Movie Review #8 ~ The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

Although both The Grapes of Wrath the book and the movie are considered cinematic and literary masterpieces, there are many key differences between the two that greatly alter the overall feeling of the work. The book highlights the stark and harsh realities of life during this time, while the movie takes on a much more optimistic view. Despite some of these startling differences, the movie contains elements worthy of praise. 

             In one of the very first scenes, as Muley Graves is telling Tom and Casy about how he and his family got tractored off the land, the cinematography is particularly noteworthy. The director makes use of a flashback to show the dramatic moment when the family had to helplessly watch the tractor tear down their house. As the tractor pulls away, the camera pans to the family, showing their grim faces. The camera then moves to show the family’s shadow against the ground, long and thin. This particularly highlights the idea that the family who has lived in the same place for generations has become nothing more than a shadow of a memory to the land.

            The lighting throughout the movie is also worth mentioning; the majority of the movie is shot in the dark, with only a single dim light source illuminating the actors’ faces. Although this sort of environment would most likely have been very difficult to shoot in, it was successful in delivering a powerful part of the message to the audience. The constant darkness throughout the film shows the bleak and rather frightening nature of the situation that these farmer families have been placed in. There is no escaping the darkness, just as there is no way out of the families’ unfortunate positions.

            A key element that was left out in the movie, however, was the unforgettable ending scene in which Rose of Sharon suckles a dying man. Although this scene is admittedly scandalous, especially for this time period, it was an essential scene to the story. This conclusion showed the reality of the Joads’ difficult situation rather than painting on a false happy ending. It also was crucial in showing the growth of arguably the most spoiled member of the family, Rose of Sharon. This scene demonstrated that even she had to adapt to the unfortunate circumstances and help out as much as she could. Leaving this scene out and ending the movie on a rather positive note with Ma’s hopeful words completely changed the feeling of the movie and took away much of the emotional impact it originally had.

            All in all, both the book and the movie had positive qualities. Although the movie would have been much better had it included some key points in the story, it was well-made on the whole, especially considering the conservative period in which they were working.