Mississippi Burning Essay Example

The 1988 film Mississippi Burning directed by Alan Parker is about two FBI agents, Alan Ward and Rupert Anderson, investigating the deaths of three young civil rights activists in a small corrupt Mississippi town. I thought the film was well executed, giving a great story of justice for the audience while staying true to the history of the story. 

After the disappearance of three civil rights activists, FBI agents, Alan Ward and Rupert Anderson, are brought in to investigate. Not long after they arrive they realize the townspeople are not willing to cooperate either due to the racist social construct of the town. Many within the society being a part of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) or in the “Coloured Folks'” case fear of being the next target of the Ku Klux Klan. Ward and Anderson also find the local authorities are no help to them, becoming the main suspects of this case. When the three boys are found dead Ward and Anderson's next mission is to prove members of the Ku Klux Klan is responsible for the murder.

Mississippi Burning was a good film, in my opinion, it gave the audience a great story of justice to enjoy while showing an insight into the real history of the story. 

I think that Mississippi Burning was done well because of the casting decisions, many of the characters in the film represented many real people, from the sadly abused housewife, racist socialites or scared African Americans trying to get by. Deputy Clinton Pell, the racist deputy, played by Brad Dourif is a great example. Through a group discussion, it was easy to tell that everyone who viewed the film could agree Deputy Pell was a character that caused a lot of real anger for viewers. Whether it was the sly smile he presented or smug comments about the “coloured folk” or FBI investigation, the pathetic mindset Dourif portrayed on-screen clearly showed the pig-headedness that was sadly normalised at that time.

I also believed the movie did give an insight into the real history of this story. There were a few scenes that pulled back into reality remembering this isn't just fiction, there are scenes where even kids are attacked, a woman was beaten up, though quite violent and sad to think about these were things that for me, important to include because these were real situations for some.

At the start of the film, Mississippi Burning, it is clear to see Agent Ward is a strict, follow protocol worker. It is clear to see the Mississippi town is corrupt and racist. Almost everyone in the town treats the “Coloured folk” unfairly; it doesn't take long to realize who killed the three civil rights activists, unfortunately, due to the corrupt norms in this town Agent Ward's bureau way will not cut it if they want to serve justice. Although Anderson, Ward's partner in this investigation does try to explain his way will not do, Ward neglects the advice given.

Within the first few scenes, you can see how out of his element Ward is, even though he may not even be aware of it, starting with bringing a large group of Bureau workers to help with the investigation, already setting the townspeople on edge, later on, Ward orders another hundred of workers come in to help with the search of the dead boys, this removes any chance of gathering any useful information from the townspeople as the chances of being caught out heightened with more eyes watching the higher-ups in the society ( Mayor Tilman, Sheriff Ray Stuckey, Clayton Townley, etc.) they turn to the people to stand against the FBI agents.

When Ward and Anderson visit the local diner, to show he sees himself equal to the “Coloured Folk” Ward takes a seat in the designated eating area for the African Americans, Anderson advises Ward to think again but Ward does not listen and takes a seat near a boy whom he begins to ask some questions, the boy Ward spoke to was later beaten up by members of the Ku Klux Klan for an agent speaking to him.

Ward continues to try to talk to the African American townies but is unsuccessful with his attempts as they are all afraid of becoming the next target of the KKK. Ward also tries to question the people he knows are responsible, Deputy Sheriff Clinton Pell, Mayor Tilman, Ray Stucky, Sheriff of Jessup County, Clayton Townley, Frank Bailey and Lester Cowens, but of course the culprits are not going to confess their actions so easily. While Ward tries to solve this case with his ways, Anderson is having more success with his approach, gaining the trust of others.