#forestwhitaker

From August 1, 2022.

In an era filled with danger, deception, and intrigue, Cassian Andor embarks on a path that is destined to turn him into a Rebel hero.

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Burden has a compelling story. You can tell why Andrew Heckler was inspired by it - enough to both write and direct. Unfortunately, the approach is all wrong. Finished in 2018 and only receiving a wide release now, this drama feels like an anomaly in a post-George Floyd, post-Get Out, post-Black Panther world.

Based on true events, Mike Burden (Garrett Hedlund) is a full-fledged member of the Ku Klux Klan. His surrogate father, Tom Griffin (Tom Wilkinson) has even gifted him the deed to the soon-to-open KKK Museum in Laurens, South Carolina. After falling in love with single-mom Judy (Andrea Riseborough), she convinces him to leave his racist family. Unfortunately, the Klan's influences make both lose their jobs and their home. When Reverend Kennedy (Forest Whitaker) agrees to help, Mike’s prejudices are challenged like never before.

Burden kept me interested. It’s a shock to see a museum dedicated to the KKK opening in 1996. Tom Wilkinson’s great in his role as the grand goobligoo of the Klan. There’s also something appealing about this redneck, white trash “beauty and the beast” story. Finally, the film considers difficult questions with complex answers. As a reverend, Kennedy is compelled to help Mike, Judy, and Franklin. He walks the walk, which puts him at odds with his family, who cannot believe he has invited a man all-too-similar to the one who lynched his uncle into their home. There are powerful moments when David is confronted by his son, who asks him if he should seriously include the Klan members in his prayers. What does "praying for your enemies" really mean?

And here’s where we come to the “but”. There’s a conversation to be had about conflicting ideals in the face of hatred but it shouldn't be in a movie whose premises begins with “It’s the story of a racist who…” While there are a lot of Mike Burdens out there, his story is not provocative and tells us nothing new. Burden is yet another comfortable story about racial relations with the black characters on the sidelines. It doesn’t ask you to examine your own behavior or consider what part you play in this problem because no one watching this film is waving confederate flags, calling others n****rs, or a member of any explicitly racist club. It’s safe because everyone Mike knows or loves is trashy, poor, and uneducated. They might as well be from another planet. You can’t relate to anyone in a way that might make you upset and if your story about racism is only upsetting the people who would’ve never seen it in the first place, you’ve failed.

Burden is frustrating. The performances are solid. It has a certain "warts and all" quality that's admirable. Mike often does reprehensible things that strain your ability to care about him and Reverend Kennedy is so optimistic he infuriates his family. There are even moments that show off some of Andrew Heckler’s directorial flair. It’s clear this film has its heart in the right place but that isn’t enough. (December 27, 2020)