“Rustin”

“Rustin” is the type of film that seemingly has everything: an esteemed, talented lead actor (Colman Domingo), an accomplished director (George C. Wolfe), and an interesting subject that should make for a rousing, spirited narrative. Unfortunately, nothing ever really comes together in this story of activist Bayard Rustin, the man who was the architect behind the momentous March on Washington in 1963. He was an important figure in American history and his story isn’t one that’s well-known, which makes this film’s poor execution seem like such a major disappointment. 

Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to a crowd of over 200,000 people. There were many who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this moment possible, and their efforts were orchestrated by one person: Bayard Rustin. The film tells the story of the grassroots activist who brought together a group of people advocating for civil rights, all while being forced into the background of the watershed movement because of his sexuality.

Rustin is an interesting historical figure, and his story deserves much better than what this film delivers. Domingo is fantastic in the role, but Wolfe presents him in a way that’s far too stagey. His performance is a series of excessively theatrical, long-winded monologues that are meant to be stirring, but instead feel like a showy and surprisingly lifeless way to pander to Oscar voters. The script is bland and lacks emotional depth, with a tendency to idealize its subject. All of this is a disservice to the man behind the March.

“Rustin” is the type of film where I loved the subject matter but was left disappointed with the storytelling. Instead of watching this one, just pick up a history book.  

By: Louisa Moore