Blood Done Sign My Name had a lot of promise. The film is based on a riveting book by Tim Tyson relaying his boyhood experiences in Oxford, North Carolina, following the murder of a local man in 1970. The film has a great premise but the production quality left a lot to be desired. Even after-school specials look more polished than this film.
The story is based on Tyson's family, which moved to Oxford, NC, not too long before the murder. Tim is portrayed in the film by Gatlin Griffith. Tim's father, Vernon (Rick Shroder) is a Methodist minister who accepts an assignment to Oxford, NC. His church is divided, with strong racial tensions laying just beneath the surface. Several members of his congregation take part in Klan ceremonies, which Vernon takes his children to witness from afar. Vernon Tyson has a passion for equality and begins to push the issue.
When Vernon invites a black preacher to preside over a Sunday sermon, the congregation balks. The executive board calls a meeting and attempts to pressure Vernon into changing his mind. Vernon remains resolute and the visiting preacher appears to be well accepted. However, the racial tension soon boils over following the murder of Henry Marrow by a local shop owner. The trial and tensions that follow the murder are a snapshot of inequality that could have been taken any number of places in 1970.
Blood Done Sign My Name doesn't exactly have a happy ending. Some of the elements are a bit disjointed, not painting an entirely clear picture of the intent of a couple of characters. However, the overall theme is an important one. It plays out in a balanced approach that doesn't paint the white community as divided and the black community as saintly victims of white oppression. Instead, the good and bad in both communities are examined without judgment. Instead, we get a portrait infused with reality. While some of the characters could have used a bit more development and the story a bit more cohesiveness, it was an interesting film.
What lacked for me in this film was polish. The settings were great, although there were a few minor anachronisms. But the overall look of the movie was weak. The director, Jeb Stuart was also responsible for the screenplay, which did not capture the essence of the book effectively. The film didn't seem thrown together, but it simply didn't look sharp. There were also some issues with the acting. Shroder was excellent, but many of the performances just didn't do it for me. It looked like a stage play with some exaggerated movements at times, which aren't necessary on film like they might be on stage. I was really disappointed at the quality of the production.
Blood Done Sign My Name did not have a wide release. Since I am not far removed from Oxford, it did show at my local Indie Theater. I missed it at the theater, so it must have been short-lived. Having seen the video, I am not too upset that I didn't spend more money to watch this film. The book was better, because there was no issues with production value. It is a worthwhile story short on delivery. 6.5/10.
