Mississippi Burning

Based on true events, Alan Parker's Oscar-nominated drama points its loaded gun at Mississippi and fires. Therein lies the film's shortcoming. When three civil rights workers (two white, one black) disappear in 1964, a pair of FBI agents (Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe) are sent to investigate. As a Mississippi native, Hackman understands the racism and hatred the duo run up against. But Dafoe, who uses "bureau procedures", can't seem to get anywhere with either white or black residents. Justice finally prevails, but it rings rather hollow. Which is not to say that Parker's film is bad. On the contrary, it is a gripping drama, with images that virtually sear into your brain, and performances that are strong all around (especially Hackman's). But when it's over, you can't help but feel you've witnessed a morality play: the black people are all sensitive victims, the white people are all idiot redneck racists. Only Hackman and Frances McDormand (wife of an idiot redneck racist) have any shades of grey. Mississippi Burning is a powerful film that almost disguises its limitations. It deals with a subject that needs more attention in the movies, even if it does so by playing it safe. Recommended. (R. Pitman) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—July 2, 2019—Kino Lorber, 98 min., R, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 1988’s Mississippi Burning features a fine transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include audio commentary by director Alan Parker. Bottom line: Parker’s racial drama looks sharp on this latest Blu-ray release.]