Two Trains Runnin'

Two Trains Runnin’ is a 2016 feature documentary film directed by Sam Pollard, narrated by Common, and featuring a range of prominent musicians and scholars such as rapper and actor Common, Grammy-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr., and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Taylor Branch. This compelling and thought-provoking film features animated sequences, interviews, and performances, all of which contribute to its gripping narrative that fuses music and civil rights to replicate the atmosphere of the era.

The film is based in Mississippi during the racially charged summer of 1964, also known as Freedom Summer. The title itself 'Two Trains Runnin” is taken from a song by Muddy Waters, apropos since a central theme of the film is blues music, more specifically, the desperate hunt for two forgotten giants of the delta blues genre, Skip James and Son House. These musicians had mysteriously disappeared during the height of their careers, much to the chagrin and fascination of curious blues lovers.

Against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, the film cleverly unfolds parallel stories of groups of young (white) blues enthusiasts from the North who realize that blues music had its roots in the South. The music they loved was not just a trend, but a voice that echoed racial inequalities. Spurred by their passion for the music, risking their lives in a notoriously racial volatile state, these dedicated fans venture into Mississippi to find their blues heroes and convince them to reprise their careers.

Simultaneously, the film delves into the dangerous terrain of the gathering civil rights movement in Mississippi as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) also ventures into the state to mobilize local African-Americans to register to vote. The state had been an epicenter of racial prejudice and segregation, and this imbroglio culminated in the infamous murders of three young civil rights activists who had also arrived in Mississippi for Freedom Summer, events that subsequently incensed the nation further.

Two Trains Runnin’ is far from just a documentary about a passionate music scavenger hunt. It juxtaposes the stories of those searching for their blues idols with the prevailing turbulent environment of the Civil Rights era and Freedom Summer, highlighting the convergence of a cultural revolution with a social and political revolution. It uses individuals' pursuit of blues legends to exemplify how blues music served as an influential force in shedding light on racial injustice.

One of the mesmerizing elements of the film is the integration of colorful and vivid animations that illuminate a sense of the era. The film is poetically narrated by rapper and activist Common, weaving historical footage with interviews and captivating performances by various music artists, including Gary Clark Jr. Also, the film boasts commentary by celebrated personalities like Taylor Branch, who provides a scholarly brush on the film's narrative canvas.

As much as it is a history lesson, Two Trains Runnin' is also a film about the legacy of a genre of music and how deeply it has been engraved into the identity of a country. A number of contemporary musical performances throughout the film link past to present, showcasing the enduring influence of blues. This film not only offers a voice to the silent idols of a nearly forgotten genre, but also a palpable sense of the time, place, and heavy historical events that gave rise to such iconic music.

Director Sam Pollard masterfully balances these intermingling narratives, crafting a film that is both a homage to the power of music and a stark reminder of a tumultuous period in American history. The resonance of Two Trains Runnin’ is created through its storytelling, compelling characters, and its amplified focus on the intrinsic relationship between music and social change.

In conclusion, Two Trains Runnin' is a weaving cinematic tapestry of music history, social justice, and cultural awakening. For those who love music, history, or both, this film is an exploration of underground passions, above-ground struggles, and the relentless march toward equality and freedom. It is also a tribute to the transformative power of art in the face of oppression and a testament to how essential music is linked to the human spirit.