Masterful epic

Rating: 8/10 (11 April 2007)

I didn't see "Gone with the Wind" until about 3 years ago, mainly because its four hour length was rather intimidating. However, I'm glad I did, because aside from its magnificent story and cinematography, ideal cast and fine direction, "GwtW" is one of the best paced films of all time, and the four hours really soar by. Of course, in order to enjoy "GwtW", you have to put aside your politically correct sensibilities. It's sexist in parts, historically biased (the North is the enemy, plain and simple) and terribly, terribly racist (the Georgia slaves seem perfectly content with their situation). Once you overlook these un-PC details, you'll fall in love with the ageless story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), a bratty Southern belle who is shaken out of her complacency when the Civil War strikes. Leigh masterfully brings Scarlett to life, and you forgive the fact that she's much too pretty for the role (Margaret Mitchell bluntly described our heroine as "not beautiful"). She seamlessly portrays Scarlett's imperfect charm and resourcefulness as well as her fiery temper and complete lack of scruples. We object to some of the things Scarlett does in her quest for survival (stealing her sister's fiancée, for instance), and yet, we'd secretly love to be that single-minded, determined, and unconcerned with basic social standards. Equally strong is the supporting cast: Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar (being the first black performer to do so) as fiercely devoted and no-nonsense Mammy, one of the few people who refuses to take any crap from Scarlett. Olivia de Havilland has the difficult task of playing the relentlessly noble and saintly Melanie, but fortunately she plays the character with genuine emotion and dignity, and never allows Melanie to become phony or saccharine. Leslie Howard, on the other hand, is extremely weak as everyone's least favorite character, the spineless and fatuous Ashley Wilkes, who, for some reason, Scarlett foolishly carries a torch for. The standout, however, is Clark Gable as sexy scoundrel Rhett Butler. A decidedly amoral iconoclast, Rhett proves himself to be Scarlett's soul mate, but, alas, she is too stubborn and blind to realize it. Gable plays the part with devil-may-care suaveness and barely contained passion, and was unfairly overlooked at Oscar time. The epic to end all epics, "GwtW" is a must for every film lover. You may love it, you may hate it... but you certainly won't forget it.