Rated:
G
Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, et al.
Director: George Cukor, Sam Wood
Review
David O. Selznick wanted Gone with the Wind to be somehow
more than a movie, a film that would broaden the very idea of what a film
could be and do and look like. In many respects he got what he worked so
hard to achieve in this 1939 epic (and all-time box-office champ in terms
of tickets sold), and in some respects he fell far short of the goal.
While the first half of this Civil War drama is taut and suspenseful and
nostalgic, the second is ramshackle and arbitrary. But there's no question
that the film is an enormous achievement in terms of its every
resource--art direction, color, sound, cinematography--being pushed to new
limits for the greater glory of telling an American story as fully as
possible. Vivien Leigh is still magnificently narcissistic, Olivia de
Havilland angelic and lovely, Leslie Howard reckless and aristocratic. As
for Clark Gable: we're talking one of the most vital, masculine
performances ever committed to film. The DVD release has optional French
subtitles and theatrical trailer. --Tom Keogh
----------
I've seen this film several times and I never get tired of
watching it. From the brilliant colors and set designs to the characters
and costumes, this movie has lost none of what makes it a classic. Vivien
Leigh was perfect for the role of Scarlet O'Hara, taking the character
from a spoiled youth to a woman, who through war and death, has seen the
grimmer aspects of life. Leigh, with those incredible eyes and with
wonderful facial expressions is hypnotic through out. Clark Gable, Hattie
McDaniel, and Olivia De Havilland perfectly play the roles of Rhett,
Mammy, and Melanie but it is Leigh that is really the star of this film.
Ashley portrayed by Leslie Howard has always been a character that annoyed
me and makes me wonder what Scarlet ever saw in him. You may have to put
your politically correct views aside to see the film but by watching it,
you will realize what a cinematic classic it really is.
 |
