply show racism in its purest form and allow the viewer to be the judge.
Like I have said throughout this review, some minor issues plague "Mississippi Burning". Those minor issues are what made me give this movie nine stars instead of ten. Still, I recommend this movie very highly, and even with some of its minor flaws, if you have any sense of what a good movie is it will surely capture you with assets that definitely outweigh the flaws.