Living Among Hatred

Rating: Null/10 (26 September 2013)

Alan Parker's 'Mississippi Burning' is a hard-hitting 'how to prove they did it' (rather than a whodunnit) thriller. watching this isn't easy and at times it instigates a chill because this is still happening. People like that, communities like that still exist. 'Mississippi Burning' raises the question of where it started and how it happens. Is racism taught/learned? In a dialogue between McDormand's Mrs. Pell and Hackman's Anderson, she pretty much sums up what living among hatred can do. Even though she's good-hearted and not a racist, she married one. Furthermore, even the law, takes the side of such people and how many years did it take for it to support and protect equal rights? Meanwhile those who fight, continue to be victims of hate.
Parker's direction and Gerolmo's writing are first rate. 'Mississippi Burning' has a very earthy look. The sets, props and costumes look authentic. Gene Hackman is superb as the man who's seen a lot and is yet determined to get to the end. Willem Defoe is great as the idealist copper. Frances McDormand is excellently restrained. The rest of the cast does well too.
There have been numerous films made on similar themes but there's something about 'Mississippi Burning's rawness that draws you in.