Out of the countless films that have been made about the civil rights movement, the life and story of Bayard Rustin is one that has been surprisingly unsung considering how influential he was for both the movement and activism as a whole. George C. Wolfe’s film Rustin isn’t a traditional biopic that covers the entire life of Bayard Rustin, but instead decides to tell the story of Rustin as he organizes and mobilizes 1963’s infamous March on Washington. Despite the film not covering his entire life, Wolfe’s film uses this singular, monumental event to showcase all of Rustin’s best qualities – his persistence, his nobility, and his ability to band just about anyone together and make them believe in the possibility of change.
Far and away the biggest compliment to give Rustin is the leading performance from Colman Domingo. Bayard Rustin was an extraordinary queer man and social activist who helped change the course of history with his perseverance in never hiding who he truly was, and Colman Domingo exhibits the power and humanity of Bayard Rustin in every single frame. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise if you’ve seen Colman Domingo in largely… anything he’s starred in throughout his career, as he always turns in fantastic performances. But even for his great standards, Domingo turns in a rousing and powerful performance that is well-deserving of the accolades he is receiving; every speech and monologue is delivered with such invigorating intensity and passion that you can’t help but feel equally compelled.
If there’s anything to knock the film for, it’s that Rustin often feels like it is beholden to a very traditional sense of storytelling; there are no unexpected punches, and even for a film based on true events, feels at times like it’s going through the motions of how historical films should feel and look. On the flip side to that, editor Andrew Mondshein does a fantastic job at making this film truly move. While a lot of the presentation here is standard and by the numbers, there’s a true flow and pace at play here – feeling as if George C. Wolfe wants you to be as inspired and energized as Rustin was at this point in time.
For any sense of familiarity or standard filmmaking that may be on display here, Rustin still proves to be a greatly worthwhile venture for two major reasons. The first of which is how the film showcases the story of a man whose achievements in American history have gone unsung for far too long, and tells the story with grace and respect in each and every frame; it’s a pivotal historical lesson that packs a punch and vast insight into Bayard’s life. The second of which is the performance of Colman Domingo, which is simply radiant and magnetic in each and every frame.
From the incredible lead performance to the rousing true story on display, Rustin proves itself to be a powerful film that provides both insight and incredible entertainment value as you learn the history of a man whose name you don’t read or hear about as often as you should.
4/5
In Select Theaters November 3, 2023
On Netflix November 17, 2023
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