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(Bluegrass Films )
Without question, the life of Newton Knight, a Confederate soldier who deserted to the swamps and discovered a worthy cause to fight for, has the makings of a compelling story. However, Free State of Jones exercises a weak grip on the storytelling.
Brilliant moments occur throughout the film (rated R for extreme war violence and racial language). Matthew McConaughey plays Knight with a rangy zeal that makes us understand why so many poor, desperate people would risk their lives to follow him. And the script includes facts mainstream studio historicals tend to leave out: The characters, both black and white, take Scripture seriously as a source of comfort and guidance. An earnest belief in heaven gives them courage to push on amid crushing injustice. The political party of slavery and segregation is actually named—blacks turn out to vote Republican but elections are rigged by Southern Democrats. One scene with three farm girls makes a persuasive argument for the Second Amendment. Pretty subversive stuff for a major Hollywood production.
Other historical details are as troubling as they are fascinating: The owning of 20 slaves, an indication of affluence, exempts sons of wealthy families from military service. After the Union victory, entrenched Confederate powers enact new laws involving “apprenticeships” to keep slave labor under a new name. Free State of Jones shows us the massive, sustained commitment it takes to finally wrench power from oppressors.
The story sometimes lacks momentum. Interludes to a loosely related 1940 court case are awkward, and the plotting and pacing feel fragmented. Even so, there’s much in Jones worth seeing and considering—for those who can stomach the war violence.
Comments
Lowell W
Posted: Fri, 06/24/2016 10:14 pmThey may have chosen a better story had they looked at the history of Winston County, Alabama where I was raised. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1850
Wanda C
Posted: Wed, 06/29/2016 06:25 pmJust another attempt by Hollywood and the prevailing culture to demonize the South. The rich in the North could buy a substitute to go to war in their stead. The 20 slave exemption was to see that in light of the Emanicpation Proclamation, there would be no slave revolts, not to give cowards a way out of serving. Given the small numbers of men exempted compared to the total population of slaves, I doubt any revolt would have been effectively put down. As it was, there were little or no revolts.
The Union army used the "freed" slaves as slaves for themselves. During Sherman's march to the sea, Union soldiers made no distinction between white or black when it came to murder and rape.
Most Northern states had laws severely restricting the rights and freedoms of free blacks, and some made laws to keep them out of their state. Even prominent abolitionists did not want the freed slaves living among them. The sin againt the African was a national sin.
Toby Comeaux