A real tribute to the old Hollywood that is, like the old south, gone with the wind

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2005)

"Gone With the Wind" is such a tremendous achievement in cinema, that, after 66 years, it still deserves to be honored and cherished.
David O. Selznick had a very clear vision of what he wanted for this film. He was laughed at, he had to close down filming at one point - but he never gave up on it. His mania regarding the film is portrayed in a play, "Moonlight and Magnolias," a comedy in which Selznick locks Victor Fleming and Ben Hecht in his office until they can come up with a shooting script. It's slapsticky, it's fluff, it takes historical liberties, but the underpinnings of the play are real.
This is one movie where it is worthwhile to see all the documentary footage available and then watch it again to appreciate the artistry that went into the backdrops, painting in the ceilings, the epic scenes, all done by master craftsmen without the aid of computers.
There's no point in commenting on the story or the performances. "Gone With the Wind" is a reminder of what an artistic vision, loving care to detail, a great story, and a great cast can achieve that's lasting.