M.L.K. (Should We Know It Everything?)

It has always been my opinion that when people die it preserves their legacy. The thought is rather elementary when you think about it. In death there is no chance to tarnish good deeds, great accomplishments, and towering reputations with faux pas, or mistakes.

This rings especially true for people who have gained some measure of notoriety. But is it fair to pick and choose certain aspects of their lives to embrace, and certain aspects of their lives to ignore?

Oliver Stone announced that he is no longer on board to write and direct a biopic about the The Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stone took to Twitter to explain that his rewrite of the script, which dealt with “issues of adultery, conflicts within the movement, and King’s spiritual transformation” was not well received by producers. It’s unclear how or if Stone’s leaving will affect Jamie Foxx, who was attached to star in the DreamWorks and Warner Bros production.

Warner Bros. declined to comment on the news. 

Read Stone’s explanation below, ending with a note to King himself:

Sad news. My MLK project involvement has ended. I did an extensive rewrite of the script, but the producers won’t go with it.

— Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone) January 17, 2014

The script dealt w/ issues of adultery, conflicts within the movement, and King’s spiritual transformation into a higher, more radical being — Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone)January 17, 2014

I’m told the estate & the ‘respectable’ black community that guard King’s reputation won’t approve it. They suffocate the man & the truth. — Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone)January 17, 2014

I wish you could see the film I would’ve made. I fear if ‘they’ ever make it, it’ll be just another commemoration of the March on Washington

— Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone) January 17, 2014

Martin, I grieve for you. You are still a great inspiration for your fellow Americans—but, thank God, not a saint.

— Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone) January 17, 2014

While it is always a beautiful thing to highlight and honor the life of Dr. King, and hold him up as a shining example to the world, it is as equally important to point out that he was able to change the world despite his flaws. If we choose to pronounce his attributes while ignoring his humanity it acts as a detourant to the very same people that Dr. King hoped to inspire. In fact it renders the aspirations of those who hope to be like him impossible.

PR