Bayard Rustin was a pivotal yet overlooked figure in the American civil rights movement. As a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., he was instrumental in organizing the iconic 1963 March on Washington, the largest demonstration for civil rights in the nation’s history. However, due to Rustin being openly gay, his substantial contributions were often minimized and he was relegated to the sidelines.
The new film “Rustin” aims to provide some well-deserved recognition to this pioneering activist. Director George C. Wolfe’s biopic centers around Rustin’s tireless efforts to plan and execute the March on Washington, giving audiences an inside look into the logistics and conflicts behind the scenes. While Rustin gets bogged down in familiar biopic trappings at times, lead actor Colman Domingo brings passion and complexity to the title role.
Over the course of this review, we will analyze how effectively “Rustin” balances shedding light on this marginalized civil rights leader with succumbing to predictable dramatic beats. It presents a prime opportunity to showcase an influential yet obscured figure, though its execution has proven more conventional. By evaluating strengths and shortcomings, we will determine whether this historical profile suffices in capturing the essence of its formidable but overlooked human subject. The very choice by filmmakers to place Rustin front and center offers hope that this chapter in America’s ongoing fight for equality can finally gain its due.
Chronicling the Road to a Defining Moment
Rustin traces Bayard Rustin’s journey from a trusted advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. to a marginalized outcast, only to emerge as the driving force behind one of the civil rights movement’s most iconic events. Early on, Rustin is depicted as King’s key strategist, leveraging his network of contacts and organizational brilliance to coordinate peaceful protests and push for policy changes. He and King make an effective team, drawing crowds through inspiration yet channeling them productively through meticulous planning.
However, this partnership unravels when Rustin faces public backlash due to his homosexuality. As rumors swirl about his relationship with King, Rustin becomes a liability to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Despite his years of loyal service spearheading nonviolent activism, Rustin finds himself exiled from the group he helped build.
In his absence, racial violence and discrimination continue plaguing America. Witnessing this turmoil, labor organizer A. Philip Randolph reaches out to Rustin about coordinating a massive demonstration in Washington D.C. to advance their shared civil rights goals. Though initially reluctant, Rustin ultimately agrees, seeing an opportunity to create tangible impact on a national level. What follows is an against-the-odds quest to transform this ambitious vision into reality in a matter of months.
Planning such a monumental event poses immense challenges, beyond just securing attendance from across the country. Rustin must contend with skeptical civil rights leaders, inadequate financial resources, local pushback and his own complex personal history. Through strategic brilliance and sheer force of will, he begins overcoming these obstacles one by one. Yet Rustin continues facing resistance within the movement itself, as figures like Roy Wilkins undermine his leadership due to his sexuality.
As Rustin’s plans coalesce into the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, finals pieces click into place for King’s iconic speech capping this watershed event. Despite lingering marginalization, Rustin witnesses the fruits of his work unfold in spectacular fashion – even if credit rests elsewhere. Rustin offers insight into the inner workings, rifts and ultimate triumph behind a definitive chapter in the civil rights fight.
A Career-Defining Portrayal
In the pivotal role of Bayard Rustin, Colman Domingo delivers a career-defining performance that stands out even amongst the film’s other merits. He brings heart, nuance and captivating charisma to his depiction of the tireless civil rights tactician. Through adept storytelling and sheer force of presence, Domingo ensures that Rustin leaps off the screen as a fully-realized, layered individual.
From his first scenes opposite Aml Ameen’s Martin Luther King Jr., Domingo establishes an easy chemistry built upon respect and rapport. We believe Rustin as the engine driving much of the movement’s strategic direction, complementing King’s public-facing leadership. Domingo conveys exceptional intellect behind Rustin’s eyes – we witness those mental gears constantly turning. Yet the performance remains grounded, showcasing Rustin’s humility and humanity amidst his brilliance.
This rounded character work enables the emotional gut-punch when Rustin faces exile over his sexuality. Even as the script leans on exposition, Domingo externalizes years of private trauma bubbling to the surface. Revisiting past indignities clearly pains Rustin, but coping mechanisms allow him to soldier on with dignity intact. Still, brief windows into his inner life reveal lingering distress. Through subtle glances and body language, Domingo exhibits the exhaustion of endlessly working to prove one’s worthiness.
Moments of levity nicely balance this dramatic heft, as quick-witted exasperation over logistical hiccups. By maintaining realistic dimensions, Domingo inspires investment into the finer details of executing the March. And he pointedly rebuffs those attempting to diminish or obstruct Rustin’s rightful leadership role. Such humorous grace under fire further stokes empathy and admiration for the man.
When Rustin ultimately beholds thousands gathered to further the cause he dedicated his entire being towards, Domingo movingly channels years of sacrifice culminating in transcendence. Despite marginalization even on his finest day, justice and human progress still feel tangibly within grasp. It’s an earnest triumph owed entirely to the leading man’s stellar work.
Bringing History’s Figures to Life
While Domingo rightfully commands the spotlight, the ensemble backing him up proves essential in transporting us into the volatile 1960s. Aml Ameen sets the tone with a grounded, more vulnerable take on Martin Luther King Jr. His rapport with Domingo fuels early scenes, heightening the later sense of personal betrayal when King withdraws his support. Jeffrey Wright similarly excels at portraying the smug entitlement of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who delights in wielding sexuality rumors against Rustin.
Veteran actor Glynn Turman brings solemn gravitas to his crucial role as A. Philip Randolph, the dignified elder statesman who taps Rustin to organize the March. Despite limited screen time, Turman makes his unwavering faith in Rustin’s potential palpable. Additionally, Audra McDonald and other supporting players help round out movement leadership deftly.
Unfortunately, Chris Rock feels miscast as the disapproving NAACP head Roy Wilkins, unable to shake comedic associations muddling the drama. But moments exposing Rock’s limitations remain rare – otherwise, the ensemble succeeds in transporting us into this volatile period. Secondary characters externalize ever-present systemic racism, skeptical allies and inner turmoil plaguing even the most unified demonstrations. The cast’s commitment to balancing historical reverence with human complexity drives home the film’s underlying messages about sweeping social change.
While Domingo’s lead performance propels our investment, the strength of Rustin’s backing players should not go overlooked. Their contributions set the stage, raise the stakes and prompt reflection on assumptions. Together, they enrich the profile of a great man while spotlighting an enduring, unfinished cause.
Competent yet Unremarkable Guiding Hand
While the profile of Bayard Rustin proves compelling enough to carry “Rustin” through intermittent lulls, the film’s execution remains more serviceable than standout. Director George C. Wolfe demonstrates a capable hand at the helm, if falling short of truly distinct storytelling vision. Resources provided by producers like Barack Obama seem sufficient for glimpses of grand scale involving the March on Washington itself. But budget limitations encroach on fully realizing such an undeniably monumental spectacle through Wolfe’s lens. 
Fortunately, a strong anchor performance like Colman Domingo’s can elevate material even when filmmaking traditionalism sets in. And the screenplay by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black shows periodic flashes separating “Rustin” from the biopic pack. In particular, the script shines when tackling specifics of this era that a more generalized historical survey might gloss over. Lingering rifts from intersectionality come to the forefront – we witness Black civil rights figures failing to see their own hypocrisy in marginalizing Rustin over his sexuality. The film also prompts consideration of assumptions on public and private conduct for a Black gay man navigating 1960s America.
Yet too often, “Rustin” slips into unambiguously expositional dialogue that feels extracted verbatim from a historian’s textbook. And stylistically, the movie rarely transcends meat-and-potatoes dramatization – no sequence or shot lingers as particularly evocative after the fact. What we’re left with proves solid enough to honor Bayard Rustin’s legacy, carried across the finish line by Domingo’s humanizing lead turn. But with core filmmaking components unable to match the man himself, “Rustin” falls short of truly timeless status.
Timeless Takeaways from Putting Principles into Practice
On the surface, “Rustin” seeks to spotlight the overlooked contributions of a pivotal organizer whose sexuality saw him denied proper credit amongst civil rights leadership. Yet in chronicling Bayard Rustin’s fruitless quest for broad acceptance even after masterminding the March on Washington, the film prompts self-reflection well beyond 1963 America. Viewed through a modern lens, timeless takeaways emerge involving the dissonance when movements prioritizing inclusion and equality still marginalize their own.
Most strikingly, “Rustin” exposes lingering intersectionality gaps amongst those proclaiming themselves progressives of their time. Despite steadfast devotion alongside the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. for decades, Rustin faces continuous resistance and undermining from NAACP peer Roy Wilkins strictly regarding sexual orientation. It powerfully conveys hypocrisy for Black leaders fueling systemic racism critiques to display categorical bias themselves in denying Rustin his rightful leadership position based on identity factors beyond skin color.
Audiences witness such cognitive dissonance plague themes of unity and human dignity central to civil rights struggles then and now. Internal rifts take center stage – even simpatico figures like Wilkins seemingly fail to recognize their own complicity in the oppression they rally against. This reluctance to walk the walk as allies threatens the overarching mission. Yet “Rustin” moves beyond merely finger-wagging for dramatic effect, instead conveying palpable frustration when theoretical open-mindedness still bends to ingrained prejudice in application.
In that sense and more, Bayard Rustin’s quest to orchestrate the March on Washington mirrors his own lifelong fight for recognition as a whole human being. Behind the scenes, we observe grand visions distilled into tangible outcomes thanks to one man’s refused complacency with the status quo. As the film closes, Rustin remains unable to fully celebrate the fruits of such sacrifice. But his enduring legacy conveys that when enough individuals stand up through action rather than empty platitudes, history ultimately arcs towards justice even if arduous detours arise along the way.
Prestige Project with Lasting Relevance
Given the ongoing struggle to instill diverse representation and perspectives across Hollywood, a profile directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama automatically arrives saddled with heightened expectations. And while “Rustin” might frustrate those seeking an all-time historically illuminating masterpiece for the ages, its baseline merits remain substantial enough. By virtue of embracing an icon whose activism enabled seismic progress for underrepresented groups, the film conveys cultural significance that should only appreciate over time.
Most immediately though in our rapid-reaction online era, eyes turn to impending awards season prospects. And “Rustin” contains enough pedigree and performer passion to potentially penetrate major categories. With Netflix mounting an aggressive Best Picture campaign, voters might see the film less in direct competition with flashier contenders and more as an opportunity to spotlight marginalized communities. Acting-branch members in particular seem likely to push for Colman Domingo’s exceptional work anchoring the film, although lead roles centered on Black LGBT figures pose tricky prospects gauging overall reception.
Beyond accolades chatter, there exists room for “Rustin” to enjoy a long, admiration-building shelf life as educational programming. Once streaming, the film’s accessibility enables classrooms and curious minds to engage with this essential chapter of civil rights history. Domingo’s stellar embodiment of the man paired with depictions of King, Malcolm X and other giants ensure digestibility for younger eyes and attention spans. And carrying the Obama imprimatur stamps “Rustin” with institutional credibility shrugging off accusations of partisan agenda-pushing.
So while direct rave reviews seem a lofty proposition given competent yet unremarkable filmmaking components, the bigger-picture impact of “Rustin” might resonate for years what initial critical quibbles fade. By refusing to continue overlooking such a substantial activist from the past, the film plants seeds for a more informed, compassionate society moving forward – the most honorable legacy Bayard Rustin could hope to leave behind.
Competent Craftsmanship Can’t Compensate for Missed Potential
Upon initial impressions, “Rustin” checks the boxes as a handsomely mounted historical drama. Familiar faces populate the backdrop of a meticulously designed 1960s backdrop, convincingly transporting us into pivotal days fueling the civil rights fight. Costuming and prop details feel period-accurate down to the impeccably vintage automobiles. And director George C. Wolfe integrates archived March on Washington footage relatively seamlessly, amplifying the climax’s grand scale. From a technical execution standpoint, the film’s creative departments deliver on their duties accordingly. 
Yet when evaluating a biopic centered on a seminal activist behind some of America’s most iconic protest imagery, expectations demand more than workmanlike competence. One hopes to witness visual storytelling mirroring the progressive daring and strategic masterstrokes of Bayard Rustin himself. And while lead actor Colman Domingo fills virtually every frame with magnetic charisma and conviction, he cannot fully compensate for the pedestrian nature surrounding him.
Moments arise puncturing the film’s staunch traditionalism – clever montages efficiently bridging logistical gaps or a particularly evocative shot distilling years of indignities into a single glare. But too often, the filming style proves just as conventional as the screenplay itself. What we’re left with is an important history lesson packaged in staid prestige pic trappings, calling attention to its shortcomings if primarily by virtue of the towering subject matter alone.
In that sense, “Rustin” emerges less as a singular viewing experience primed for extensive dissection and more as an overdue profile for the books demanding to be seen regardless of execution fumbles. The film succeeds in further engraving this civil rights pioneer into the collective consciousness exactly as intended. But it’s impossible not to lament missed opportunities by filmmakers failing to capture more fully the essence of a man who refused settling for less than total conviction.
The merits clearly outweigh the flaws for spotlighting Bayard Rustin as an activist whose broad ripples still impact our social fabric decades later. One simply wishes the movie encapsulating his remarkable journey matched its towering historical implications. If nothing else, may “Rustin” stand as overdue yet insufficient first steps towards rightful recognition that inspire future storytellers towards bolder leaps. For now, we owe figures like Rustin – and consummate performer Colman Domingo – to at least open our eyes towards yesterday’s overlooked changemakers steadily paving the way for a more just tomorrow.
The Review
Rustin
At its best, "Rustin" spotlights overlooked civil rights contributions and prompts reflection on enduring social rifts. Colman Domingo makes a meal of his overdue starring showcase, while George C. Wolfe largely plays it safe shepherding the proceedings. What results is an imperfect yet still meaningful profile of an activist whose impacts continue resonating decades later. Like Bayard Rustin himself, the film shrewdly focuses attention on systemic inequality even amidst isolation and erasure. Shortcomings arise, but righteous principles emerge unbowed. On those merits, "Rustin" deserves praise for unflinching conviction if not flawless execution.
PROS
- Colman Domingo is captivating in the lead role as Bayard Rustin, delivering a career-defining performance. He brings passion, complexity and depth to Rustin that elevates the film overall.
- Spotlights an underappreciated civil rights icon in Rustin and sheds light on his role organizing the monumental March on Washington.
- Timely themes of racial injustice, systemic discrimination, LGTBQ marginalization give the film modern-day resonance and gravity.
- Strong supporting cast brings gravitas and real-world parallels to civil rights narrative. They provide a well-rounded ensemble surrounding Domingo.
- Production values capture 1960s era effectively through costumes, production design and archival footage integration. Technical elements bolster story's impact.
CONS
- Formulaic conventions of the biopic genre hinder parts of the film from truly standing out cinematically. It often feels like a sturdy but standard prestige drama.
- Uneven pacing and reliance on excessive exposition undermine dramatic impact of certain scenes and big moments that should carry more weight.
- George C. Wolfe's direction rarely elevates the material, failing to match Domingo's raw dynamism with true stylistic distinction.
- Final act march sequence feels underwhelming given its historical significance. Budget limitations constrain grandeur of the marching spectacle itself.
Also Read:
