Film Review: Gone With the Wind

The first hour of it was thoroughly enjoyable for me. Packed with snap and spark, I knew I was in for a good ride. The remaining approximate two and a half hours were great, but left me with such a sad feeling. A happy moment was so rare, that it became joyous when one did occur.

As I mentioned when I watched this, I soaked about five tissues during this film. One of the times being when Ashley returned from the war and Melanie could see him in the distance. I love Olivia deHavilland anyway, but the look of progressed joy on her face was such a brilliant moment of acting, that I basically started weeping. Also, when Melanie died and her child was crying, ‘Why can’t I go where Mommy is going?’

The one thing I HATED…and I rarely use the word…is how the African-Americans were treated. I know it’s the way the South was in that time and it was a way of life, but it was very uncomfortable for me to watch. Especially the scene where Scarlett slaps Prissy across the face.

The scene where Scarlett kisses Ashley (after his already set engagement with Melanie), I gasped and shouted at the television screen. Sadly, I cannot remember my exact words but it went something like, ‘Oh no you didn’t!’

Miss Scarlett O’Hara. That eyebrow just says it all, doesn’t it? Love this dress, by the way.

Rhett Butler. He is officially in my list of Top 10 favorite film characters. He’s exactly the type of character that I love. Kind of like Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Epically memorable.

Melanie Hamilton. As I have said, Olivia deHavilland is amazing. If any of you have not seen “Snake Pit”, I suggest you do that. Like right now. That is sheer beauty in acting right there, just as her performance as Melanie was. She was my second favorite character in this film (Rhett being the first).

Ashley Wilkes. Ok I’m kind of biased about this because I have a little crush on Leslie Howard. I’ve never been the type to go for the obviously handsome actors such as Paul Newman or Cary Grant. I go towards the less obvious ones such as Howard and Joseph Cotton. That being said, I immediately fell for his character. Aside from my being biased though…he did a great job.

Get away from me, you vile man! That isn’t actually what she said, but doesn’t that fit this picture?

The cast was ginormous, and it would be impossible to post a picture of everyone and describe my love for their performances. But let me give quick props to Hattie McDaniel who played the lovingly strict Mammy and Thomas Mitchell who portrayed Scarlett’s lovable father. When he started to lose his bearings and began speaking as though his wife were still alive, I cried. That was such a heartbreaking, real moment.

As for quotes….there are so many wonderful quotes in this film, but this one is my favorite:

Scarlett: Sir, you are no gentleman.

Rhett: And you, miss, are no lady...Don't think that I hold that against you. Ladies have never held any charm for me.

I know many will disagree with what I’m about to say, but I need to say it. Her last line of “Tomorrow’s another day!” is a sore spot with me. Who would actually say that after everything she experienced? Although she did not love Bonnie as much as Rhett did, she also lost her parents as well as Melanie. And what about the love of Ashley that she will never have?

All in all, I’m happy I watched this film. Because of this being the emotional powerhouse it is, I most likely not watch it again for a long time. But to experience this once in your life is a must! And to those who do not appreciate the epic quality of this film…frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.