Detroit (2017)
Detroit (2017) is a fact-based drama that reconstructs events during and after the 1967 Detroit riots, focusing on a particularly harrowing incident at the Algiers Motel. The film portrays the escalating tensions between African Americans and law enforcement during a period of civil unrest, and the devastating consequences of unchecked authority. It is a stark depiction of a pivotal moment in American history, exploring themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and the search for truth amidst chaos.
History
The film *Detroit* centers on the events that unfolded in the summer of 1967, a time marked by widespread civil disturbances across the United States. The 1967 Detroit riot, among the most violent and destructive urban uprisings in American history, served as the backdrop for the film’s narrative. The riot was sparked by a police raid on an unlicensed after-hours club in a predominantly Black neighborhood, escalating into days of looting, arson, and confrontations between residents and law enforcement[1]. The city was placed under curfew, and the Michigan National Guard was deployed to restore order.
The film specifically focuses on the events that transpired at the Algiers Motel, where a group of young Black men and two white women sought refuge during the unrest. A detachment of police officers, responding to reports of gunfire, subjected the motel’s occupants to intimidation, harassment, and ultimately, violence[2]. This incident resulted in the deaths of three young men, and became a focal point of investigation and controversy in the aftermath of the riots. *Detroit* aims to portray the events at the Algiers Motel with a degree of historical accuracy, based on extensive research and interviews.
Production
- Detroit* was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, the same team behind the critically acclaimed *The Hurt Locker* and *Zero Dark Thirty*. The film was produced by Megan Ellison, Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Matthew Budman, Colin Wilson, and Greg Shapiro[3]. Annapurna Pictures and First Light served as the film’s production companies. The production team undertook significant research to accurately depict the atmosphere and events of 1967 Detroit, including interviews with survivors of the Algiers Motel incident and individuals who lived through the riots.
The film features a cast including John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, John Krasinski, and Anthony Mackie[4]. Barry Ackroyd served as the cinematographer, and William Goldenberg and Harry Yoon were the film’s editors. The musical score was composed by James Newton Howard. The film’s runtime is 2 hours and 23 minutes, and it received an R rating.
Critical Reception
- Detroit* received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unflinching portrayal of racial tensions and police brutality. Roger Ebert’s review noted the film’s build-up to the extended sequence based on the real events at the Algiers Motel[5]. The film’s historical accuracy and its willingness to confront difficult subject matter were also frequently cited as strengths. However, some critics also expressed concerns about the film’s length and its potentially exploitative depiction of violence.
On IMDb, the film has a rating of 7.3/10 based on over 59,000 ratings[6]. It was released in 2017 and has become a significant work in the genre of historical dramas. Britannica recognizes the film as focusing on the city’s 1967 riots, alongside other films addressing significant historical events[7].
Real Events and Accuracy
The film *Detroit* is based on real events that occurred during the 1967 Detroit riots, with a particular emphasis on the tragic and horrifying events at the Algiers Motel[8]. The filmmakers conducted extensive research to ensure the film’s accuracy, including interviews with survivors, witnesses, and historians. While the film takes certain dramatic liberties for narrative purposes, it strives to remain faithful to the core events and the emotional truth of the situation.
The incident at the Algiers Motel involved members of the 82nd Airborne Division and the Detroit Police Department who subjected the occupants to psychological and physical abuse, ultimately resulting in the deaths of Carl Danes, Aubrey Pollard, and Fred Temple. The film depicts the chaos and confusion of the situation, as well as the racial biases that contributed to the officers’ actions. The aftermath of the incident involved a lengthy investigation and trial, but the outcome was widely criticized as a miscarriage of justice. The film aims to shed light on this dark chapter in American history and to raise questions about accountability and systemic racism.
1967 Detroit riot
Kathryn Bigelow
Mark Boal
Racial injustice
Detroit history