Detroit Review
There are certain movies that are difficult yet necessary to sit through. Detroit, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, falls under that category. Set amongst the infamous Detroit riots of 1967, the film portrays the division, chaos, and injustices that stemmed from the racial tensions of the time.
What Detroit does so well is depicting the treatment of African Americans in the heat of the civil rights era. Everyone knows about the unfair prejudice that people were treated with back then. However, this film takes it to the next level. You really see how it was a no win situation for the African American community. If they chose to reason with the authorities, their words and actions often got manipulated. If they chose violence, innocent people got hurt and absolute chaos ensued. There seemed to be no hope and all they could do was persevere through injustice, after injustice, after injustice. That’s the movie’s biggest strength. You completely understand the unfortunate situation in which all the African American character are placed and realize how desperate and pointless any hopes for change were. It amazes me to think what a difference 50 years has made in the landscape of the U.S. I’m usually able to handle a lot in movies but there are moments in this that are very hard to handle. I think many movies depict terrible things but don’t do a good job in setting the stage. So…when the bad stuff happens of course it’s horrific but you can still detach yourself. Here, it really resonates with you emotionally. I felt sick to my stomach at various points. Bigelow really builds the tension.
The acting is also strong and Will Poulter, despite playing a despicable and corrupt cop, gives an outstanding performance. It’s easy to play the villain and not feel believable. With Poulter, you’re convinced that he’s a completely racist and violent human being. Besides the acting, all the technical aspects of the movie are flawless. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Bigelow and this movie is very much in the style of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. There’s a ton of hand held camera work and the score is almost nonexistent. Like her other films, the shaky cam and silence enhances the documentary, real-life filmmaking style that her projects open themselves up to.
The main complaint I have with Detroit is the first third of the story. It lacks direction and there’s no main through line keeping you interested or invested. I’d almost given up on it and then it suddenly made a turn at the end of the first act that hooked me. Luckily, after that it maintains a clear focus for the rest of its run time. I think the movie could have been just as good and effective if it dropped that part for a faster introduction. It would’ve shortened it and even though I was never bored, the movie’s 2 hour 23 minute length could scare some people away.
Detroit is probably the first major Oscar contender we’ve gotten this year. Considering its long run time and difficult subject matter, it’s not always an easy watch but I’d definitely recommend seeing it in theaters and giving your money to support it. Let’s just hope that it stays relevant through the rest of the year and gets a fair shot during awards consideration. 8.75/10
