Harrowing account of America's racial history

Rating: 10/10 (14 November 2011)

An excellent exploration of the civil rights problems affecting America during the 1960s. The reason MISSISSIPPI BURNING is so profound is that it takes a matter of fact, middle of the road approach, refusing to judge its cast of diverse characters and instead portraying the events as is, without bias. The film presents two actors at the top of their game – Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe – playing a couple of FBI agents who visit a small town to investigate some racist murders.
Alan Parker fills this film with a slow burning intensity and anger in much the same way he did in ANGEL HEART. The script is literate and affecting, seeking to get into the minds of men we dismiss as racist and learning what makes them tick. The conspiracy angle is by far the most interesting part of the film and I can't imagine anybody not moved come the events of the climax. Of the supporting cast, there's a stand-out turn from a ruthless Michael Rooker, a very good Brad Dourif as the sly deputy, and an excellent Frances McDormand as a would-be love interest. R. Lee Ermey, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Stephen Tobolowsky all put in compelling turns as various sinister characters and the film's story never flags for a second, making this film the final word regarding its subject matter.