The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

 The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

John Ford’s The Grapes of Wrath is one of the best American films ever produced. Based off the literary sensation written by John Steinbeck only a year before the film’s release, it tells a story about depression and poverty. It is a very simple, but well-told story with memorable characters and performances. More than eighty years later, the film remains socially prevalent today as it was back in 1940. Ford does an incredible job making his audience care about the plight of these poor folks- something that many people had to endure during the Great Depression. For the duration of the two-hour running time, I was at the edge of my seat deep within my feelings. The film is not built on shocking dramatics, but rather a story that is still striking because of how deep it is based on reality. This reality is shocking enough. On top of the actual story, Gregg Toland’s black-and-white cinematography is super effective. Of course, that is how film were seen back during this time-period, but the camerawork added a realistic touch to these character’s predicaments.

Steinbeck’s novel was a revelation when it was published. To this day, it remains probably the most social document of the twentieth century. The head of 20^th Century Fox, Darryl Zanuck immediately swept up the rights for the book. But he was worried about the left-leaning politicization of the novel (keep in mind, this was a different time back in the late 30’s and 40’s when communist hatred was rampant). He actually sent people to see if the conditions of these “Okies” truly exist as the novel described. Yes, they certainly did. Still, they honed down the political overtones. In terms of the tone, the book is a bit depressing. I am happy that they gave the film a more optimistic tone and changed the ending from the book. Despite the prevalent bleakness, you cannot help but think about the word “hope.” Ma Joad symbolizes hope for her family as her ultimate goal is saving the family unit, which is also a slight difference when compared to the novel.

This is the story about the Joad family. They are poor Oklahoma sharecroppers. Sharing the same fate as many other families during the Great Depression, this family is pushed off their lands by these wealthy landowners. Like many other Middle-America folks, they push towards California where they believe they can find plentiful opportunities to bring in the wealth. Once they arrive, they see that work is not as it seemed to be. In fact, labor unrest is very common throughout the state. Ma Joad (Jane Darwell) is the glue that holds the family together as she believes they should stay together as one unit. But her eldest son, Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) is the one who may be ultimately responsible for the well-being of this family.

Excellent performances are everywhere here. Despite the film being more of a family unit when compared to the book, most of the family is relegated to background duty. When I say Ma Joad is the glue that holds her family together, I also mean Jane Darwell is the glue that holds all the actors together. She is magnificent. Her performance is raw, emotional. Henry Fonda likewise delivers a committed performance. His character is paroled from jail over a bar brawl, but Fonda plays his character as a man not committed to violence unless he has to in this unforgiving world. Also, John Carradine as Jim Casy delivers a sterling performance.

The Grapes of Wrath is one of those movies that will make you think. You can compare the current labor movement to this film. This shows how the struggle stills exist even if they exist through different shapes and forms. Even the most hard-nosed person should feel some emotion when watching the plight of the family as they travel along Rt. 66 to California. John Ford is one of the best directors that tells riveting stories about America, in particular when it comes to westward expansion. Stagecoach is one of those stories that I love. This time around, Ford is telling a different type of westward expansion movie. A more raw, tender story. But unlike the novel, there is more hope here. This is one of the greatest American films of all time. A powerful story that is entirely relatable no matter the generation. It begs to be seen. So see it!

My Grade: A+