Review of The Grapes of Wrath (1940) by Kylie P — 16 Feb 2010

From August 17, 2008:

The book version of The Grapes of Wrath had more to it, from beginning to end. It seems that there was a larger insurrection either spearheaded or helped along by Tom in the book that wasn't in the film. His moving final speech was followed by a more physical struggle in the book, something concrete or tangible to give meaning to Tom's best-intentioned ideals as he leaves his family behind in order to distract the law's watchful eyes from them. The film, thus, seemed incomplete, even despite Ma Joad's eloquent monologue about survival and continuing on in life. The adaptation was very good, but it was definitely not perfect.

That's not to say that this wasn't a very good film. It was engaging and evenly paced, and John Ford accentuated aspects of the novel that made everything more film-friendly, including focusing more on the family and the effects of the times on the family. This film painted a searing and moving portrait of the conditions created by the Great Depression.

And really, that portrait was made all the more convincing by the performances of this great ensemble cast. The most charismatic and engaging performance belonged to Henry Fonda, who was, without a doubt, a legend in the making after The Grapes of Wrath. He wore Tom Joad easily, like a comfortable jacket, and created a complete suspension of disbelief. Plus, the relationship between him and his mother proved to be the heart, if not the soul, of the film, and Jane Darwell's Oscar was deservedly earned. Ma Joad's touching need for connection with her affected son, emphasized through a combination of sweetness and toughness as portrayed by Darwell, is equally endearing and heartbreaking. As for filmmaking technique, there seemed to be nothing particularly superior, groundbreaking, or noteworthy other than the use of natural scenery and light to paint contrasts between the dusty, poverty-stricken Oklahoma countryside and the sunny and lush California valleys.

The themes of both film and novel cling to ideals that were immortalized on parchments that laid the foundation for our country: the pursuits of life, liberty, happiness, property...in short, striving for a piece of the American Dream, with the American family at its core. The book was great; the film was good. Either is recommendable.