Ben Larson It may not be the best film about race relations in the South. Mississippi Burning and A Time To Kill have more intensity, but it is still compelling and worth watching for some great performances.Alec Balwin (Bobby DeLaughter) turned in a fine performance. Personally, I feel it is the best he has ever done.James Woods was perfect as Byron De La Beckwith. He channeled the venomous hatred and cocky arrogance so familiar in those who were consumed with their self-worth, gained by stomping on others. This performance resulted in an Oscar nomination in a year with many fine performances.Dixie DeLaughter, played by Virginia Madsen, shows how ingrained racism is in the South, and how difficult, if not impossible, it is for a marriage to survive with a disparity in views, whether it be race or politics.I also enjoyed seeing Wayne Rogers as Morris Dees, even if it was a small role.This is an important film that should be seen by all who care about the state of race relations in this country.It should also be see by all young people so they can see a sign at a gas station saying 22 cents a gallon. Those were the days.

Chrysanthepop Rob Reiner's 'Ghosts of Mississipi' is based on a relatively less known (today) reopening of Medger Evers racially motivated murder case. Starting with the flaws of the film, I can see why many would comment that this is another 'white man rescues the oppressed black people flick'. To balance this out, the director could have portrayed more of Evers's life and the significance of what he did and also developed the story of his wife who's an integral part, show more of her (and the family's) struggle. Here the focus is almost entirely on Baldwin's DeLaughter and the obstacles he faces during the trial. The film also appears to be a tad glossy.What does work, even though the story is predictable, is the level of suspense and tension which is very well maintained. You know what'll happen in the end but you still root for Delaughter to succeed every step. Alec Baldwin does a brilliant job as the lawyer who's taken by the injustice and brutality of the crime and seeks to bring justice to the family and community. Whoopi Goldberg wonderfully downplays her part. 'Wish there was more of her. Her character doesn't seem to have 'aged' in 27 years (except for the darker circles round her eyes). James Wood is great as the hateful De la Beckwith.'Ghosts of Mississipi' could have been more if only more of the late Medgar and his wife's life was included but it certainly is a watchable film that reminds one of a forgotten important event in America.

namashi_1 Rob Reiner's 'Ghosts Of Mississippi' is a golden opportunity, gone wrong. Though based on a disturbing yet moving story, the on-screen interpretation doesn't hold you completely.'Ghosts Of Mississippi' is based on the true story of the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith, a white supremacist accused of the 1963 assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.Rob Reiner knows his job. He is a very talented storyteller, and his direction even in here is good. But, the writing has many loopholes. As mentioned, the true-story, doesn't get it's due. The writing in the first hour doesn't work and bores. Sure, the climax is dramatic & effective, but the damage is already done by then. John Seale's Cinematography is alright.Peroformance-Wise: Alec Baldwin as Bobby DeLaughter does fairly well. James Woods is very impressive as the conniving Byron De La Beckwith, while Whoopi Goldberg as Myrlie Evers is fair. Virginia Madsen is wasted. William H. Macy and Craig T. Nelson are okay. Others lend able support.On the whole, A golden opportunity gone wrong. At best, An Average Fare!

alicecbr The specter of Gov. Barnett shaking the hand of DeLaBeckwith in front of the jury reminds me of the great line of 1 reporter to another: "You're not in America, you're in Mississippi." One exception: Mississippi has a Air America Radio Station. My home state, Alabama doesn't, so maybe they're leap-frogging your intellectual progress. I can't forget that your state gave birth to William Faulkner, as mine did Truman Capote and Harper Lee. Nor that Mississippi gave birth to BB King and Robert Johnson, as well as many other blues greats, who wrote the blues because of the 'inspiration' given them by the atmosphere in Mississippi.The movie has Medgar Evers' brother AND Alec Baldwin as Bobby Laughter saying, "You can change the law, but it will be a long time before their hearts are changed." Alec refuses to tell Mrs. Evers (Whoopi Goldberg in a great role) that they've found the gun (in his father-in-laws house, a judge who may or may not have presided at the 1st 2 mistrials where DeLabeckwith is ridiculously freed by an all-white jury). His new wife points out that "You were afraid she would leak it", indicating that there's mistrust on both sides.Great movie. I STILL want to read that review off your Univ. of Mississippi site of the book. Wonder if Judge Bobby Laughter still lives. He's no Alec Baldwin, but he had guts, as did Judge Johnson of Alabama, who paid for his courage with his life from the white supremacists' exploded bomb. Never forget that it's the silence of the educated middle classes that promotes such hatred as we've seen in Mississippi and Alabama.Watching the first scenes between Judge Laughter (Alec Baldwin) and his blonde wife evoked memories of Kim Bassinger, who bought a town in Georgia. Wonder how many of those scenes Alec used his ex-wife for inspiration in preparation for.Here's something to chew on: Alec Baldwin and George Clooney have been featured in some fantastic films about human savagery disguised in business suits. Arnold and Reagan were in films that extolled human savagery and buffoonery. Can we extrapolate from that who would make the better president? Baldwin and Clooney have the intelligence, the looks (unfortunately, that's important in our increasingly superficial citizenry), and the compassion to make great presidents, n'est ces pas?Good movie AND timely. From Alabama, I was especially interested in the newsreel shots at the beginning. The cops beating the black people reminds me of what happens to dissenters today nation-wide.