Review of The Grapes of Wrath (1940) by Sven V — 03 Oct 2011

Yet another work of literary blurred and distorted in its film equivalent by communist paranoia due to the area, but at least this one was spared the brunt of the "Red" scare due to its proximity to the political environment of WWII.

There was plenty that I enjoyed about the movie, including the performances and the distinct feeling of an American poverty epic. Sweeping cinematography, powerful set pieces (I'll never shake the image of those children scrambling for tin cans), memorable characters, and poetic monologues make for an engaging experience.

Nevertheless, I can't help but feel somewhat conflicted by the overt changes made to the plot of the movie and its vaguely optimistic ending in which the protagonist leaves his family behind in search of contributing to some unnamed, elusive social justice.

For such a dreary and depressing film, the ending seemed rather tacked on when actually the fates of our characters are left wide open for debate. We have no reason to suspect that they will endure past their next temporary stint of picking (wherever that may be) and this leaves room for some truly provocative and unsettling afterthoughts, but it isn't much of a resolution except for the most naive of moviegoers.

A happy ending? Impossible.