Films, in general, and biographical ones, tend to magnify, alter, fabricate, and pretty much exaggerate facts for dramatic effect. Because directors and producers know that these things usually make for good bait, whether it is a great line or eye candy sweet enough to attract swarms of viewers to buy tickets. John Ridley’s “Shirley” does not appear to have this, probably because the subject matter does not need any blowing or amplification.
Shirley Chisholm: Black, Proud, and Relentless
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“Shirley” is about Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1969. The movie covers the part of Chisholm’s life that begins with her first term as a congresswoman representing New York’s 12th district, but mostly her improbable run for president a couple of years later. Chisholm began this colossal enterprise with just a handful of supporters from inner circles and practically no financial backing. Yet she plowed forward anyway.
Chisholm largely relies on a few political associates and hires Stanley Townsend, a seasoned campaign manager knowledgeable on Democratic Party politics, but keeps her most important strategic decisions to herself.
As her campaign heats up, she’s attacked unsuccessfully with a knife at about the same time when she begins to experience either the indifference or betrayal of her male peers. Yet, her supportive husband remains strong and fully committed, so she soldiered on. The rest is, well, history.
Not a Cult of Personality, but a Celebration of Character
“Shirley” is a period piece that describes the times and experiences of Shirley Chisholm fairly accurately: the social and political upheavals of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the sounds, fashion trends, etc. But what separates this movie from other similar works is its main character. Impeccably played by Oscar Award winner Regina King, Shirley Chisholm comes across as a quick-witted, strong-willed, bighearted woman. Also, one that cannot stand the utterance of the phrase “I can’t.”
Perhaps you will not agree with Chisholm’s politics as presented in the film, but you will not fail to be amazed at her determination and the courageous nature of this historical figure. In this story, it is easy to see that some politicians are not just a collection of positions and speeches; some shine because of their charisma. Shirley Chisholm had tons of it, and this movie makes sure to put this quality front and center.
Fine Filmmaking and a Great Performance
“Shirley” is possibly one of the most entertaining and engaging dramas you will watch this year. This is for all of the reasons I mentioned above and because it is fast-paced. It also contains quite a bit of humor, mostly thanks to the many witticisms of Chisholm. Regina King´s personification of Chisholm is notable for her physical presence and looks, as well as her pitch-perfect West Indian accent and some Spanish-speaking moments.
Power to the Streamer
Shirley Chisholm wrote an autobiography titled “Unbought and Unbossed,” a phrase that also became the slogan of her presidential campaign. It made total sense then, and it still does. “Shirley,” the movie, will probably teach you a history lesson, but perhaps the most important thing you will learn is that defeat is only defeat when you fail to even try. Now available on Netflix.
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