Loving (2016)

I'll tell you why so serious

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Every aspect to this film is understated. Understated acting. Understated directing. Understated cinematography. Understated screenplay. I think you get the idea. All these components join together to create a nuanced story that lingers in your mind. The true story of Richard and Mildred Loving who were targeted by a law that prevents interracial marriage in West Virginia. With the assistance of civil right lawyers, they tackle the courts head on in an attempt to be heard from the Supreme Court. An important story that needed to be told, both thematically and literally. The blurred line between segregation and slavery laws that, combined, established racial stereotypes. Marriage is an inherent right regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and it never fails to shock me how the abolishment of such laws have only been recent. We have to thank people like the Loving's who experienced consequences first-hand and desired to change the mistreatment of people like themselves. Portrayed enigmatically by Negga and Edgerton who were reluctant at being in the public eye during the case. They both conveyed innocence and fragility to perfection, and their on-screen chemistry was beautiful. Nichols' direction was splendid, he took care in detailing the home lives of the Loving's to enhance the characterisation. The cinematography was also stunning, adored the juxtaposition between rural Virginia and urban Washington. Unfortunately, the problem is with the glacial pacing. The runtime consists greatly of the Loving's and the way they live their daily lives, but has no impact on the greater picture on civil rights. There was no emotional impact until the last one minute where we discover what happened after the film. It's a sensitive topic, but it needed more power in order to convey its importance and unfortunately the screenplay didn't allow that. Exquisitely acted and directed, just not emotional enough for me.

There are so many problems with this movie. What a waste of a good story! They must have loved each other very deeply for them to risk everything and defy society. Yet, in this movie, there is no chemistry between the two leads. It's so miscast, it's hard to imagine they even like each other. I understand the focus on this movie is the couple and not the case. Yet, they made an impact at all precisely because of the landmark case. By barely skimming the Supreme Court case, it lost the point of the story. And the pacing is so slow, one could take naps between changing scenes without missing anything. It made the dramatic story very boring. What a shame! What a waste of a good story!

This small film was very touching. The drama was very real, and very genuine. It is the kind of movie that is not coming out of Hollywood these days, as the studios are experiencing creative bankruptcy. No wonder 2017 has been such a disaster for them, thus far. But, that is a good thing. Too many really inane action films, and the public is saying I do not think so. This film is the antidote to the poison affecting the studios, who are suffering from an astonishing lack of courage. Beautifully acted, with performances by Negga and Edgerton, as well as several other wonderful performances, like the one by the always great Michael Shannon.. The characters felt real. Edgerton played his character with such grace, and subtlety. It was a work of art. He played a quiet giant. Such grace under fire. The editing, cinematography, and direction was pitch perfect. We desperately need more films like this one, which was written, and made for adults. Kids just will not get this film I do not think. I highly recommend this movie, to anyone who enjoys real drama.

Joel Edgerton and Ruth Neggia give restrained performances in this film dealing with inter-racial marriage and bigotry and that's part of the problem here. Edgerton talks as if he has marbles in his mouth and Neggia's character of Mildred comes off much too nonchalant with the tremendous problem the inter-racially married couple face.Even when their case ultimately goes to the Supreme Court, we just hear the very generalized opening arguments by the Loving's attorneys. Even when the court reaches its decision, there is very little excitement upon the married couple's response.Am amazed that Ruth Neggia was nominated for a best actress Oscar and after seeing the film and her rather lackluster performance, there is no surprise that she lost.Even the racist police officers come off as rather blase here.