Gone with the Wind (DVD)

I'm sure I'll get smacked for this:
I've seen this film a couple of times, and though I enjoy it quite a bit, I've never really wished to revisit it. Needless to say, this classic is not high on my list of DVDs to purchase.

As for the film itself, it is a sumptuously lavish production that oozes vibrance from the beautifully colorful production design as well as the outstanding lead performances.

There is really not that much from this film to NOT recommend, but its impact has muted for me over the years. Perhaps it is the soapiness of the film itself, but still a wonderful depiction of the Civil War and the ravages of such a war on all social classes.

Sean (social classes?...you mean you can take a class?...sign me up!...)

For me, this film always brings up bad memories. You see, when I was married, my wife loved this film. She was a bonafide "Gone With the Wind" nut! She had GWTW posters, novelty dishes, t-shirts, and various other nick-nacks around the house. in 1991 there was a box-set VHS release of the film, and guess what I had to buy her for Christmas. Of course, there were countless weekends in front of the tube watching the old classic. Did I mention she even named her dog Scarlet? And the next dog she bought she named Vivian.

As you might have guessed already, GWTW is probably on my hate list of films just because it was crammed down my throat for five years. I will agree that it is one of the greats in classic film making and I see many influences in epic films of today following its foundation. If you have never seen it, then I strongly suggest you view this film soon before Bush does something stupid and gets us all killed overnight. As for me, I don't think I could ever sit through another viewing of GWTW. :.(

Scotty - "I just can't do Captain!"

Tim

This movie is the most boring movie of all time. Theres not much more to say.

John,

You know what I think of the movie.

Eddie

Well, you've all convinced me: The movie will never make a nickel.

John

I think John's right on about GWTW being the ultimate blockbuster. Of course, it was also an "independent" film, though on an ever-so-slightly different budget and scale than recent indie darlings Tarnation and Primer.

I'll also agree with the dissenting opinion. As a movie, it's... the ultimate blockbuster. It is what it is. If you like it spectacular, over the top and without a hint of subtletly, you got it right here. Those kind of movies can be fun too (LOTR anyone?) but it's still hard for me to think of GWTW as a "great" film. Or even a particularly good one, and it's hard to shake the stink of Southern apologia that directors have been handing us ever since cinema narratives started.

Sure looks great though. It's a testament to the power the film medium had from ealry on (not that GWTW was "early" cinema) - 65 years later, how many movies look better or even as good as this one?

To say this movie isn't great is just plain ignorance. This movie is one of the best movies ever made.

No it's not! :p

If you want a soap operatic Civil War story try the North & South mini-series instead.

Novelist John Jakes took the same basic idea as Gone With The Wind, expanded upon it and gave it a conscience. In other words, he doesn't wimp out on the slavery issue. Any tale about the Old Confederacy does a disservice if it does not confront that issue head on.

Gone With The Wind smacks of the less socially conscious time in which it was written and filmed. Based on that, I cannot reccommend it to anyone - in spite of its artistic qualities.