“To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962)
Director: Robert Mulligan
Writers: Harper Lee, Horton Foote
Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford and Brock Peters.
In today’s digital society, black and white films have gained the reputation of being boring and less value than a colour film, but despite this “To Kill A Mockingbird” still holds its place in movie history. The beauty of Harper Lee’s philosophy and Mulligan’s execution, heavily out ways any lack of visual effects.
Set in the racially divided town of Alabama, lawyer Atticus Finch (Peck) is given the task of defending an innocent man from an undeserving rape charge. Throughout all of this, Atticus is determined to raise his children with the right morals and ethics in this prejudiced society and environment,. Scout (Badham) And Jem (Alford), Atticus’ children explore their neighborhood learning valuable lessons in life through the various people residing there, including mentally disturbed outcast Boo Radley.
Lee’s ideas of childhood innocence in a blemished world are beautifully portrayed through symbolism and techniques throughout the film. With cleverly positioned camera angles and emotively meaningful lighting Mulligan has captured the essence of the novel. Along with a crucially significant soundtrack in terms of creating the right mood for the scene, “To Kill a Mockingbird” really succeeds in interacting with the emotions of the viewer and Lee’s goal of getting her philosophy across is achieved.
So just like the prejudiced towns people, who must look beyond a man’s skin colour and at his heart, the viewer must overcome any digital boundaries and let themselves be entertained by a timeless masterpiece.
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