Gone With the Wind

After the publication of Margaret Mitchell’s novel ‘Gone With The Wind’ the book became an immediate hit. But labeling it just another successful novel would be a kind of underestimation. Mitchell’s book gained the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1936 and this was just a confirmation of the fact that the movie industry would kill to make it into a motion picture.

Since the audience had its own image of the characters, especially of the spoiled yet charming Scarlett O’Hara, it was not an easy task to cast the best possible actress. Finally, the producer David O. Selznick made a risque choice – he cast a British, completely unknown actress, Vivien Leigh. What did he achieve? What are the differences between the novel and the movie? And, finally, is the movie a good one?

The movie was made using the then innovative Technicolor. As the color technician worked hard, the picture seems to be vivid and nice, and one can hardly imagine the movie in black and white. The marvelous outfits by Walter Plunkett are simply breathtaking, especially Scarlett’s dresses or even night gowns. They underline the beauty of Vivien Leigh and she looks simply brilliant. But what makes this movie so special, taking into account the fact, that it takes many hours to watch the whole film? Well, if one is smart enough to reach the end of the movie, is likely to end up sobbing. Yes, the cinematography, the soundtrack, the costumes – they all are simply outstanding. But the most powerful point of this superbly guided by its producer Selznick movie is the acting. After the movie premiere one critic stated that Vivien Leigh was created by nature and art to portray Scarlett. Actually, she is Scarlett. She easily turns all the modes of mood she needs in the moment. She cries convincingly, she is funny, she can make you laugh just with one look or word. She is superb in her dramatic scenes (the scene when she finds out her mother died of typhoid is just a masterpiece of Leigh’s) and great when making one laugh (Scarlett dancing herself, trying to hide the fact she really is not mourning after her husband’s Charles death). Clark Gable, the Rhett Butler of the movie, is really great and his intelligence, his being so sexy and elegant at the same time makes him an ideal Rhett, just the one I pictured while reading the book by Mitchell. They both create an item I envision each time I am back to the novel by Margaret Mitchell. The supporting actors are somehow the greatest possible addition to the main stars. Olivia de Havilland as unforgettable Melanie Wilkes, as well as the Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel – they are simply magnificent.

How can one detect a great movie? Well, he or she may get back to this movie whenever he wants and without feeling bored, but excited. Is this movie just like this? I think it really is.