"So Who Do We Shoot?"

"If hard times are here again, maybe it's time for Hollywood to once again stand up for the downtrodden." -- N.Y. Times critic A.O. Scott in a video assessment of John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath (1940), one of the older big-studio films that I've sworn by all my life.


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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on November 18, 2008 at 12:06 PM

comment #1

Sabina E Author Profile Page says ...

they are remaking every fucking movie out there.

They might as well fucking remake this movie and get it over with.

Posted by Sabina E Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 12:38 PM

comment #2

Jay Author Profile Page says ...

It would not need a remake, for a movie from Steinbeck's novel has never been made. If you are passionate about this book, then it is very difficult to see Ford's film version as anything but a GIGANTIC misfire. In addition to the melodramatic, voice-cracking actors, it lets you down at all the key spots, edits out the biggest scenes of unity (flood levy-building & life-saving breastfeeding) and has the biggest cop-out Hollywood ending of all-time ("well, we've been through some hard times, but..."). I have been really hoping for some Balls-of-Steel director to come along and save the original work from this hatchet job.

If you haven't read or do not enjoy the book, maybe Ford's film is fine...

Posted by Jay Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 2:57 PM

comment #3

Chicago48 Author Profile Page says ...

Great movie. Great Casting. Leave it alone.

Posted by Chicago48 Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 3:25 PM

comment #4

K. Bowen Author Profile Page says ...

Oh, I don't think we're quite in back in The Depression yet.

Posted by K. Bowen Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 3:27 PM

comment #5

Howlingman Author Profile Page says ...

"If hard times are here again, maybe it's time for Hollywood to once again stand up for the downtrodden."

Sure -- because nothing will warm the hearts of the downtrodden more than a bunch of A-listers commanding 20 mil a picture telling them "we feel your pain," and charging said downtrodden 14 bucks a pop.

Posted by Howlingman Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 4:07 PM

comment #6

lbeale Author Profile Page says ...

Sheesh, Jay, give it a rest. I've read the book three times, think it is absolutely The Great American Novel, and I love this movie. It's moving, beautifully directed, sensitive, etc., etc. Melodramatic actors? Henry Fonda? The indomitable Jane Darwell? Puh-leeze!!!
Jeff is right on this puppy. This is a great and glorious American film.

Posted by lbeale Author Profile Page at November 18, 2008 5:12 PM

comment #7

T. S. Idiot Author Profile Page says ...

Backing up Jay. Can't stand the film for the reasons he gives and Ford's cloying salt-of-the-earth sentimentality. Same reasons How Green Was My Valley is unwatchable.

Posted by T. S. Idiot Author Profile Page at November 19, 2008 6:38 AM

comment #8

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comment #9

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