Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

That was an excellent one.

Thanks for the memories!

Just what I expected

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

In 1963 Mississippi, civil rights leader Medgar Evers is assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods) leaving his wife Myrlie (Whoopi Goldberg) a widower. Byron is arrested and treated as a hero by the white establishment. It's 1989. After two hung juries, Myrlie wants to reopen the case. Assistant district attorney Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin) and his southern family don't see the point of pursuing the case. He's the son-in-law of the original racist judge. Every piece of evidence and transcript have disappeared except one unnamed source claiming Myrlie as the killer. Bobby decides to take on the case despite the opposition from everyone including his wife, the 6th Amendment, and the march of time.This is obviously important history. For the most part, the first half is pretty good. It's unflinching in it portrayal of Mississippi of the past and the present. It does threaten to go melodramatic at times. The story is so devastating that director Rob Reiner's little melodramatic touches are not necessary. The trial gets stretched and the tension starts to fade. I guess the real story restricts his dramatic efforts. This is a big story and Reiner does a reasonable job.

Ghosts of Mississippi (1996): Dir: Rob Reiner / Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Virginia Madsen, Craig T. Nelson: Sloppy drama about the racist murder trial that would resurface. Title indicates that the past will return to haunt us. In 1963 a negro is shot from behind leaving his family to watch him die. Byron De La Beckwith is arrested but is freed due to an all white jury. The victim's widow, Medgar Evers has the case reopened in 1989. Predictable outcome with narrative flaws such as the condition of the deceased within 25 years. Another issue regards a tree with bottles dangling from its limbs and the reason behind that is ludicrous. The ghosts suggested in the title are merely an expression of trials. Director Rob Reiner fails in what looks like a black version of A Few Good Men, but without the power or payoff. Fantastic makeup job on James Woods as Beckwith. The performance by Woods steals the film but doesn't save it. The man was vile and cruel in his racial hate and Woods brings that out flawlessly. Whoopi Goldberg fares okay as Evers who struggles for justice. Alec Baldwin is cardboard as her attorney who makes a case against Beckwith. Other roles aren't exactly a rise above conventions or stereotypes either. Theme regards sins that eventually resurface but the film doesn't quite deliver quite as highly as its message. Score: 5 / 10

Ghosts of Mississippi is an emotional movie that shows how hateful the human soul can be. It may be quite similar to Mississippi Burning but they both have their place. Ghosts of Mississippi is slightly more political and less violent. It focuses on the fight for justice and the roadblocks faced in controversial high-profile cases.The sheer effort that was involved to develop a level of tolerance in the South is despicable. Every time I watch a movie where racism is so prevalent it simultaneously boils my blood and breaks my heart. The acting is very good and makes you feel like you are living the story. James Woods does such a good job that you can't help but despise him. Especially since he is portraying a real person and not a two dimensional character.Don't underestimate the emotional connection you will have to this movie. It will move you and is certainly worth your time.

It may not be the best film about race relations in the South. Mississippi Burning and A Time To Kill have more intensity, but it is still compelling and worth watching for some great performances.Alec Balwin (Bobby DeLaughter) turned in a fine performance. Personally, I feel it is the best he has ever done.James Woods was perfect as Byron De La Beckwith. He channeled the venomous hatred and cocky arrogance so familiar in those who were consumed with their self-worth, gained by stomping on others. This performance resulted in an Oscar nomination in a year with many fine performances.Dixie DeLaughter, played by Virginia Madsen, shows how ingrained racism is in the South, and how difficult, if not impossible, it is for a marriage to survive with a disparity in views, whether it be race or politics.I also enjoyed seeing Wayne Rogers as Morris Dees, even if it was a small role.This is an important film that should be seen by all who care about the state of race relations in this country.It should also be see by all young people so they can see a sign at a gas station saying 22 cents a gallon. Those were the days.