A Tired Old Town

#25-- To Kill a Mockingbird

Well ladies and gentlemen; I have devoted myself back to the American Film Institute’s 100 films list yet again. Number 25 on the list is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name and produces one of the best performances of any actor of his generation.  During a very volatile time in our history, To Kill a Mockingbird has inspired many to not only see the world differently, but to find the courage to stand up for what is right. I am proud to tell you a little about this Hollywood treasure, AFI’s number 25.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story told through the eyes of a young girl named Jean Louise "Scout" Finch (Mary Badham) and the memorable three years in a small Alabama town during the 1930s. What takes most of the focus during a part of those three years is when her father Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck The Omen), the town lawyer, defends a African-American man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home) on the charges of rape of a white woman.

With a mixture of things that go on in the story, that synopsis is usually what people remember about the novel and the film. I believe that what Harper Lee, author of the novel, was really trying to convey is acceptance of being different. Throughout most of the film Scout is a little tomboy who fights the boys. There is also the legal case and the town ‘stranger’ “Boo” Radley also give a hint at trying to accept what is different. That message is what makes this film timeless. There is never going to be a time where everyone is accepted for who they are and so the need for media like this is a great reminder that maybe we should.

Peck cements himself in Hollywood history with his performance of Atticus Finch, the one man in town that has the courage to do what is right. The gravity of every scene is drawn to Peck whenever he is on screen. Not just because of his commanding voice, but due to the respect and confidence that Peck exudes. Badham also does an admirable job with Scout. The character is supposed to be the spearhead of the story and the young actress carries the story the best she can.

Robert Mulligan (The Man in the Moon), director of this wonderful film, is magnificent at keeping the grit and feel of a poor Southern town in this film.  Mulligan accepted a film that no other director wanted due to the lack of excitement or romance and despite all of that Mulligan creates a world in the film where the story is more intriguing than action or love.  There are some scenes that come close to action; Mulligan does an awesome job of building the tension with his actors by some quick cuts and long pauses.

To Kill a Mockingbird very deservedly belongs on this list due to the outstanding direction and acting. Reminding me of a lot of things that are happening in our world in these current times, the film still sheds light on that being different is not always a bad thing and that acceptance of other people is more powerful than anything else. Want to have hope for our world right now, than I suggest looking into our past and give this film a view. It may just provide that hope and cheer that us human beings do have it in us to be great.

The Verdict: Should Have Been Higher On List.