There are some films that must be seen during our lifetimes. These invoke disturbing, harsh themes that are raw and authentic. They touch our hearts, pulling sadness and depression out in spades. They make us think and be aware of how we should be grateful for what we have and even where we are lucky to live. Being a sharecropper was tough, especially when no one cared if you lived or died. There is no way I can personally relate to this week’s film choice, but I do understand and empathize with living a “hope-less” life. I can remember times of such deep despair and depression that it was difficult to see the light of day. I can imagine their hunger and thirst for wanting to belong somewhere. All of us have had these moments…hopefully, they are fleeting. It is important to be humbled as we traverse our paths to not take everything for granted. “Things” can come and go, but family binds our souls together. THE GRAPES OF WRATH give us the awareness to recognize our power… our love for one another, and the possibility that hope always surrounds us as we move forward.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH is 83 years old, yet it still is current and shares similar sad stories we hear on the news worldwide. It is a film about forced displacement and longing for roots. It depicts the “haves” and the “have nots” and all the cruelty that goes hand in hand. TGOW shows the loss of self-worth, purpose, and that inner spirit that guides us daily. It is about the desire to fill our bellies with the sweet taste of simple things like a bunch of grapes and let the juices spill down our chins and necks. It is this profound realization that even that sugar-filled taste can be yanked away, and the wrath of reality is truly overwhelming. John Steinbeck, the brilliant author, wanted everyone to feel these fits of pain. And we did while we read his novel and watched the story of the Joad Family as they traveled from Sallasaw, Oklahoma, to Fresno, California.
What makes THE GRAPES OF WRATH so memorable are the characters. Even though it is filmed in black and white, the colorful palette of the ensemble gushes at the audience at every turn of events. Henry Fonda was phenomenal as Tom, the wayward son who returned home for a while. He met his match in Jane Darwell, who played his Ma. Their unique chemistry together gave this film its foundation…its core of what it meant to carry the Joad family name. Their looks and breaths at one another broke my heart. So much left unsaid and buried deep within forever. Their scenes together were usually only done in one or two takes. John Ford, the director, was challenging and knew how to evoke the necessary quiet emotions. He and Jane were awarded Oscars for their hard work. John Carradine also played Casey in a stunning performance considered Oscar-worthy, but it didn’t happen.
The cinematography drew us inward as they trekked across Route 66. The shadowy lighting created depth and anguish in every frame. The costumes were mere tatters of old clothes, you wondered how they still held together. No one wore makeup. Everyone looked as natural as possible. The song RED RIVER VALLEY was heard throughout the film and during its opening and closing credits. Ford wanted the audience to have an “Okie” experience. I did. It was abundantly delivered.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH is considered one of the greatest classics of all time. It is as relevant today as it was in 1940. It is a gripping tale about people who don’t know where their next meal will come from or where they will lay their heads down to sleep. It is heartfelt, melodramatic and documents the unimaginable Dust Bowl Era of our past. Tragic and yet hopeful in the end…a true cinematic masterpiece.
It is available to stream on TCM.
