Gone, but not forgotten!

Since it's release in 1939 Gone with the Wind has been regarded as an American classic. Nearly everyone has heard of it, and know it's famous final line, but very few people have actually sat down for it's four hour run time to enjoy the entire picture. I did. This is my story.

The basic plot idea:
This is the story of Scarlett O'Hara mainly but it goes much further. It covers many members of the O'Hara clan and people outside it, but always from the point of view of Scarlett.

The setting is during the American Civil War. We begin on a southern plantation known as Terra and stay fairly close to it as we follow Scarlett to southern cities such as Atlanta.

Trials were brought on by the Civil War and Scarlett must overcome those along with the trials of a young girl growing into an influential woman.

Throughout the movie Scarlett is attended to by "Mammy", one of her slaves. Other slaves are used in the movie, but Mammy is the main one by far.

The acting:
Nearly every main character in this movie is regarded as a Hollywood legend in today's time. No wonder. Every character carries the facial expressions, body language, and vocal inflection to the extreme.

Rhett Butler is played by Clark Gable. I point this out because Rhett seems to me to be very similar (maybe the inspiration for) the Sean Connery era James Bond.

Any theatre student should watch this movie. The body language alone makes the actors stand head and shoulders above 90% of today's Hollywood.

The script:
Truly authentic is one way I'd describe the script. The characters are written to really build a feeling for each that is distinct from the rest. The language is true to the time of the Civil War and adds to the effect of each line.

One note of warning: This movie does stay true to Civil War southern mentality. Don't be shocked to hear African-Americans referred to as "Darkies". I didn't hear the 'N' word used but slaves certainly weren't put over as created equal.

The characters:
This group of characters has more third dimensions than an episode of the Twilight Zone. What I mean is, every character is shaped by the events that drive the plot.

Not only are the characters dynamic and changing, but they are also very real. You can easily see parallels to real life in today's society within this plot. That's part of what makes this movie timeless.

Ok for kids?
Yes, I think so. The language isn't bad, there aren't any sex scenes, and the war is not shown in a graphic way more than once or twice.

Overall:
It's a classic for a reason. No, it's not always politically correct, but it is very kind to minorities (especially women) considering the time it depicts and the era it was released in.

Watch this one whether you are an acting student or a casual viewer. The four hours will fly by leaving you wishing for more.