If you've ever doubted that truth could be stranger than fiction, you won't after viewing American Violet. Based on true events surrounding reluctant and (as a stereotypical unwed teen mom working as a waitress)—unlikely heroine under the pseudonym Dee Roberts, the 2008 release depicts one woman's story. Starting with her arrest in Texas in late 2000, it sheds light on the virtual police state imposed upon residents of a besieged housing project where Roberts, her children, the father of two of her four daughters, and his girlfriend live. The storyline, however, culminates differently then usual Hollywood-scripted endings, in early 2002.
You'll be shocked and appalled as the real-life saga, at times more harrowing than a roller coaster ride, unfolds. Multi-layered with a multitude of insightful twists and turns throughout, including Roberts' volatile relationship with her babies' daddy and their embittered back and forth custody battle; you can't write this stuff.
The filmmakers note the Texas community represents a microcosm of many U.S. cities plagued by similar problems that exist all over America, and Roberts quickly learns 'the truth will not always set you free.' At the heart of the compelling urban drama is the profound impact of a singular change in Texas judicial law that significantly impacts the penal system, which potentially affects scores of minorities. Thousands were literally swept up in the nearly ten-year, tyrannical reign of terror led by the bigoted district attorney against inhabitants of the public complex to insure they reached maximum numbers of drug convictions.
While the cast features mostly unknowns in key supporting parts, veteran stage, screen and TV stars Alfre Woodard (the first black neighbor on Desperate Housewives) as Roberts' mother, and former Roc series lead Charles Dutton in the pivotal role of the local reverend. Hip Hop icon Xzibit, plays Roberts' ex. Brooklyn, NY native Malcolm Barrett distinguishes himself as the second ACLU attorney helping to bring down the corrupt D.A. and overtly racist drug enforcement agency.
Directed by Tim Disney, grandnephew of Walt, American Violet is world's apart from the classic animated features and family-oriented comedies the family business was built on. This Disney is adapting serious themes to entertain, as well as inform and enlighten.
You'll be shocked and appalled as the real-life saga, at times more harrowing than a roller coaster ride, unfolds. Multi-layered with a multitude of insightful twists and turns throughout, including Roberts' volatile relationship with her babies' daddy and their embittered back and forth custody battle; you can't write this stuff.
The filmmakers note the Texas community represents a microcosm of many U.S. cities plagued by similar problems that exist all over America, and Roberts quickly learns 'the truth will not always set you free.' At the heart of the compelling urban drama is the profound impact of a singular change in Texas judicial law that significantly impacts the penal system, which potentially affects scores of minorities. Thousands were literally swept up in the nearly ten-year, tyrannical reign of terror led by the bigoted district attorney against inhabitants of the public complex to insure they reached maximum numbers of drug convictions.
While the cast features mostly unknowns in key supporting parts, veteran stage, screen and TV stars Alfre Woodard (the first black neighbor on Desperate Housewives) as Roberts' mother, and former Roc series lead Charles Dutton in the pivotal role of the local reverend. Hip Hop icon Xzibit, plays Roberts' ex. Brooklyn, NY native Malcolm Barrett distinguishes himself as the second ACLU attorney helping to bring down the corrupt D.A. and overtly racist drug enforcement agency.
Directed by Tim Disney, grandnephew of Walt, American Violet is world's apart from the classic animated features and family-oriented comedies the family business was built on. This Disney is adapting serious themes to entertain, as well as inform and enlighten.