Review of Sullivan's Travels (1941) by Joshua G — 08 Jun 2012

This highly-regarded, classic film of a movie executive wanting to make a film showing the gritty, realism of Depression-era America needs to be watched in the context of the year it was released and compared against anything at the time.

Otherwise, it's importance and the respect it deserves is easily overlooked. Upon the screen of a 2012 audience, the movie may seem average and so dated as to be misunderstood. However, it is a dark comedy, one of the first of its kind, and should be noted for how gritty and honest it truly is, especially for 1941.

Since I've been watching a lot of classic films lately, it was easy to notice how the "language" and "attitude" of this film is definitely cutting-edge compared to its contemporaries.

John Sullivan applies the "method" manner of film development by taking on the persona of a homeless, every-day man in order to obtain the feel of how his audiences were dealing with real life.

Comedy and drama ensue, but eventually, he learns more than he bargained for.