Watched this today for the upteenth time with someone who has never seen it; something had to be done about that, especially since she had read the book. This film is special in many ways. Produced by Alan J. Pakula, this adaptation of Harper Lee's classic novel shines in beautiful black-and-white and his dominated by Gregory Peck's humble yet authoritative portrayal of Atticus Finch, arguably America's ideal patriarchal symbol. Essentially a coming-of-age story, the events experienced by Scout and Jem are life-changing as they re-mold the world they thought they new, including their view of their own father. Individuals' worth get re-assessed as social conventions get tested, the justice system gets raped and old fears prove themselves unfounded; never a lack of new ones to take their place. A great trip back to the bold innocence of childhood, Mockingbird is not only one of Peck's most memorable performances but also one of the best cinematic demonstration of America's ideals being at odd with its practices.
This movie definitely did the book justice. The characters really came to life and I think the cast was picked out perfectly. It definitely did not disappoint and the black and white gave it a perfect feel. Thanks for watching it with me! Nice to watch a film with somebody who knows what they are talking about!
ReplyDeleteGregory Peck was perfectly cast as Atticus Finch. I have a bit of a problem with films that have victims of racism as defenceless victims ("mockingbirds"), while the real heroes are enlightened members of the majority community (like the filmmakers!). There are a bunch of what I call "mockingbird movies", from Gentleman's Agreement (with Gregory Peck as a journalist going undercover to write a piece to be called "I Was a Jew for Six Months") to Denzel Washington becoming a better person by defending helpless Tom Hanks in Philadelphia.
ReplyDeleteThat said, To Kill a Mockingbird is the best of these films, partly because the original novel is brilliant, and I can forgive it everything for the scene with "Stand up, your father's passing." And also Robert Duvall is perfect as Boo Radley.