Review of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) by Jacob M — 16 Jun 2013

Based on the award-winning novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), an honest, respected lawyer living in Alabama during the Great Depression. His career is put to the test when he is called to defend Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a man falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell (Collin Paxton), mostly due to the fact that he's black. During all of this, Atticus's two kids, Jem (Philip Alford) and Scout (Mary Badham) learn more about racism and mature in their years.

Also appearing in this film includes Robert Duvall as Boo Radley, a man who is viewed as a mental psychopath by the town, John Megna as Dill, Jem and Scout's friend, Frank Overton as Sheriff Tate, Estelle Evans as the Finch's maid Calpurnia, and James Anderson as Bob Ewell, the father of the victim who is not only racist towards Tom, but also towards Atticus and his family.

In my freshman year of high school, I was assigned to read To Kill a Mockingbird in my English class, as with many other kids over the years, and my opinion of the book was not good. I viewed the book as boring and too long and it needed more focus on Atticus and not the kids.

When coming across the film, however, I was certain that I would at least enjoy it more than the book, and I was right, but the film ended up exceeding my expectations.

The reason why To Kill a Mockingbird works as a film is the overall message of the film about racism. When it was released in 1962, the Civil Rights Movement was going on, and I believe that this film helped make the movement a success. The studio took a risk at releasing it during a movement like this, and they paid off. If Lawrence of Arabia wasn't released the same year, then this probably would have won Best Picture.

One of the most unique things about To Kill a Mockingbird is the decision to film it in black-and-white, during a decade when more films were being released in color. I think this decision to film it in the traditional black-and-white format was a smart decision. The tone really works here, and it wouldn't have worked as well if it was made in color. The black-and-white really makes the cinematography stand out.

Elmer Bernstein's score is haunting and beautiful. The opening theme is just stunning, especially considering at the originality of the opening credits sequence.

The acting is the big standout of the film. I give special credit to the performance of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, who won an Oscar for this role, beating out Peter O'Toole for his acclaimed role in Lawrence of Arabia, which caused a huge controversy by Lawrence fans. In my opinion, while O'Toole was great as Lawrence, Peck really earned his Oscar. The way he presented his character is just magnificent. The scene in the courtroom is just chilling.

Generally, when there are kids in a film, it either helps a film or kills a film. Jurassic Park was a good example at nearly killing a film due to the child actors in it. To Kill a Mockingbird, on the other hand, has some pretty good child actors in it. Mary Badham, who plays Scout, is just fantastic. Considering that this was her first acting role, you'd think that she had done acting before. Same with Philip Alford as Jem.

While I was skeptical as how a film based on the overrated book would turn out, I'm glad I watched To Kill a Mockingbird, cause it is a million gazillion times better than the book, and does it's purpose at moving and informing people about the sins of racism. Peck will always be remembered for playing Atticus Finch, and in a million years after his death, he will still be remembered.