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Loving (Mini Review)
Loving follows the 1960s couple Richard (Joel Edergton) and
Mildred Loving (Ruth Negga) as they attempt to build their family together,
despite a Virginia law prohibiting interracial marriage. The filmmakers took an
interesting approach in relaying the couple’s story to the audience, as topics
such as race and political opposition are lightly touched on.
Interestingly enough, the movie steered clear of potentially
controversial displays of the racial tensions that the couple most definitely
faced during the time period. For example, there was a successful avoidance of
violence and racial slurs. The minimalistic approach was most likely due to the
target audience that the movie will be aimed at when it is eventually released.
It’s always hard to interpret and dissect biopics. It’s
especially difficult to analyze Edergton and Negga’s performances in the film,
because as an audience member we don’t know how the real Loving’s interacted
and reacted to the events that they were faced with. This particular film did a
great job keeping the audience out of the politics that were thrown at the
couple and, instead focused on their home life. We had the opportunity to watch
grow with the couple, as they ultimately made history.
Overall the film was not as developed as it could have been,
and in my opinion, it missed the mark when it came to depicting some of the
strife that the family had to endure. Nonetheless, it still positively and
hopefully accurately portrays a historical moment in American history. The film
could possibly serve as a positive history lesson for families in America and
abroad.
Loving (2016)
Director: Jeff Nichols
Writer: Jeff Nichols
Stars: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Michael Shannon
Run Time: 123 minutes
