Cinematography

• Use of natural vs artificial light: In Selma, a mixture of natural and artificial light is often used to generate different effects. For instance, natural light is often used to highlight the sheer brutality of the violence during the marches, while artificial light is used to cast a more dramatic and sombre tone during key scenes like the night marches.

• Camera movement: The use of handheld cameras in Selma provides a sense of immediacy and realism. This choice makes the audience feel as if they're part of the action, adding to the film's impact. For example, during violent scenes, the shaky camera movement helps to convey the chaos and intensity of the moment.

• Framing and shot composition: Director Ava DuVernay often employs wide shots to show the mass of protesters, emphasising the scale of the civil rights movement. Close-ups are also prevalent throughout, particularly of Martin Luther King Jr., humanising him and making his struggle and emotions more relatable to the audience.

• Colour palette: The film uses a muted colour palette, giving it a historical and somewhat solemn feel. The browns, greys, and blues used throughout reflect not only the era the film is set in (the 1960s), but also the mood of many scenes.

• Use of shadows and silhouettes: Selma makes frequent use of shadows and silhouettes, oftentimes casting Martin Luther King Jr. in this way. This creates a sense of King as an emblematic figure, while also indicating the heavy weight of responsibility he carries.

Key Scenes

• The Selma March scene: This is a pivotal scene in the film and is characterised by overcast skies, which create a neutral background against which the protesters stand out. The scale of the march is captured through wide shots, while faster camera movements and quick cuts highlight the chaos and violence of the situation.

• The Voting Rights Act scene: In this scene, DuVernay employs a series of tight close-ups and medium shots, ensuring that the audience feel the tension and gravity of the situation. The lighting is also important here, the stark contrast between the brightly lit areas and deep shadows adding to the suspenseful atmosphere.

• The 'Church Bombing' scene: Low lighting and a haunting silence are used in this scene to build up to the eventual explosion, the suddenly bold, bright colours of the flames contrasting starkly with the previous dim lighting. This shock factor is heightened by the careful buildup and restrained cinematography leading up to the explosion.