The Grapes of Wrath

Film studies

Pascal Di Betta

Film: Grapes of Wrath

September 3, 2017

Simplicity

Grapes of Wrath is a stellar film and has many moments which struck me. One scene that comes to mind is Grandpa's Burial scene. The statement, “simple is better” truly applies to this movie, and this scene in particular. Casey, played by (John Carradine) is asked by Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) to give a few words to the recently decided Grandpa Joad (Charley Grapewin). He tells Tom that he isn't a preacher anymore but Tom insists. Casey says few words, everyone hitting it mark. He talks about how he shall not pray for Grandpa, because there is no need. He says it is the living that need praying for, because they are the ones who need help finding their path. “This, here old man, just lived a life and died out of it,” says Casey. This line gives the sense of what life really is, a beach. Here, young men become born and live there life like the tip of a crest and then crash down. Then they die out, receding into the sea. Casey goes on to says that he has no right to say whether this man is good or bad, and it doesn't matter. A poem he once heard taught him that everything is wholly, so this man, just by being alive has done his part. As simple as it is, it seems to come from a wise man, a man who truly knows the world.

In the documentary on cinematography the discussion of black and white film was brought up.  It is stated that when film was black and white, it made a distinction between reality and the story that was being told. Considering that this film could be put in the category of  a documentary. The cinematography gives a sense of truth, using natural lighting and using the absence of light to create beautiful contrast. The viewer forgets that they are watching a black and white film and the writing only adds to the truth of the world. It seems that not a word goes to waste and the themes within it seems to be timeless. The film builds a world of simplicity and and the lack of color helps. John ford was  one of the first filmmakers to use natural lighting, because before him, filmmakers were afraid of the dark.

The actor or actress never had shadows on their faces and they would never have a scene that had 50% or more of the shot in darkness. However, it is because of the natural lighting that we establish a strong connection with the world and the characters.

The films overlying plot focuses on the Great Depression. You can read books and hear stories, but it take seeing those flat planes that make you realize just how depressed and starved the land and people where.

Something noted: there is a bond which is made in life or death situations, this bond occurring frequently during war. It seems that in the midst of destruction, a true form of love, a form of love that exist nowhere else, is created. It is perhaps the desperation for safety, and the only safety that can be found is in a connection with another human. The Joad family already has a strong connection and it appears that this bond of safety only makes them stronger; beautifully demonstrated at the end of the film during the dance, Tom telling his mom that he loves her and also during Tom's last speech.

The film showed me how to live a life. Yes, the Joad family and company was in terrible situation, yet they sure didn’t let it stop them from them from living. I think it also teaches a important lesson about status. The characters could be considered simpletons, uneducated hobos, yet it seems to me that they got more wisdom than most people in the world.