Rustin (2023) User Reviews

A long overdue tribute to a hero of Civil Rights

[tm-sheehan · 8/10 · 21 November 2023]

My Review - Rustin Streaming on Netflix My Rating 8/10

Former President Barak Obama and wife Michelle who founded their Higher Ground Production Company in 2018 are Executive Producers of this informative and entertaining portrait of an unsung hero of the American Civil Rights movement .

Bayard Rustin who is played so impressively by Colman Domingo was key to organising the historic 1963 Peaceful march on Washington to the Lincoln Memorial when an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people gathered to advocate for the civil rights and economic rights of African Americans.

The final speaker on that momentous day was Dr Martin Luther King Jnr a close friend and ally of Bayard Rustin . He is portrayed in the movie Rustin by Aml Ameen who also delivers an impressive performance .

On that historic day in 1963 in Washington at The Lincoln Memorial Dr Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream " speech which called for an end to racism and the bigotry associated with it.

While his historic speech made headlines around the world standing quietly behind his friend Dr Martin Luther King stood the hero of this Netflix series Bayard Rustin and it soon becomes obvious why .

Bayard Rustin the gay Afro American man who organised the March wasn't even listed as a speaker and was allotted less than 30 seconds to summarise the demands made by the leaders who spoke before him.

He was still there long after all the other people who took a turn at the podium retired for the night Bayard Rustin was still there, directing 500 volunteers in a strenuous cleaning effort to leave the National Mall better than they'd found it.

Fifty years after that momentous March In August 2013 President Obama chose civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He said this recognition is long overdue. While the achievements of fellow recipients are related to the expansion of liberty in its broadest sense, this high honor fits Rustin to a tee.

The movie Rustin interested me because of two civil rights issues because Bayard Rustin as well as being an African-American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, and nonviolence, also helped secure gay rights especially towards the end of his life .

In this movie which deals more concerning the events leading up to the Washington March we see the blatant homophobia that existed even within the Afro American community that Rustin advocated so strongly for. His enemies within and without his community gossiped and vilified him attempting to disassociate themselves from his activism and organisational skills because of the stigma surrounding his sexuality.

Later in his life Bayard Rustin made his famous quote on Gay Civil Rights after the Civil Rights Bill was passed on the 2nd of July 1964 by then President Lyndon Johnson he said .

The barometer for judging the character of people, in regard human rights, is now those who consider themselves gay, homosexual, lesbian. The judgment as to whether you can trust the future, the social advancement - depending on people - will be judged on where they come out on that question.

In 1982 Bayard Rustin was very concerned about protecting his life partner Walter Naegle's financial and civil rights.

At that time gay people had no protection at all and marriage between a same-sex couple was inconceivable.

So Bayard Rustin legally adopted Walter Naegle 30 years his junior in 1982 because that was the only thing they could do to legalise their relationship.

I recommend this very entertaining movie it's an impressive cast and introduced me to an impressive man who at last like the late English mathematician Alan Turing who is now credited with helping end the 2nd World War .

Both men remained unsung heroes who because of their sexuality were vilified and ignored and not honoured until long after their deaths.

Domingo's Galvanizing Work Elevates an Episodic Historical Film

[EUyeshima · 7/10 · 22 November 2023]

I had no idea who Bayard Rustin was before this 2023 historical film, but now I know he was the primary orchestrator of the 1963 March on Washington, a peaceful protest attended by over 250,000 people and made mythic by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Aml Ameen does a fine job capturing King's quiet assurance and fiery rhetoric, but the film is elevated by Colman Domingo's galvanizing performance in the title role. His fearless turn brings heart and soul to an essential figure in the civil rights movement hidden away because of not only his previous Communist ties but his openness as a gay man years before Stonewall. Directed by George C. Wolfe, the film itself is not quite as strong as Domingo's work because the multitude of key players flattens the storyline somewhat and makes even the march Itself feel a bit episodic. At the same time, Wolfe doesn't overreach by making this a full blown biography and smartly focuses on two incidents prior to the planning of the unprecedented protest. For that key reason as well as Domingo, the movie is essential viewing.

Begs for more on why Rustin was so important to Martin Luther King Jr.

[steiner-sam · 7/10 · 13 December 2023]

It's a narrowly focused biopic on Bayard Rustin's (Colman Domingo) lead role in planning the famous 1963 March of Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The film opens with scant background about the Civil Rights movement, Rustin's friendship with Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen), and the subsequent temporary break in their relationship in 1960 when rumors surface about a possible sexual relationship because of Rustin's known homosexuality.

The bulk of the movie then shifts to Rustin's drive in 1963 to make the March on Washington happen despite the resistance of some Civil Rights leaders like Roy Wilkins (Chris Rock) and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (Jeffrey Wright). "Rustin" also highlights the complexities caused in that era because of Rustin's relationships with his assistant, Tom Kahn (Gus Halper), and a married minister, Elias Taylor (Johnny Ramey). Many prominent Civil Rights and union leaders appear briefly as characters in the film.

"Rustin" is a brave attempt to honor an often-forgotten Civil Rights leader. Colman Domingo is excellent. He portrays a gifted, extroverted organizer who is unapologetic about his sexuality but recognizes the danger his orientation presents to the movement. Ameen, Rock, and Wright are also good in their roles, as is CCH Pounder as labor organizer Anna Hedgeman.

"Rustin" begs for more background on why Rustin was so important to Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin, a Quaker pacifist, had an enormous impact on King's emerging philosophy of non-violent resistance. This impact is inadequately addressed. Also, more history on Rustin's philosophical development, marginally hinted at in a few flashbacks, would have strengthened the story.

Nonetheless, "Rustin" is worth an evening's watch.

An Important Story Told in a Shallow Way

[cdjh-81125 · 6/10 · 23 November 2023]

The prevailing thought I had watching Rustin was that the events depicted were probably exactly how they happened in real life. If this were a documentary that'd be fine but as an actual narrative it just made the whole thing feel very surface level. It has none of the style of movies like Selma or BlackkKlansman which made their depictions of this period so captivating to watch. I don't think the film tackles the civil rights issue in any interesting way and while Bayard Rustin's story absolutely deserves to be told I don't think its importance comes through in the finished product. The whole march that the film is building up to just comes and goes before it has a chance to have any impact. Colman Domingo is great, he absolutely does justice to this character and makes the film at least watchable but he deserved a much better script. An important story in and of itself doesn't create for a good narrative without any kind of vision and that's sorely what Rustin was lacking for me.

Incredible person, conventional biopic

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 18 November 2023]

Rustin is another extremely conventional biopic about a person who was anything but that. It remains really good thanks to a central performance more than capable of single-handedly carrying the film and the fact that its story, even when told conventionally, is incredibly powerful.

Shining a spotlight on someone who did the extraordinary without being remembered like his peers, Colman Domingo delivers a perfect performance that's endlessly charming. Dustin Lance Black and Julian Breece create a screenplay that gives Domingo plenty of speeches which he performs in a way that never feels showy, always heartfelt and real.

The best aspect of George C. Wolfe's direction is the pacing. It moves fast without ever feeling rushed and is always further ahead than it seems. Branford Marsalis' jazz heavy score really works, reflecting the chaos of trying to arrange a march of this scale as well as the way all the leaders bounce off each other.

Great historic persona, somewhat lackluster biopic.

[madaravilson · 6/10 · 22 November 2023]

I always love it when the unsung heroes of history get their fair due - I must admit that I did not know much about Rustin before this biopic.

I think the beginning was fabulous, it had great speed and the camerawork was good but then for me it somehow did not balance well the depiction of the work and his personal life. Also, I hoped the events of the march would be portrayed more but it was somehow almost like pushed in quickly into the last 5 minutes of the movie with no real culmination.

Also, what is it with Americans never acknowledging the rest of the world? In the end it says something like "...with 250 000 people making it the biggest peaceful protest to date." Is it so hard to add "in America" in the end? E.g. The Baltic Way in 1989 when 2 million people from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania joined hands to form the longest unbroken human chain in history to protest their illegal occupation by the Soviet Union in 1940 after the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact in 1939? As a history-enthusiast I just don't like such half-true statements being put out there.

Otherwise, solid movie with a very good lead and I think it is important that more people get to know about those who have thought for the rights of all.

A great story to tell but an ordinary movie

[JulesAndVincent6 · 7/10 · 24 January 2024]

This is the type of biopics that I like, the story of those historical figures whose epics we do not know because they were so long ago. Colman Domingo shines alone as Bayard Rustin, with a unique performance worthy of applause.

But apart from that, I think the film takes too much refuge in a conventional style, when it could have been much bigger. The story of Rustin and Dr. King is the kind of story that could be talked about for hours and hours, and on screen we could have seen more fundamental aspects of their relationship and a more powerful conclusion.

It is an enjoyable film because of Colman Domingo's performance and the story of those we should not forget, like Rustin.

You must see this movie

[brucemstone · 10/10 · 3 September 2023]

At the Telluride Film Festival. Bottom line: hands down the best movie I have seen in a very long time. See the movie. It's about Bayard Rustin, who the program describes as an unsung hero of the civil rights era. Directed by George C. Wolfe who was here for the Q&A session. Cast of wonderful actors who couldn't be present because of the strike. Colman Domingo plays the role of Rustin -- he will without doubt be a nominee for best actor. Surprise cast (to me): Chris Rock played Roy Wilkins and gave a wonderful performance. One highlight of our showing: the presentation opened with a video appearance and introduction by one of the executive producers: Barack Obama. Obama was a real producer and was even involved in review of the script. As President, he posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is a Netflix production (overseeing several production companies) so you can see it later this year. You may think you know ahead of time what this movie will be, but trust me: you don't. That's your subconscious bias at work. Final note: this movie is so good that I'm going back to see it again tomorrow (taking up one of my precious time slots).

One more bonus: Da'Vine Joy Randolph plays Mahalia Jackson and sings a song -- she was one of the stars in The Holdovers, another excellent premiere at this year's TFF.

An Important, If Somewhat Conventional, Film

[brentsbulletinboard · 7/10 · 19 November 2023]

Unsung heroes often don't get their day. Fortunately, however, for civil rights activist Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, he's finally getting his due in this new biopic about the many challenges he faced in bringing this event into being. The flamboyant, outspoken, Black gay organizer faced much opposition to his proposal, including, surprisingly enough, from an African-American community that was apprehensive about the message his appointment and presence would send to a still-reluctant public in its support for equal rights measures, including such noteworthy figures as NAACP leader Roy Wilkins (Chris Rock) and Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (Jeffrey Wright). Things were even tense at times between Rustin and his longtime friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen), for whom Rustin once served as his chief aide and advisor. Then there was Rustin's sexual orientation, a matter he didn't exactly hide, especially in his less-than-discreet relationship with married preacher Elias Taylor (Johnny Ramey), something other activists feared could undo all the progress they had made up to that time. But, as a determined champion, Rustin forged ahead, despite these hardships, culminating in the largest peaceful protest ever staged in the nation's capital. To the film's credit, director George C. Wolfe has compiled an informative period piece biography, even if the approach is somewhat conventional and, admittedly, gets off to a rather rocky start in the first half hour. However, that's made up for by a strong second half and the picture's powerhouse cast, including Domingo (a strong Oscar nominee contender), Wright and Ameen, as well as Glynn Turman and CCH Pounder in fine supporting performances. While this offering may not be everything it could have been, "Rustin" nevertheless reminds us of what so many people fought so hard to achieve - and why it's so important that we strive to protect those accomplishments against backsliding and those who might seek to undermine the fulfillment of those much-cherished attainments.

Colman Domingo is electrifying as the title character

[gortx · 3 January 2024]

Bayard Rustin is one of the most overlooked figures in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, even though he was a key organizer of the Martin Luther King's March On Washington in 1963. George C. Wolfe's movie goes the pretty standard bio-pic route focused on the months leading up to the march, buoyed by a galvanizing performance by Colman Domingo in the title role.

Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black's script hits the main points along the way and fills in some of the details of Rustin's personal life, including his sexuality and his outspokeness - even to fellow civil rights leaders. Domingo keeps the movie going even when the storytelling doesn't project much momentum. His gregarious acting is infectious and uplifts his fellow cast members - there are times when even MLK Jr. (Aml Ameen) seems like a dullard by comparison! RUSTIN fictionalizes some aspects of the true story, unfortunately. And, Chris Rock is mis-cast as the NAACP's Roy Wilkins (probably for marquee value).

Fortunately, when Domingo is on screen, the movie breathes. He brings the character to life. The March itself is deftly told on a budget, and still brings the emotion from the rally all these decades later.

Sloppy editing and sound mixing

[frenkrp · 5/10 · 2 February 2024]

This movie wasn't necessarily bad. It has a good lead performance by Colman Domingo and an interesting, still urgent theme. Intentions were good with some good music thrown in the mix.

There's even room for some humor.

However, apart from an at times dragging script, this film has almost amateuristic editing and sound mixing. Once you've noticed it, you just can't unsee it. Scene after scene you see editing mistakes that kill continuity. Focus on the people in the background, how people hold there cigarettes/mugs/arms/head. It just jumps and skips all over the place.

Also, when someone leaves a room, you hear the door slam almost immediately, while in reality they couldn't have already left the room in that amount of time. Watch where doors are located in rooms and where people in that room are situated and then focus on how quickly someone has left that room, because the sound of the door has been mixed in. It's just off.

It really annoyed me all movie and the topic of this film deserved better work. The editor has failed this one. Sorry to say.

Therefor, in my opinion, an interesting topic, yet a mediocre movie.

Rustin Powerhouse

[johnsteen67 · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

Fantastic film. I'm so happy & grateful Bayard Rustins story is being told thru film. So often, lgbt ppl are forgotten or erased for the powerful contributions we have made to history & equality. It's important that all our stories are told. Colman Domingo's performance was amazing. He's a powerhouse of an actor. I wanted more of Audra MacDonald, but I mean, who doesn't? Such a brilliant cast. Bravo everyone. It's so hard to get so much of history in 90-120 minutes of film, but it gets done. I highly recommend this brilliant film. It's an amazing lesson of history. The opening scenes were quite brilliant.

Rustin

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 23 November 2023]

Colman Domingo is pretty good as the eponymous, gay, civil rights organiser who not only had the problems of his colour, but of his fairly open sexuality to deal with as he tries to organise a massive march to the American Capitol. The goal of the march is to keep the pressure on the Kennedy administration's promises to end segregation - but there are plenty from within his own camp who would happily do without Bayard Rustin. I knew nothing about this man, and Domingo's energetic and charismatic performance goes some way to demonstrating just how hard he worked to fight internal squabbles - largely with Chris Rock's Roy Wilkins and Jeffrey Wright's Congressman Powell - as well as raise cash, galvanise the teams securing everything from tables to buses, and deal with the Washington authorities who were never exactly co-operative. It's a personal story which doesn't shy away from his relationships with Gus Halper's Tom and latterly with a man who has rather more to be discreet about. Occasionally violent but not graphic, it's clear this was a man who was passionate about many things, even when being homosexual was almost as toxic for him as his colour! The conclusion is the stuff of American history, so we always know what happens - it's the journey of a man determined through sheer force of personality to achieve his aims that's the focus here, and I think it works rather well.

A Noble Attempt Overshadowed by Missed Opportunities

[meclote · 5/10 · 21 February 2024]

"Rustin" is a film that ambitiously attempts to shine a light on the often-overlooked Bayard Rustin and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. While the film admirably addresses themes of racism and homophobia both within and outside the Black community, its execution leaves much to be desired.

Colman Domingo delivers an exceptional portrayal of Bayard Rustin, embodying the activist's mannerisms and charisma with skill. Unfortunately, his performance is one of the few highlights in a cast that includes less convincing efforts, such as Chris Rock's portrayal of Roy Wilkins, which falls flat and adds little to a film already burdened by uneven supporting performances.

A major drawback of "Rustin" is its heavy-handed script. The film frequently resorts to turning Rustin into a mouthpiece for inspirational quotes, which, while uplifting, detract from exploring the deeper complexities of a man who was more than just a Civil Rights hero. This approach misses the opportunity to delve into the nuances of Rustin's character and the broader context of his activism.

The film does succeed in rightfully centering Black individuals in the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. It also touches on the idea that influential white figures like JFK were motivated more by political pressure than personal conviction in their contributions to the movement. Additionally, the depiction of the police institution's deliberate attacks on the Black community is a poignant and necessary inclusion.

However, the film falters significantly in its portrayal of the iconic 1963 civil rights march. Director Wolfe builds tension and emotion in the lead-up to the march but fails to deliver a compelling depiction of the event itself. The recreation of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, in particular, pales in comparison to the real footage. The film's depiction of the crowd lacks the impact of actual newsreels or television footage, and the exclusion of Rustin's own speech on that day is a baffling oversight.

In conclusion, "Rustin" is a film that, while commendable in its intention to highlight a crucial figure in Civil Rights history, ultimately falls short in its portrayal. The film misses crucial aspects of Bayard Rustin the man, leaving viewers with a sense that something, or perhaps many things, are missing from this cinematic tribute.

Solid Performances, Weak Script

[bankofmarquis · 7/10 · 10 February 2024]

Over the past few years there has been numerous, very good films detailing the tumultuous times of the 1960's - and many of them have been Oscar Nominated. From THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 to JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH to SELMA, one can get quite a history education by watching these films.

Add to this, RUSTIN, with Colman Domingo Oscar Nominated for portraying the titular character, Bayard Rustin - a gay, black man - who Organized the famed March on Washington in 1963.

Colman is a deserved Oscar Nominee for portraying a character that is strong in his beliefs - including his sexual preferences - and is not afraid to let anyone know that he believes that African-Americans...and homosexuals...deserve equal rights under the law.

Being both Black AND Gay in the 1960's in America is not an easy thing to endure.

And so this film tells us. Again...and again...and again. Such to the point that one loses the main thrust of the film - the pivotal March on Washington that was a seminal moment in the 1960's Civil Rights Movement - and, instead gets bogged down in the Soap Opera-y antics of a philandering, gay black man. And...this is too bad for Director George C. Wolfe (MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM) has the makings of a strong, effective film - with a charismatic, engrossing central performance - but loses the way of the film as it descends into melodrama.

And, perhaps, that is the film that Wolfe wanted to make all along, but it comes at the detriment of the larger themes that could have been mined.

Clearly many in the African-American Performing Community thought highly of the project to appear in small, almost cameo, roles. From fellow 2023 Oscar Nominees Jeffrey Wright (for AMERICAN FICTION) to Da'Vine Joy Randolph (THE HOLDOVERS) to Chris Rock, Audra McDonald, CCH Pounder and Glynn Turman, one could feel to star power on the screen.

If only Director Wolfe and screenwriters Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black had given them a better vehicle to star in.

The themes were there, they were just missed.

Letter Grade: B (solid performances for Domingo and others)

7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)

Remarkable Story / Incredible Man

[mattclap28 · 7/10 · 1 December 2023]

In what would have been an increasingly difficult period, Bayard Rustin battles the dramas of a racist and homophobic 1960's America to orchestrate one of the most memorable moments in history. The Obama's production company gives a more than competent film that will certainly be in the talk come award season. Totally engaging and reads very well on screen.

It does however come down to the incredible performance of the lead role by Colman Domingo. Undeniably gives his character warmth and empathy, and will no doubt be in the mix for an Oscar. Supporting roles can also be mentioned especially Aml Ameen as MLK Jnr. The connection on screen can only pay homage to the real connection to not just one but now TWO important people in civil rights history. It's not great film, but it is rewarding.

a story to tell

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 3 November 2023]

Greetings again from the darkness. Organizing an event is often tedious and frustrating and stressful. Rarely is it entertaining. Such is the challenge faced by director George C Wolfe (MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, 2020) and co-writers Justin Breece and Dustin Lance Black (Oscar winner for MILK, 2007). Take that and add a central character that most have never heard of, and the challenge seems questionable, if not undesirable. What happens if that main character has more charisma than the beloved Reverand Martin Luther King? Well, that's something we can work with.

Colman Domingo (IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK) stars as Bayard Rustin, the gay, black, outspoken civil rights activist and organizer ... and one-time communist ... who coordinated efforts for the 1963 March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs. If that doesn't sound familiar, it's the official name of the event where MLK gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. That day is remembered for King's speech, but the event never would have occurred without the herculean efforts behind the scenes by Mr. Rustin and his team. Since it wasn't easy, there is a story worth telling.

Director Wolfe is a Tony Award winner and his stage roots are on full display. Many scenes play like live theater, and the performances are elevated to the point of over-dramatizing. There is nothing subtle about Bayard Rustin and nothing subtle about the film, with the exception of Ami Ameen as MLK. By watching this, we wonder how King ever became the leader of a movement - and this after an early scene where Rustin urges him to "own your power". It's a power we don't see here, yet understand it existed in real life. The film opens by reminding that it was 1954 when the Supreme Court ruled segregation was illegal.

Most of what we see occurs in 1963, a couple of years after King and Rustin had a falling out. When the friendship and partnership are re-established for the purposes of the march, it brings together the previously disparate organizations (and their egos) that had been striving independently for power. One in particular was the NAACP, with its director, Roy Wilkins, played here by Chris Rock. The behind-the-scenes bickering and posturing is one of the film's strengths. Other players of interest here include A Philip Randolph (Glynn Turman), Anna Hedgeman (CCH Pounder), Representative Adam Clayton Powell (a properly pompous Jeffrey Wright), and Elias Taylor (Johnny Ramey) as an attraction and distraction for Rustin.

The goal of 100,000 peaceful attendees initially seemed nearly impossible, and of course, history tells us the final number was closer to 250,000. This group of activists not only faced opposition from white establishment, including (according to this) the Kennedy brothers, but there was also an incredibly tight timeline to work with. It's the group of dedicated and passionate volunteers that go to the heart of a grassroots movement, and these folks are given their due. The film's weakness is in its attempt to balance the movement with the scandals surrounding Rustin's homosexuality. That angle simply doesn't work as well. As viewers, we are bombarded with monologues galore and stagey acting and scenes, but at the center is a man whose story should be told.

In select theaters November 3, 2023 and on Netflix beginning November 17, 2023.

I love Colman Domingo!

[UniqueParticle · 6/10 · 8 March 2024]

Pretty good biopic fair that it's got solid ratings the performances were fantastic some other aspects were just average. The music is jolly fun, some great vibes flowing through for a movement and great drama all around! Nice this is nominated regardless of winning it is awesome recognition for Colman. I've been meaning to watch Rustin awhile it's a solid movie, I'd like watch Milk and When They See Us by the writer and director I imagine those are fantastic well received as well. Plenty of charm in Rustin, wisdom, sweetness, love, a little slow, and interesting enough to get through; some of it is sad too.

Very Oscar worthy drama

[martinpersson97 · 9/10 · 20 November 2023]

This incredible drama, by a great director and starring some incredible actors - is definitely a worthy contender for Oscars in several prestigious categories.

My only regret is, of course, that I was not able to watch it in a theater. But nevertheless, it is a very well crafted, thematically important and very well acted drama, conveying a biographical and ever poignant tale.

The actors are simply incredible, the lead in particular, and an Oscar for best actor, would be highly deserved. Truly career defining to epic proportions. The script accompining it conveys the true story beautifully, and is all around very well written and expertly paced.

The cinematography, cutting and editing is great, and the film is overall very beautifully put together.

Overall, a great award worthy drama, and one I would highly recommend for any lover of film, and important for everyone!

rustin

[mossgrymk · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

Interesting biopic that taught me stuff I didn't know, like who the title character was and why he was a notable figure in the Civil Rights movement, as well as how disunited and sexist the leadership of said movement was. It also advanced provocative portrayals of certain of the leaders, like Roy Wilkins (a very miscast Chris Rock) and Adam Clayton Powell (a fine Jeffrey Wright), that, at the very least, has aroused my curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into the subject (i.e read Taylor Branch). And the performance of Colman Domingo in the title role will, hopefully, push either DiCaprio or Cooper to the Oscar nomination offramp.

Having said the above, let me also add that watching this interesting, well meaning but faintly dull biopic, with its stiff, declamatory dialogue (Dustin Lance Black strikes again, along with somebody named Breece) that mostly features talking Civil Rights heads seated around tables or in offices, talking, with an occasional detour to a racist cop or Rustin's private life, and direction that feels like the film was helmed by Bill Moyers with cinematography by PBS, I had the interesting, well meaning but faintly dull feeling of being in my eleventh grade social studies class. Unless, of course, my teacher was Mr. Pence or Mr. DeSantis. Give it a C plus.

Robust doc about the hero of the peaceful march on Washington.

[JohnDeSando · 3 December 2023]

"When we tell ourselves such lies, we do the work of our oppressors." Bayard Rustin (Coleman Domingo)

Who gave MLK the platform for his famous "I have a dream" words? None other than Bayard Rustin, the activist, conceptualizer, and organizer of the largest peaceful march on Washington in history. That August demonstration gave Martin Luther King to history while it is now with the docudrama Rustin that Bayard will long be remembered.

Even with his posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, Rustin was not known as well as he could be. One possible contributor to that neglect was his homosexuality, a notoriously damning attribute in the 1960's. In fact, he was booted from MLK'w inner circle for just that reason. The docudrama takes pains to show the extent and sincerity of his romantic commitments, almost to the extent of being less intense about his organizational skills.

If I could carp about the drama's limitation, it would be the excessive time given to his love life rather than to the complex web of dependencies needed to attract and accommodate over 200,000 marchers.

Director George C. Wolfe and the accomplished Coleman Domingo (sure to be nominated) keep Rustin lovingly in the foreground while they allow such secondary characters as enemy Adam Clayton Powell (Jeffery Wright) and Roy Wilkins (Chris Rock) to interfere as they did back then. Wright's Powell almost upends a meeting, and possibly the entire demonstrations, as he tries to paint Bayard as a danger to the enterprise. The biggest impediment is his being arrested for lewd conduct with men in Pasadena years ago.

In the end, Bayard Rustin organized the biggest peaceful demonstration in the nation's history, whose underpinnings were the principles of non-violent resistance, a condition lasting through today, not withstanding the horror of the Jan 6th riot at the Capitol

Thanks to the docudrama, available on Netflix, Bayard Rustin gave the template for peaceful resistance. Thoreau would approve.

I'm sure Bayard was a terrific person but that doesn't make this an interesting film

[jtindahouse · 4/10 · 20 February 2024]

I have a soft spot for people called Bayard. I can't help feeling the film may have been more commercially successful if it were called 'Bayard' rather than 'Rustin'. A missed opportunity perhaps. The film itself is extremely bland. It plays out exactly as you would expect, with almost no memorable or unique scenes to be found. This one was a slog to get through.

The only thing keeping the film from being a complete dumpster fire was Colman Domingo's Oscar nominated leading performance. He was very good and deserved a better script to work with.

Otherwise though, this is a very hard film to find praise in. I was thankful it wasn't overly long, but even the short run time it does have seemed to drag on for an eternity. 4/10.

A master class in acting Colman Domingo deserves an Academy Award

[rosesp-06870 · 8/10 · 21 February 2024]

I rarely give 8 stars but this film deserved every one of them.

Hands down the BEST performance I have seen ALL YEAR, in MANY YEARS! Coleman Domingo's Bayard Rustin, is brilliant in every second of this film. IMHO Cillian Murphy's flat, boring, detached performance, in a very long, dragged out, dull, convoluted, messy film: Oppenheimer, doesn't hold a candle to Domingo.

Domingo's performance embodies dynamism. And the film takes us on an incredible journey of fearlessness, tenacity and trust.

The ensemble cast is par none. Chris Rock gives a solid performance as Roy Wilkins the head of the NAACP. And what a year Jeffrey Wright is having. Mr. Right's Adam Clayton Powell is so detestable in this film, and after being so open and likable in American Fiction, it is wonderful see his two tour de forces in one year.

Back to Rustin what an amazing story. The writing is top notch, the pace is perfect, the music fits. This is a fantastic film that keeps you engaged from the opening scene to the end credits.

It is sad that this film is not getting the attention it DESERVES. The cloud of the bomb, and I use that term on purpose, is overshadowing an amazing film, incredible performances and a stunning out of the park performance by Colman Domingo.

He is brilliant, he emerges onto the screen like a comet blinding the screen with energy, excitement, honesty, focus and skill and he never loses your attention.

BRAVO Mr. Domingo! In my eyes YOU ARE the winner of the Academy Award. You gave us ALL a Master Class in commitment to honesty, and an unending perseverance to create a believable and seamless character, who was living a dangerous double life while trying to keep his above water.

You pulled that off with honors sir. You should be commended for letting the world in on Rustin's secrets, fears, vulnerability in such an honest and gut wrenching, at times way, thank you for risking it all the way you did.

Outstanding film, if you can find your way out of the nuclear fog for a few hours, do yourselves a favor and don't miss RUSTIN.

Vision of a more inclusive America

[glenaobrien · 7/10 · 21 March 2024]

Rustin, directed by George C. Wolf (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 2020) tells the story of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), the gay civil rights activist who organised the group of 'angelic troublemakers' who planned the famous March on Washington in 1963 at which Martin Luther King Jr gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Domingo gives a great performance for which he was Oscar nominated. His relationship with a Black preacher is sensitively portrayed and, though it is carried out clandestinely (given the social mores) normalises queer love accompanied by deep religious faith. When Rustin's 'homosexuality' becomes a problem for King (played by Aml Ameen) he is dropped like hotcakes but in a later scene when the homophobes go all out to destroy Rustin in order to scuttle the march, Dr King publicly gives his support, testifying to his moral character. It's a powerful lump in the throat moment as Rustin views it on TV and breaks up.

In an almost completely Black cast, Chris Rock is in a rare serious role as NAACP activist, Roy Wilkins. Jeffrey Wright gives outstanding support in the role of the unsupportive senator, Adam Clayton Powell. Because it's such a famous event you know the March is going to be a big success. Nonetheless you're still caught up in the high stakes involved and find yourself caught up in the elation of the moment as people pour in from all over the country to share in King's (and Rustin's) vision of a more inclusive America.

Standard By-The-Numbers Biopic Lacks Verisimilitude Despite Strong Lead Performance

[Turfseer · 5/10 · 29 March 2024]

Rustin presents itself as a by-the-numbers biopic, tracing the life of Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist during the tumultuous 60s. The standout element is Colman Domingo's portrayal in the title role, effectively capturing Rustin's spirit, a figure whose recognition has surged only recently.

The film unfolds in three main parts: Rustin's ties to Martin Luther King Jr. And fellow civil rights leaders, his homosexuality, and his pivotal role in organizing the 1963 "March on Washington."

While offering a historical primer, particularly showcasing King's rift with Rustin in 1960 due to pressures from other leaders like Roy Wilkins and Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the film falls short in character depth. Ameen's portrayal of King lacks the required weight, and attempts to age Chris Rock for gravitas fail, given Rock's limited range in serious roles. Jeffrey Wright shines as Powell, a shrewd power player.

Delving into Rustin's personal life as a gay man pre-Stonewall, the film centers on his relationship with activist Tom Kahn, yet this dynamic remains superficial. A potential conflict between Kahn and Elias Taylor, a closeted black man involved with Rustin, is hinted but not explored enough for impact. Taylor's resolution to return to his wife follows a predictable arc, missing an opportunity for nuanced exploration.

The film lightly touches on the challenges of being gay in a condemnatory era, an aspect that could have been more incisive.

The depiction of the March on Washington, visually and dramatically, is underwhelming. Only real-life footage adds any real interest. The film's attempt to elevate Rustin's significance in civil rights history, not just for the march but also as a gay man facing discrimination, feels forced. Rustin's lack of iconic recognition may stem from various factors beyond his sexuality, which the film doesn't delve into.

Rustin suffers from a reverential treatment that sanitizes its narrative, failing to achieve historical authenticity.