A Mixed Review of Netflix's Shirley: The Story of Shirley Chisholm
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| Shirley Review |
Introduction
Shirley, the latest Netflix film, tells the story of
Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to attempt a presidential run as the
nominee of a major party. Directed by John Ridley and starring Regina King as
Chisholm, the film chronicles her boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign.
However, the movie has received mixed reviews, with critics praising King's
performance but criticizing the film's lack of depth and historical accuracy.
Shirley Trailer
A Mixed Bag
The best thing to be said of the new Netflix film Shirley
is that it’s sure to increase awareness of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black
woman to attempt a presidential run as the nominee of a major party. However,
the film's lack of dramatic possibility and the portrayal of Chisholm as a
brittle and closed-minded candidate are significant flaws. The movie's focus on
Chisholm's 1972 campaign is understandable, but it fails to provide much
tangible context for the era surrounding her quest for the highest office in
the land.
A Serviceable Film, But Lacking Depth
The film is a perfectly serviceable film, but it
doesn’t do much beyond the very basics of the genre. It doesn’t reinterpret
Chisholm for the modern public consciousness, nor does it serve as a character
study, offering little genuine insight into the politician as a person. The
movie views Chisholm with an all-too-neat moralism about electoral politics,
which may well be a reasonable function for a movie about a severely
underrecognized political figure.
A Flavorless, Sanitized Approach to Storytelling
The film's flavorless, sanitized approach to
storytelling is a significant weakness. It begins with Chisholm’s entrance into
Congress and quickly jumps to the beginning of her presidential race, focusing
primarily on her campaign. However, the film fails to devote the minutes of its
length to the woman herself, instead sprinting through notes on a timeline
rather than delving into the woman's character. The film's treatment of
Chisholm as a symbol comes at the cost of a full, thoughtful depiction.
A Terrific Performance by Regina King
Despite the film's weaknesses, Regina King delivers a
terrific performance as Shirley Chisholm. Her proud shoulders and high chin
stand out amidst her white male counterparts, and she fires back with a
prideful respect and unwavering demeanor. King's performance is a highlight of
the film, but it cannot save the movie from its lackluster storytelling.
Conclusion
Netflix's Shirley is a mixed bag, with a terrific
performance by Regina King overshadowed by the film's lack of depth and
historical accuracy. While the film is sure to increase awareness of Shirley
Chisholm, it fails to provide a nuanced and engaging portrayal of this
important historical figure.
Summery
The Netflix film Shirley, depicting the story of Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign, receives a mixed review. While Regina King delivers a standout performance as Chisholm, the film falls short in depth and historical accuracy. It focuses on the campaign but lacks a thorough exploration of Chisholm as a person. The movie's sanitized storytelling approach and lack of character development hinder its impact, despite King's compelling portrayal. Overall, Shirley offers a basic portrayal of Chisholm's political journey but misses the opportunity for a more nuanced and engaging depiction of this significant historical figure.
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