KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
2014 · 128 min · PG-13

Selma

Directed by Ava DuVernay · History, Drama

Selma (2014) is a History film, directed by Ava DuVernay set in Selma and Alabama during the 1960s. It runs 128 minutes and is rated PG-13.

A biopic, with a tense and bleak tone. Themes of freedom & oppression, prejudice & racism, and power & corruption play out through multiple perspectives.

Composer
Jason Moran
Cinematography
Bradford Young
Cast
David OyelowoCarmen EjogoTom WilkinsonGiovanni RibisiTim RothAndré HollandColman DomingoCommon

The world of this film

Setting

Where
SelmaAlabama
Setting
When

Premise & themes

Premise
Tone
TenseBleakHopeful

Shape

Protagonist
EnsembleSolo Lead
Pacing
Measured
Dialogue
Talky Dialogue Driven
Based on
  • 2013

    12 Years a Slave

    New York City · New Orleans · Louisiana — 1800s
    Ruraldir. Steve McQueen
  • 2003

    Big Fish

    Alabama — 1950s · 2000s
    Ruraldir. Tim Burton
  • 1994

    Forrest Gump

    Alabama · Vietnam · Washington, D.C. · New York City — 1950s · 1960s · 1970s · 1980s
    Rural · Urban · Coastal Seadir. Robert Zemeckis
  • 1991

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    Alabama · Birmingham · Valdosta — 1980s · 1920s
    Ruraldir. Jon Avnet
  • 1992

    My Cousin Vinny

    Alabama — 1990s
    Ruraldir. Jonathan Lynn
  • 2002

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Alabama · New York City — 2000s
    Rural · Coastal Sea · Urbandir. Andy Tennant