Here's an interesting bit of Sunday reading for you: The Reputation of Classic Women's Pictures: Gone with the wind? discussing the legacy of Gone with the Wind the movie and other "women's pictures" of classic Hollywood in today's film culture. Enjoy and let us know what you think. Do you agree with the article's assessment?
It's an interesting article, but regarding the internet, "fanboy-driven" culture, I can only ask..."Who cares?"
ReplyDeleteInternet fandom is so small and niche-driven to begin with, if a few hundred male film nerds on the internet want to dismiss GWTW, let them. They don't represent mainstream views about film and frankly, neither does the AFI. Neither does the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, come to think of it.
Interesting article, and telling of these times. I fear that GWTW is not appreciated in this age because of concerns about racism in the depiction of slaves and slavery during the Civil War. I guess, too, it's a bit tedious to watch a 4 hour movie on a small screen.
ReplyDeleteThis review from the San Francisco Chronicle, written by a guy, no less, is great! I guess he's not a fan-boy geek because he definitely "gets it."
http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-01-15/movies/17828390_1_blu-ray-wind-movie
I loved the last line: "'Gone With the Wind' lures us in with the epic scope and the promise of seeing history, but we leave thinking about a husband and wife, and how people are so often the enemies of their own happiness." He addresses the racial issue head on when he praises Hattie McDaniel's performance.
@Fuji- Ooh how I admire your above-the-fray attitude re: GWTW criticism. I wish I could cultivate it, but I still just want everyone to recognize GWTW is THE GREATEST, preferably now please. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you raise a good point. Mainstream perception isn't the same as a small cluster of film critics on the internet. But I do get the sense that public esteem of the film is slowly but subtly diminishing. I think it's partially due to the racial issues in the movie and, as this article suggests, the romantic melodrama of it all. However, maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I can't really see a day where it drops out of the Top 50, or even the Top 10, on the AFI list. It's too important and iconic for that.... says the avid GWTW fan.
@iris- Oh yes, I love that review. I remember someone posting it at the board (was it you?). He does really "get it" and I love his insights. I think my favorite part is:
""GWTW" is very much an effective marital study, and that makes it timeless. Scarlett and Rhett love each other, but they're still going to blow it. The audience watches from the sidelines, helpless, as two personalities collide."
Sigh, so true.
And it is exactly because of this -- "Scarlett and Rhett love each other, but they're still going to blow it. The audience watches from the sidelines, helpless, as two personalities collide." -- That we are so enthralled with getting them back together.
ReplyDeleteAlfred Hitchcock used the same technique in his thrillers. The audience knew that was going to happen and couldn't do anything but scream at the screen, helplessly trying to warn our hero/heroine about the danger that was just down the dark hallway.