To Kill a Mockingbird [23]

I had no expectation going into this movie other than the knowledge that others rate it the greatest movie of all time. Also, the book is a staple of American Literature. So when I had the chance to watch it on the PBS commercial-free broadcast, I took it.

Color Film was readily available when this movie was in production. Without knowing the back story, I would guess that black and white film was chosen to set the mood and tone.

I can tell you that Atticus Finch is one man anyone would love to have as a father. He is extremely patient and understanding. He even lets his children call him by his first name. Gregory Peck does an outstanding job in this role playing a middle class southern gentleman father while breaking the confines of ignorance and racial hatred. It would have taken A LOT OF GUTS to be a single father in a small town and ostracize yourself from the rest of the citizens.

In my ignorance, I do not really understand the purpose of Boo Radley in the story. He was mentally ill and abused. I could speculate that getting to know Boo was a step on the road to understanding for Jem and Scout. Also I don't understand how Robert Duvall got any more roles based upon his acting ability in this movie.

This movie climaxes with a courtroom drama where the truth comes out and Atticus' faith wins.

"I remember when my daddy gave me that gun. He told me that I should never point it at anything in the house; and that he'd rather I'd shoot at tin cans in the backyard. But he said that sooner or later he supposed the temptation to go after birds would be too much, and that I could shoot all the blue jays I wanted (if I could hit 'em). But, to remember it was a sin to kill a mockingbird. Well, I reckon because mockingbirds don't do anything but make music for us to enjoy."

I highly recommend this movie. The story is good, the cinematography is good, and Mr. Peck's acting is great. The plot is what it is. And the message that there is good in all people goes a long way {BB}

Added: June 24th 2004
Reviewer: BB
29 Point Scale Score:    [23]

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