What transpires in and around this trial form Scout's realizations about her life, her father, and the South. This is quite possibly one of the most perfectly made films in history, and I hold both the film and the book that inspired it dear. The book opened the world of literature to me, and the film showed me just how powerful the medium is. The choice by director Robert Mulligan to go monochrome not only makes the cinematography a treat for the eyes, but it makes a subtle statement on the issue of racism within the story. Though things seem black and white, there are numerous shades of gray that have to be taken into account to reveal the whole picture.
Nothing is purely black and white.
I am also amazed time and again by the powerful performance from Gregory Peck. He is raising two children the best he can by himself, and his ways of allowing them to think and form their own opinions are inspired. Peck barely raises his voice above speaking level throughout this movie, but his character almost seems to shout for respect and dignity. Mary Badham, too, to be as young as she was when this was made, delivers a performance that few child actors today could even dream of. Her mannerisms betray her age, showing us a child that has the same puzzlements about life as many adults do.