American Violet

American Violet is the true story of racial injustice in Texas, and it's almost hard to believe that the story takes place in the very recent past and not in the pre-civil rights era south. Michael O'Keefe plays the local District Attorney, who authorizes commando-like drug raids, almost exclusively against African-Americans, and based on the flimsiest of evidence. He plays his role as if a more polite version of Bull Connor was inhabiting his body. Excellent newcomer Nicole Beharie plays Dee Roberts, a young unwed mother of four kids who's arrested as a result of one of these raids. Unlike virtually everyone else in her situation, she decides to fight back by not copping a plea. The ACLU also convinces her to front a lawsuit against the local DA in order to break the corrupt and racist system of arrests and prosecutions. The principle actors, including Alfre Woodard, Will Patton and Tim Blake Nelson all do a fine job. Malcolm Barrett, as another attorney on the ACLU team has a small but important role, and he really grabs your attention when he takes the stage. The film takes place from late 2000 into 2001 and it jumps numerous times to TV accounts of the 2000 presidential election and its controversial aftermath. They were obviously trying to do more than set the time-frame with this device and I thought it was a little heavy-handed. After a couple of these scenes I said to myself, "OK, I get it". In spite of this, I felt that the film told its story simply and well, and to employ an overused phrase, it's an important film. If you're paying attention you'll be be both angry, and entertained at the same time.

Rating - 3 Stars (Solid)