The Grapes of Wrath Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Grapes of Wrath
Year: 1940
Director: John Ford
Country: US
Language: English

The Roaring Twenties began with sustained economic prosperity for The United States, UK and Canada, however it would end tragically. In 1929 the stock market would crash and it would plunge the world into a great economic depression. Both poor and rich were greatly effected, soon jobs became scarce, money was a luxury and food had to be rationed. Many books would depict this era, but few captured the feeling of that era like John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath.

In this film adaptation of Steinbeck's great novel, a poor Midwest family is forced off of their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression. 

John Steinbeck's novel quickly became a classic due to its powerful and realistic depiction of the time period. It sparked interest in acclaimed Director John Ford (Young Mr. Lincoln) who worked quickly on this adaptation, leaving out the book's controversial moments to avoid backlash from the public. Ford's film surpasses Steinbeck's novel on an emotional level; it is incredibly moving, partly due to the flawless performance of legendary actor Henry Fonda (12 Angry Men).

Ford's adaptation is harsh and crude, his cameras capture the grim reality of the Great Depression. The score, as well as the costume design, adds to the melancholy tone in which the entire film is fogged in. Grapes of Wrath's overall message is profoundly un-American, especially compared to the mindset of 1940's politics. It is a great argument for  populist/socialist politics. Many safety-nets/welfare clinics would have kept a lot of families from starving in that era.

In conclusion, though The Grapes of Wrath feels a bit dated in 2014, it is still a triumphant effort in casting, directing and script-writing. The ending is both depressing and inspiring, perhaps there is hope for these impoverished farmers, although with World War Two looming it seems like their lives will only get harder. Regardless, it's definitely an American classic. Praise it! 4/5