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Omaha Steve

(110,271 posts)

31. Johnson portrayal in ‘Selma’ stirs debate

Reply to DemocratSinceBirth (Original post)

Fri Jan 9, 2015, 09:23 PM

Jan 2015

http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2015/01/03/johnson-portrayal-in-selma-stirs-debate/

Published 8:10pm Saturday, January 3, 2015

By Blake Deshazo

The Selma Times-Journal

“Selma” the movie has received rave reviews from some of Hollywood’s most notable film critics, as well as Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song.

Despite the positive reviews and the possibility of Academy Award nominations on the way, others are criticizing the film for its portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“This characterization of the 36th president flies in the face of history,” said Mark K. Updegrove, the director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Library and Museum, in a column for Politico. “In truth, the partnership between LBJ and MLK on civil rights is one of the most productive and consequential in American history.”

Updegrove and Joseph A. Califano, one of LBJ’s top assistants, are accusing the filmmakers of trying to portray Johnson as an antagonist against the Civil Rights Movement.

FULL story at link.

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Just saw "Selma" [View all] DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 OP

LBJ would have had a great place in the hearts upaloopa Jan 2015 #1

The fact we held it together is a credit to us./NT DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #2

His escalation of VN also put Tricky Dick in the WH Doctor_J Jan 2015 #5

I am glad you made it through ok. pangaia Jan 2015 #18

The 60's definately shaped me. Before that time upaloopa Jan 2015 #19

I was about to go to an orchestral rehearsal pangaia Jan 2015 #23

I felt completely helpless to do anything and people upaloopa Jan 2015 #24

He has a great place in my heart because of his concern with his bung hole. Kablooie Jan 2015 #27

there were probably few in history that knew legislation and roguevalley Jan 2015 #37

Lawrence O'DONNELL gave a good answer about the portrayal of LBJ in the movie UTUSN Jan 2015 #3

In the movie, LBJ says "I'm a politician, you're an activist" to King which seems right and fair... DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #4

Another reader of Caro's LBJ, here. dixiegrrrrl Jan 2015 #39

"profound effect," thank you. He was a (fill in the expletive here), but both paid the dues AND UTUSN Jan 2015 #40

Selma-History-Film and-Truth liberal from boston Jan 2015 #43

I wonder why everyone needs to point out that Dr. King wasn't perfect. Is anyone perfect? FSogol Jan 2015 #6

I think we like to make saints out of our heroes. upaloopa Jan 2015 #7

To turn him into a cardboard saint reduces him DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #8

or LBJ. or fdr Doctor_J Jan 2015 #9

Dr. King is one of my heroes. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #12

Was LBJ perfect. Not a question. I wonder why everyone needs to point it out. n/t UTUSN Jan 2015 #35

If someone is perfect, they should be nailed to the cross and killed ASAP IronLionZion Jan 2015 #38

I saw it yesterday too. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #10

They changed the dialogue in the meeting between Wallace And LBJ but for the better. DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #14

Tim Roth's portrayal of Wallace was really good. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #20

I kept thinking of Reservoir Dogs when I saw Tim Roth DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #25

wallace reported started out pretty moderate, until he lost to a hard-core racist, and then NewDeal_Dem Jan 2015 #30

Wallace had the endorsement of the NAACP for 1st election. Some background: okaawhatever Jan 2015 #41

thanks. i knew i'd read the story ages ago but couldn't remember the details. it's an NewDeal_Dem Jan 2015 #42

I am really looking forward to this movie Gothmog Jan 2015 #11

Plan on seeing this, as well, so appreciate your insights on it. Rhiannon12866 Jan 2015 #13

I have read Taylor Branch's books on Dr. King so I know the exchanges have been altered ... DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #15

Thanks! Rhiannon12866 Jan 2015 #26

I look forward to 'Selma', 'The Imitation Game' & 'Mr. Turner,' the new film on appalachiablue Jan 2015 #32

Thanks! I'll have to look for that one... Rhiannon12866 Jan 2015 #36

Because it was so significant I looked up 'Eyes on the Prize' a couple years ago & the PBS info. appalachiablue Jan 2015 #45

we are going to see it tonight rbrnmw Jan 2015 #16

Terri Gross did an interview with the film director, Ava DuVernay and, though I haven't japple Jan 2015 #17

Would you, please say this ... 1StrongBlackMan Jan 2015 #21

President Obama doesn't have a magic wand (another way of putting it). KittyWampus Jan 2015 #22

I will see it this weekend yeoman6987 Jan 2015 #28

I agree, but on the bright side Selma will have a much longer shelf life than Taken 3 will Bjorn Against Jan 2015 #44

it is next on my list; I hope to see it next week Skittles Jan 2015 #29

Johnson portrayal in ‘Selma’ stirs debate Omaha Steve Jan 2015 #31

I didn't think LBJ was depicted as being necessarily bad... DemocratSinceBirth Jan 2015 #33

I'm going Tuesday Omaha Steve Jan 2015 #34