“On the day that I was born Black, I was also born homosexual. They either believe in freedom and justice for all, or they do not.” —Colman Domingo in “Rustin.”
George C. Wolfe’s 20th century historical film “Rustin” could have been subtitled, “Traditional Biopic of Worthy Subject Told in Straightforward, No-Nonsense Fashion,” for it is reminiscent of dozens if not hundreds of entries in this genre, at times resembling a solidly researched Wikipedia entry brought to life. More often than not, the dialogue turns into quotable speechifying and the overwrought score pounds the points home in decidedly unsubtle fashion, but thanks to the performances of an outstanding ensemble led by Colman Domingo’s electric and moving work in the title role, this is a valuable portrait of a man who hasn’t exactly been forgotten to history but is hardly a household name. (He should be.)
