Adapting an autobiography
for film always carries a unique set of challenges: making sure to present the
subject as fully as the text dictates, but also stepping back for some
objectivity and complexity. When the person is Nelson Mandela- the face of the South
African Anti-Apartheid Movement- the task becomes even greater.
Mandela: Long
Walk to Freedom, based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, and directed by
British filmmaker Justin Chadwick, follows Mandela from childhood, to his resistance and leadership within the African National Congress (ANC), his imprisonment,
and his long-awaited election as the first black president of South Africa at
the close of Apartheid. To capture the extensive amount of action in this
period, the film jumps around to different events and people, never spending
too much time in one place. An early scene involving Mandela’s alleged adultery
in his first marriage, and the family he left behind are given little attention
before being overshadowed by later themes and characters.
While the film
may have too quick of a timeline, its two stars keep it grounded. During the
beginning of the film, it is difficult not to notice that you are looking at a
very attractive portrayal of Mandela- the Idris Elba version. I worried that
this would take attention away from the story, but it didn’t. Elba gradually transforms
into Mandela. Early scenes of him dancing and flirting with women were fun but
not as convincing. However, a later scene where he delivers what would become
Mandela’s landmark statement during the Rivonia trial showcased his mastery of
Mandela’s accent, voice, posture, and presence, culminating in one of the most
powerful lines in the film: “It is an ideal for which I’m prepared to die.”
Naomie Harris
is a Godsend as his wife and fellow activist Winnie Mandela, showing a delicate balance of
tenderness, passion, and anger. While Elba definitely masters Mandela, Harris
is endowed with a fascinating character arc in Winnie. On one of their first dates, Winnie
passionately tells Nelson that she “hates” the white Apartheid regime, and they
continue to flirt and kiss. Later, when Nelson is imprisoned, Winnie becomes
the target of unjust government interrogation and physical abuse. That anger
and hatred begin to manifest and grow inside of her. One title sequence reads:
“After 16 months in solitary confinement” as she sits frozen in a dank cell,
and we are introduced to a new Winnie Mandela. She yells “Amandla Ngawethu”
with an earth-shattering force. Harris conveys this character with an
incredible range, and we understand why and how Winnie chose a more militant
path. Harris’s performance goes up notches through out the film, while is difficult
to see that same kind of arc or foundation in Nelson.
In a way,
Harris’ and Elba’s portrayals balance out one another, but we are aware
that we are watching a great man become greater and nobler, but not always
aware of internal conflict in him. Shot in contrasting tones of grays and
yellows to match the decay of Robben Island prison juxtaposed with the warm
hues of the rural South African landscape, Chadwick wants to convey the many
worlds that Mandela experienced, but the treatment of the Apartheid regime was
often reduced to scenes of massive shooting and bodies falling. While there is
no denying the overwhelming violence during that time, a more distinct and
affecting portrayal of the brutality during Apartheid-similar to the
psychological toll shown in Winnie- would’ve really elevated the film, and
given Mandela a stronger foundation.
Ultimately,
this is a film anchored by its performances and reverence for the man it
portrays. Harris stands out, adding an unorthodox dimension to
the routine biopic format. In those ways, it should encourage viewers to reinvest in Mandela and the spirit and rebellion of the anti-Apartheid movement.
The Weinstein Company will open the film in the USA on November 29. Watch a 20-minute featurette below, which takes viewers inside the making of the film:
