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First, the Recap:
History. We live it out each and every day that passes, with new events, new truths, new lies all being made a part of the greater whole in an ever-changing world. In studying what has already come to pass, however, there is sometimes those instances where fresh light is shed on what was once thought to be incontrovertible fact or fiction, especially when it comes to individuals whose lives and action forever impacted a country. In a modern courtroom, November 15th, 1999, a lawyer, Pepper (Jeff Williams) stands confidently in session as he addresses those in attendance and the current jury selected, sharing a tale involving one of the most heated topics this nation has ever known–the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..
Birthed out of King’s family’s wrongful death lawsuit, “Coretta Scott King, et al vs. Lloyd Jowers, et al”, Pepper lays out before everyone the actual facts associated with King’s death, pointing out how previously thought notions as to the nature, cause, and ultimate reasoning for it was buried, held back, or otherwise squelched, even to the degree of government conspiracy and/or inclusion in the planning of what could be easily construed as pre-meditated action taken in King’s death. Knowing the powerful force King represented for all people, and the influence he had on a country in turmoil, only during this one and only trial exposing the facts can history realize some things are not always as they seem.
Next, my Mind:
Based on the true account transcriptions from the trial it portrays, writer/director/cinematographer/editor T.J. McCarthy IV’s 7-minute short film is, in actuality, a proof of concept project that will, ideally, lead to full-length feature film treatment about this ground-breaking trial and the realities that were exposed through it during its month-long duration. Getting to hear what would have been the opening statement from lawyer Pepper is quite eye-opening, provocative, and sure to create conversation around the proverbial (or even perhaps literal) dinner table, as we can all attest to how politically, racially, and possible conspiracy-based material can cause more than it’s fair share of controversy. Here, though, McCarthy’s intent is to simply, dramatically illustrate and bring to light this pivotal event in the chronicles of the life and death of one of this country’s greatest, most beloved civil rights leaders, and whet the viewer’s whistle enough to crave more. Truthfully, this purpose is accomplished, and regardless of what opinions are formed from this, people’s curiosity will be piqued.
Williams is very much the singular presence, center stage, in this production, and his performance is wonderfully enacted as Pepper, bringing an authoritative sense of targeted design and subtle but emotionally-charged objective-laden intensity in the statements presented. It is methodical, strongly orated, deeply believed words that echo through Pepper’s arguments and declaration of the facts that will come to the surface, notably ones that will assuredly debunk specific notions held for periods of time about what was truly behind the death of Dr. King. Williams just emotes so well here that it beckons the viewer to desire further exploration of the story in question, and it’s done with not overt bombast or overacted sentiment, but with firm, acutely delivered, focused energy and motive. The supporting players are many, making up the other members of the court as well as those citizens in attendance and the selected jury. Again, it is Williams’ show to take charge of, and he does so well.
Overall, “The Execution of Dr. Martin Luther King” stands to be one of those projects that some will be engrossed by, others will be scared of, still others won’t agree with despite the direct, transcription-based truths making up the film’s foundations, and yet others will just not want to accept, buried in their own, established or pre-conceived ideas about King’s life, death, and the ramifications of both. This reviewer personally enjoyed the film, and does at minimum hope to see a feature-length treatment of the subject, as it’s one that perhaps hasn’t been done before and one that could honestly carry even more total weight in the current societal atmosphere we’re experiencing when it comes to the themes being explored.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
