To Kill a Mockingbird - 10/10

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2016)

Adapted to the big screen from Harper Lee's groundbreaking novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Robert Mulligan's dramatic masterpiece is one that truly improves with age. The film begins and ends with narrative from the youngest daughter of the film's protagonist, Jean Louise, or more commonly referred to throughout the film as "Scout", portrayed by Mary Badham. The focus of the movie shifts, however, and is seen through the lens many of the films beloved characters. To Kill A Mockingbird was actually the film debut of both Mary Badham and Philip Alford, who played Scout and Jem Finch, respectively. Both played their role with considerable charm and amiability, slowly learning of and becoming accustomed to the bigotry of their community.
Roger Ebert, my undisputed, and certainly many others, favorite film critic, uncharacteristically gave a review for the film many of his readers disagreed with. Ebert gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of his usual 4 star rating, indicative of an adequate but not a particularly great film. Roger criticized the film's tendency to marginalize the stories of some of the black characters and, at times, replace their characterization with more of a focus, if at times even superfluously, on the white characters. For example, the wife of Tom Robinson is a character who perhaps we could have gained more insight from, or any at all for that matter. She was credited with a non-speaking role, rendering her character and development a bit of an enigma when the film is finally over.
I found myself unable to agree with Robert on this one, something I have never said in the past. Many agreeing with Robert's opinion on the film's characterization, or perhaps lack thereof, might also refer to the scenes following the deliberation process in the courtroom, where we learn that Tom is unjustly served a guilty verdict despite an astute, and ingenious, effort from Atticus to prove his innocence. Atticus receives a call later that night that Tom was shot down and killed after trying to run away from the cops "like a crazy man". Atticus accepts this and doesn't question its validity; at least, on screen he doesn't. Could he have so much as inferred otherwise? Definitely. In fact, while the film doesn't make it apparent, it's very possible Atticus believes the death of Tom Robinson was an act of unprovoked aggression. We are never told of this and it is ultimately up to us to decide what Atticus believes.
I believe the omission of many details relating to many of the black characters was a choice by director Robert Muligan that one shan't take at face value. Under the surface, is it too contrived to think that this perceived 'neglect' to character development could be akin to how both the case, and Tom Robinson, were neglected? That, just like the portrayal of these characters, the verdict leaves us wanting more of an explanation and of details that, because of its time, will be tailored to favor the white man? Perhaps this is too far-fetched, but nonetheless an interesting idea to ponder.
Gregory Peck deservedly earned his Oscar, one of many stellar performances. The kids portrayed by Badham and Alford were phenomenal as well, especially when you remember this was their debut on the big screen. Tom Robinson, played by Brock Peters, elicited hope from us as the viewers that he would be 'saved'. He gave a moving performance, one that I worry will go unappreciated in many moviegoers' eyes. Robert Duvall also made his debut in this film as Boo Radley, played to perfection. Estelle Evans as Calpurnia, James Anderson as Bob Ewell also shine. There were simply many great performances that masterfully captured the essence, and abhorrent nature, of that time. One of my favorite films from the golden age and one that will certainly resonate with many for a long time.