An Invitation to Attend a Reception and Screening of Lawmen: Bass Reeves featuring Actor David Oyelowo at the Motion Picture Association
By Cheryl L. Dixon, DC Film Society Member
Membership has its privileges. On November 13, 2023, Film Society members were invited to attend a pre-reception, followed by a screening of Episodes 1 & 2 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves on Paramount+, remarks from Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX), and a Q&A hosted by CBS Mornings Michelle Miller at the Motion Picture Association (MPA). The panel initially included the series Creators, but thanks to ending of the SAG-AFTRA strike, Actors David Oyelowo and Lauren E. Banks were also participants. Lawmen: Bass Reeves tells the true story of Bass Reeves, masterfully portrayed by Oyelowo, a legendary lawman (officially U.S. Deputy Marshal – he was one of the first Black men to hold such a position), a former slave, who served in the Civil War, with a love for his family and dedication to equal justice under the law. This series chronicles his rise from slavery to freedom and the remarkable ability to wear a badge and carry a gun enforcing the law in the Wild West (Indian Territory in Arkansas and Texas) during Reconstruction. Reeve’s outstanding record of arrests, and his heroic ability to ensure fairness amongst the diverse populations, including Indians, immigrant settlers, and freedmen, are rumored to have him considered the real-life inspiration for the fictional Lone Ranger character. A little-known, and heretofore untold story, is now here for us to enjoy, and is currently streaming on Paramount+.
The Reception
It’s always a pleasure to attend screenings at the MPA, especially considering the moment of the ending of the Actor’s strike, as the MPA is the union representing Hollywood before Congress. Invited guests mingled in the Lobby and shared knowledge of the series, including that David Oyelowo (Selma) and Taylor Sheridan (1883) were the Executive Producers, and the stellar cast also included Dennis Quaid, Moses Brings Plenty, Donald Sutherland, Lauren E. Banks, and Barry Pepper. After viewing the Hollywood artifacts, larger than life, big-screen electronic images of the show, and indulging in delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails, it didn’t take long for us to see David Oyelowo in the mix. So, of course, we sauntered over, introduced ourselves, and got our selfies. I thanked him for taking the helm on this project and we chatted briefly about other subjects, including doing Christmas shopping at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Then, it was showtime, with complimentary popcorn, and the comfort of lush, plush theatre seats.
The Screening
Out of the background of slavery, post-slavery Reconstruction, and westward movement infringing on Indian lands, emerged the fascinating story of Bass Reeves, as mentioned previously one of the first Black U.S. Marshals. The first two episodes introduce us to the character, initially enslaved, his family, and the context in which he lived post-slavery, taking advantage of the fleeting opportunities available for freed men. David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Bass Reeves is sensitive and nuanced. He captures the great love of his character for his family, his respect for the dignity of the Indians, learning and speaking their languages, and his quest for fairness and equality. Everyone had equal access under the law. He also demonstrates that Reeves was no pushover, we understand that he bravely fought in gun battles, and never shied away from a fight.
The Q&A
Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) provided some introductory remarks about Reeves and his contributions. He spoke of nostalgia, his love of Westerns like “The Rifleman” and “Gunsmoke”, filming in Texas, and tax credits offered for filming there. Moderator Michelle Miller then deftly asked several hard-hitting questions from the panelists: Chad Feehan, Creator & Executive Producer; Damian Marcano, Director; David Oyelowo (Actor); Sidney Thompson (Historical Consultant); and Lauren E. Banks (Actor).
From these, the audience learned that Oyelowo always wanted to ride a horse and was thrilled with the opportunity to learn how to ride for this role, and that bringing this story to fruition took eight years. The image of a family man, riding a horse, holding a gun, being rough and tough invoked heroic cowboy images of yesteryear that many of us grew up with. We learned that the series was shot in Fort Worth, Texas, that Reeves grew up in Arkansas and that he initially served in the Civil War on the Confederate side, as he accompanied his owner. He also ran away, temporarily leaving his wife and children, and eventually lived free at a Trading Post, circa 1865, in what was then known as Indian Territory, where eventually he learned to speak several Indian languages. A lot of written information on his life is available, and two of his qualifications for the position of Deputy U.S. Marshal were that he was somebody who “knows Choctaw and can shoot.” He was a farmer. My favorite questions posed by Miller were to ask about “pinch me, serendipity, divine intervention” moments and to ask how working on the series had changed them (was there a connection to the ancestors?). Attendees weren’t able to ask any questions, however, I would have asked about the preparation for the role (was there a study of photographs, books, historical records, journals/diaries?).
Conclusion
This is a well-researched, high-quality production with superb acting and careful attention to historical accuracy and details in the sets, costume design, hairstyles, etc. The complex challenges and triumphs of the post-Civil War, Reconstruction era experienced by the Indians, freedmen, Asians, and settlers, including immigrants, in their westward movement and the plight of Indians with claims on their native lands are on full display here. Sensitive issues, these, that remain challenges today. Go see this series to learn more about this pivotal period in American History. It’s an American story, well-told. Currently streaming on Paramount+. See the website.
