Guidelines for Essay 3-Film Analysis In this essay, you will analyze the film Mississippi Burning directed by Alan Parker using one of the analysis approaches given to you in this document. Element

Zenab Hamdan

Dr. Manav Kaur

English 1302

4/29/2024

Mississippi Burning

The film "Mississippi Burning" directed by Alan Parker, follows the events as the Jim

Crow regime worked to assassinate those fighting for civil rights in the Confederacy; the movie

highlights the blatant racism and the violent acts perpetuated against minorities that continue to

suppress the struggle for justice and equality in society. The essay will give a detailed study of

the movie using the characters, themes, and cinematography employed by the film producers and

it will be determined how correctly Parker captures life at that period when there was a lot of

bigotry and corruption and also the misery that people faced because they tried bring back the

peace.

In "Mississippi Burning," Alan Parker, director, puts together a tapestry that tells not only

the story of a few characters but a lot of characters who experienced the Civil Rights Movement.

Through a thorough investigation of these characters, it is clear that the author manages to show

the nuances of racism, justice, and resistance in 1960 America (Graham, 2001). Two

investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ward and Anderson, function as a

conduit for audiences to understand the complicated situation of Jessup County, Mississippi.

Ward (played by Willem Dafoe) is presented as an exemplary young agent who is highly

motivated to make a difference and impact society. And through his very person, he stands in for 2

the hope and optimism of his generation fighting against the old order. On the other hand,

Anderson, characterized by Gene Hackman, embodies the veteran peace officer who is

unreluctantly able to directly antagonize racism. His character portrays the pragmatism and

determination that come in handy while navigating the risks associated with Southern Bigotry.

The warden, the corrupt sheriff Stuckey, and members of the KKK are the antagonists.

They serve as alarming reminders of deep-rooted racism and violence which took hold of

Southern society (Moore, 2016). Parker reveals racism and discrimination through the behavior

of his characters and their conversations, bringing to light the price of the struggle for civil

rights. The movie also brings into play a supporting cast of characters such as civil rights

activists, local residents, and bystanders right in the pathway of racial tensions. Every character,

like threads in a tapestry, adds to the complexity of the accounts that come together to form the

story of Jessup County. These relationships and confrontations exemplify the coruscation of race,

ethnicity, and identity in a country shaken by segregation and bias.

The film "Mississippi Burning" covers a wide range of issues that underscore each scene,

depicting the complexity of the civil rights movement and the struggle against deeply rooted

racism and oppression. Racism is prevailing all over society and it is the main factor affecting

society. The movie reveals the deeply rooted racism and injustice filling the Southern culture in

the 1960s through acts of discrimination, violence, and hate crimes. Viewers now see Jessup

County, Mississippi, through the perspective of African Americans and their allies who waged a

struggle for equality and justice in the face of unimaginable adversity. Another core theme is the

fairness and responsibility quest. Throughout the entire investigation of the missing civil rights

activists by FBI agents Ward and Anderson, there are many obstacles, in particular, local law

enforcement and bullying from the Ku Klux Klan. Nevertheless, the detectives are relentless in 3

their pursuit of trying to get to the bottom of the issues that allowed the murder to occur and are

not afraid to uncover corruption as well as involvement.

In this movie, there is a theme of resistance and resilience as well. From the bravery of

the civil rights activists to the refusal of resistance of those who wouldn't bow to fear and

intimidation, Mississippi Burning is about the incredible inner strength of those who defied the

norms and called for a change. Only the bravery of these people can become representative

symbols for the unnoticed and can start the process of igniting the fire of social justice either

within or beyond the borders of Jessup County. Also, the movie shows the various aspects of

allyship and solidarity in the struggle for emancipation from oppression. Together with local

activists and community members, Ward and Anderson started to discuss issues of privilege,

responsibility, and solidarity. Their partnership with African American leaders and their refusal

to tolerate racism within their own ranks indicate the significance of collective action and

allyship in the fight for freedom and equality.

The cinematography of "Mississippi Burning" is a significant tool helping to convey the

feeling, load of tension, and emotional depth of the film, which makes the viewer experience all

the nuances and the storytelling more vivid. Indeed, lighting and the color scheme play a

significant role in defining the moods and atmospheres of the scenes. One of the ways that this

movie does this is by showing the transition between light and shadow, which symbolizes the

moral ambiguity and the social divide that are the foundations of the story (Octavia, 2014).

Numerous scenes representing the Klan's violent side are made using the contrast of light and

shadows, giving off a feeling of misgiving and hazardousness. Approximately opposite, the

times of communality and hope are bathed in warm and natural light, which portrays the

characters' strong determination and bravery. The framing and composition of pictures are 4

another aspect of the movie that tremendously adds another dimension to the film. This closeness

is reflected in the use of close-up shots, which not only reveal the true feelings of the characters

but also enable the audience to understand their pain and cheer for their achievement. Taking

shots of the wide landscape, on the other hand, is used to depict the vastness of the Southern

landscape and the tremendous amount of personal hardships the people in the Southern part are

facing.

Furthermore, the cinematography of "Mississippi Burning" is characterized by its

dynamic camera movements and fluid camerawork, which immerse viewers in the action and

heighten the sense of urgency and tension. Steadicam shots are often utilized to follow characters

as they navigate through crowded streets or tense confrontations, creating a sense of immediacy

and intimacy (Sitkoff, 1989). However, throughout the movie, there are a number of extended

tracking shots that give an impression of the Southern landscape and the history of that region.

Also, the film's thematic depth becomes more significant by using visual motifs and symbolism.

A case in point is the use of fire and smoke symbols. They signify destruction and resistance; the

former echoes the civil rights fighters' fiery passion and determination. As urban and rural

landscapes are juxtaposed, the theme of progress and stagnation becomes clear, illustrating how

equality and justice are still being fought for in modern-day America.

Overall, the cinematography of "Mississippi Burning" is a masterful blend of visual

storytelling techniques that effectively convey the film's themes, characters, and narrative arc.

Through its use of lighting, framing, camera movement, and symbolism, the cinematography

enhances the viewer's understanding and emotional engagement with the story, leaving a lasting

impact long after the credits roll. 5

Alan Parker's excellent "Mississippi Burning" shows the dynamics of the 1960s Deep

South by deeply perceiving the prevailing bigotry, corruption, and social instability that

characterized that era (Octavia, 2014). The film brings to light both historical events and fiction,

and in this way, it gives a vivid portrayal of the struggles for a just society and equality during

this difficult period of American history. The film portrays systemic racism and institutionalized

discrimination, which have been woven into the fabric of Southern society. From the oppressive

Jim Crow laws and violent actions of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, Parker

directly shows the deep-seated prejudices and injustices affecting the African American

community and contributing to the social divide and inequality (Classen, 2004). The movie

achieves this by portraying the police brutality, lynching, and other intimidation approaches that

the white authorities used against the Civil Rights activists.

Moreover, "Mississippi Burning" succeeds in depicting the all-pervasive feelings of fear

and dominance that spread throughout the southern towns during the period. The movie brings

out this reality by depicting people living with the fear of being punished for speaking against

injustice, which shows the psychological destruction of being under the shadow of violence and

oppression. Parker aptly reflects the loneliness and danger of the American black community, as

well as the sympathetic white allies who were ready to sacrifice their lives to help the civil rights

movement (Brinson, 1995). Additionally, the movie unravels the intricate fabric of power and

privilege that intersected people's relations within Southern communities. Mississippi Burning's

performance is supported by portraying characters because of their tortuous dilemmas and

confusion as to what they are supposed to do. 6

Conclusion

"Mississippi Burning" is a film that shows the deep-rooted racism, corruption, and

violence that were characteristic of that era in the US Civil Rights. The director managed to

render the atmosphere of the time through the depth of his characters, the enigmatic themes, and

the skillful movie-making. The movie highlights the unrelenting fight for fairness and equality,

but in the background are the ever-present bigotry and oppression. It may be a grim portrayal of

what it takes to struggle for civil rights, but it also inspires us with the people's willingness and

the sheer determination to achieve societal changes. Even though its description is appalling,

"Mississippi Burning" still stays a touching and relevant story of social justice and human spirit. 7

Works Cited

Brinson, S. L. (1995). The myth of white superiority in Mississippi Burning. The Southern

Communication Journal , 60 (3), 211–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/10417949509372980

Classen, S. D. (2004). Watching Jim Crow: The Struggles over Mississippi TV, 1955–1969 .

Duke University Press.

Graham, A. (2001). Framing the South: Hollywood, television, and race during the Civil Rights

Struggle . JHU Press.

Moore, O. B. (2016). " Black and white together, we shall win": Southern white activists in the

Mississippi Civil Rights Movement . The University of Southern Mississippi.

Octavia, I. (2014). The Finding of Racism Issue from the Movie “Mississippi Burning” (Doctoral

dissertation, Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris FBS-UKSW).

Sitkoff, H. (1989). Mississippi Burning. Prod. by Frederick Zollo and Robert E Colesberry.

Directed by Alan Parker. Orion Pictures, 1988. 120 mins.