Of Mice and Men

Plot synopsis:
Two migrant field workers in California on their plantation during the Great Depression—George Milton, an intelligent but uneducated man, and Lennie Small, a bulky, strong man but mentally disabled—are in Soledad on their way to another part of California. They hope to one day attain the dream of settling down on their own piece of land. Lennie's part of the dream is merely to tend and pet rabbits on the farm, as he loves touching soft animals, although he always kills them. This dream is one of Lennie's favorite stories, which George constantly retells. They had fled from Weed after Lennie touched a young woman's dress and wouldn't let go, leading to an accusation of rape. It soon becomes clear that the two are close and George is Lennie's protector, despite his antics.
After being hired at a farm, the pair are confronted by Curley—The Boss's small, aggressive son with a Napoleon complex who dislikes larger men, and starts to target Lennie. Curley's flirtatious and provocative wife, to whom Lennie is instantly attracted, poses a problem as well. In contrast, the pair also meets Candy, an elderly ranch handyman with one hand and a loyal dog, and Slim, an intelligent and gentle jerkline-skinner whose dog has recently had a litter of puppies. Slim gives a puppy to Lennie and Candy, whose loyal, accomplished sheep dog was put down by fellow ranch-hand Carlson.
In spite of problems, their dream leaps towards reality when Candy offers to pitch in $350 with George and Lennie so that they can buy a farm at the end of the month, in return for permission to live with them. The trio are ecstatic, but their joy is overshadowed when Curley attacks Lennie, who defends himself by easily crushing Curley's fist while urged on by George.
Nevertheless, George feels more relaxed, to the extent that he even leaves Lennie behind on the ranch while he goes into town with the other ranch hands. Lennie wanders into the stable, and chats with Crooks, the bitter, yet educated stable buck, who is isolated from the other workers racially. Candy finds them and they discuss their plans for the farm with Crooks, who cannot resist asking them if he can hoe a garden patch on the farm albeit scorning its possibility. Curley's wife makes another appearance and flirts with the men, especially Lennie. However, her spiteful side is shown when she belittles them and threatens Crooks to have him lynched.
The next day, Lennie accidentally kills his puppy while stroking it. Curley's wife enters the barn and tries to speak to Lennie, admitting that she is lonely and how her dreams of becoming a movie star are crushed, revealing her personality. After finding out about Lennie's habit, she offers to let him stroke her hair, but panics and begins to scream when she feels his strength. Lennie becomes frightened, and unintentionally breaks her neck thereafter and runs away. When the other ranch hands find the corpse, George realizes that their dream is at an end. George hurries to find Lennie, hoping he will be at the meeting place they designated in case he got into trouble.
George meets Lennie at the place, their camping spot before they came to the ranch. The two sit together and George retells the beloved story of the dream, knowing it is something they'll never share. He then shoots Lennie, with Curley, Slim, and Carlson arriving seconds after. Only Slim realizes what happened, and consolingly leads him away. Curley and Carlson look on, unable to comprehend the subdued mood of the two men.

Tags: tragedy, dramatic, depressing

Review:
Not only does this movie not add or subtract from the book, the characters themselves are almost exactly how I had pictured them when I read this story for the first time.If you are looking for overblown sex and violence, for spectacular special effects, or for unbelievable demonstrations raw physical strength, move on.
I found myself both laughing (in a sad way) at Lenny's ineptness in dealing with a world clearly more confusing than his limited wits can manage, and crying over his being targeted for taunting and abuse by cruel and crude men, and ultimately done in by his brute strength when it was lacking the direction and temper given by his friend George.A pleasant surprise was Ray Walston as the aged but gentle and good-hearted ranch hand Candy, who has no one in life to love but his old sheepdog, who, like him, he knows, must ultimately be "put down" because of age and the wear and tear that a life of hard labor has worn down.
Having grown up with the "Uncle Martin" of "My Favorite Martian" Walston, seeing his adept performance in a dramatic role gave me a new appreciation for his versatility as a character actor.Those who watch this film should allow plenty of time alone to view it straight through with no interruptions.
I had read the book "Of Mice and Men", watched earlier movie versions and seen it performed on stage.
Gary Sinise and John Malkovich are powerful in the leads, Sherilyn Fenn has never been more appealing and Ray Walston will break your heart.This is just plain good storytelling and good movie making.
I guess like Lennie never getting tired of hearing George talk about the rabbits, I'll never get tired of seeing a good version of this classic story..
This is a great movie from beginning to powerful end and  I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to give drama movies a chance.Gary Sinise directed John Stienbecks novel perfectly.
"Of mice and men" is one of these movies we definitely need in our times.Gary Sinise 's directing is classic in the noblest sense of the term.The cinematography recalls some of those Ford (who adapted "Grapes of wrath",another Steinbeck's novel for the screen) gems of the forties or fifties.It is heart-rending to see Malkovich and his portrayal of the half-wit is one of the finest you can see in a nineties movies and leaves,for instance Dustin Hoffman's "rain man" character far behind.It takes a lot of guts to play such demeaning parts !Gary Sinise should not be forgotten either,in a performance which offers all the subtleties of the heart.What moves me in the movie is the loneliness which frightens the characters .Everyone is searching for someone to rely on.Not only the two heroes (I think that ,actually, George needs more Lennie than the other way about)but also the old man -the scene with the old dog is almost unbearable;it will have an equivalent in a terrifying way at the end recalling Horace MacCoy's "they shoot horses don't they?"- Curley's wife;only the black guy has resigned himself to solitude.The scene when Candy and the two pals are talking of their future house -which we know from the very start they'll never have- is really heartwarming.At least,for one precious and fleeting moment,they could dream of a home,a fireplace and a hutch full of rabbits..
Gary Sinese was great too, effectively portraying George.But if you really get into the book, the movie doesn't follow it too faithfully.
Both "Dr Zhivago" and "Of Mice and Men" are great examples of adapting literary works for the screen.This is not to discount the contribution of Gary Sinise.
Sure, they talk about George and Lennie being different having eachother and all, but it really was a big deal in those times to have someone by your side like they did, but the film kinda played it off into more of a 'George takes care of Lennie' type thingAll in all, I must say the movie wasn't half bad.
The script is done with piercing accuracy to its book counterpart and doesn't adds or subtract anything from the novel, leaving it as Sinise's original intentions.The story is simplicity itself following the lives of charismatic and intelligent George (Sinise) and strong but slow Lennie (Malkovich) who are wonderful when side-by-side but incomplete on their own.
It's The Great Depression era where everything comes in limits, and George and Lennie are migrant workers traveling from ranch to ranch seeking any kind of work and pay.They stumble upon Tyler Ranch, where they run into a barrage of unique characters like the elderly ranch-hand Candy (Walston), the pugnacious and easily-provoked tough guy Curley (Siemaszko) and his skimpy wife (Fenn) who remains nameless like in the novel.
They work their feet into the ground to be rewarded with aches and trouble, which is what The Great Depression era was mainly composed of.Gary Sinise plays an amazing George, and John Malkovich tackles the difficult role of Lennie efficiently.
The two characters, even in the novel, had inseparable chemistry together and it's incredibly difficult not to feel some emotion for them after the long road they've been on.Of Mice and Men is an extraordinary book and a film full of grace and charisma.
this almost exactly the same as the original 1939 version,yet i found it a bit slow and not quite as compelling.Gary Sinise directed and stars in the movie,along with John Malkovich.Sinise is very good as Gary,one half of a drifter duo,who travel the countryside looking for work and trying too stay out of trouble.Malkovich is mesmerizing in the role of Lenny the large man with the intellect of a child.Lenny is the reason they must keep moving.Gary tires to keep him out of trouble,but when that fails,they must movie on.i found this version lighter in tone than the original,but again,it is also tragic,just like the original.it's a good movie,but i just didn't like it as much as the original.for me,Of Mice and Men is an 8/10.
Gary Sinise's role as George was not believable, and Curley's Wife was some of the worst acting I have ever seen on film.
With John Malkovich starring as Lennie a big disable man with a mindset of a child and Grey Sinise starring as George his best friend who watches after him.
Gorgeously filmed bit of Americana, although it's a rather dark vision American about of loneliness and the struggle to achieve the "American Dream." Director and star Gary Sinise, with screenwriter Horton Foote (who memorably adapted the 1962 film version of "To Kill a Mockingbird"), craft a faithful adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel about two depression era drifters, George and Lennie.
I won't bother summarizing the plot, as I'll assume anyone reading this has already read the book in middle school (or maybe you're a middle schooler watching the film instead of reading the book?), but Sinise is perfect as George, but the seemingly miscast John Malkovich as Lennie is surprisingly good in his role as well.
I think this remake and execution of the novel 'Of Mice and Men' is rather solid and possibly up there with some of my favourite movies of all time.When it comes to how it's written, it's pretty much like the novel.
The way they portray both George and Lennie does make us feel about them and their relationship was it does seem rather genuine.I also think the characters are executed very well as they act just like how they are portrayed in the novels.
They all have different emotions which makes them identifiable.It also portrays the atmosphere during The Great Depression very well and we get a good idea of how the world is views in the eyes of 'the bindlestiffs'.Overall, it's a brilliant movie and I would recommend checking it out if you have read the novel..
It's never an easy task tackling an adaptation of a famed novel and revered writer John Steinbeck's oft talked about and well-loved title from 1937 Of Mice and Men is a risky proposition for the big screen with its deep themes, hard hitting examination of human nature and multilayered characters but all the way back in 1992 actor/director Gary Sinise (a face still perhaps best known from Forrest Gump and now sadly the TV series CSI: NY) alongside John Malkovich, helped turn Steinbeck's source material into a drama filled with heart, soul and against all odds, humour.Sinise's masterstroke of casting himself into the lead role of caring soul George Milton who takes ownership of Malkovich's hulking yet handicapped Lennie in the farming plains of America in the late 1920's/early 1930's helps bring Steinbeck's words to life with the two unlikely comrades enacting a banter and chemistry between each other that quickly brings the viewer into their worlds, both through the eyes of the driven George and the child like Lennie, who in many ways is but a small child trapped in the body of a stronger than he knows adult who's main concern is getting a puppy or tending to rabbits when indeed every day of his existence is threatened from more than one angle.Through these two fine actors we have access to two men we come to care for and relate to, Sinise has arguably never been better even though his role requires little flash while Malkovich's considered and measured turn as Lennie is quite the feat, which makes the fact his turn was largely ignored upon release quite mystifying.
With the actors on song in front of the camera, Sinise shows sufficient craftsmanship behind the camera while screenwriter Horton Foote delivers a hearty dose of emotional heft in a script jam packed with delivery of human kindness and the tough decisions that sometimes need to be made despite the hardship it will no doubt offer in the short-term.A fulfilling and quietly powerful adaptation of a loaded novel, Of Mice and Men stands up well against the test of time and makes one wish Sinise had in the years proceeding this film's release gone onto more memorable ventures behind the camera as well as in front of it and while the tricky subject matters may not be classed as entertainment in the typical sense, Of Mice and Men is a quality title deserving of its fine reputation by those that have discovered it as the years progress.4 dirty overalls out of 5.
Steinbeck's classic book comes to life with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich.
Based on the classic John Steinbeck novel and released in 1992, the story focuses on two traveling companions desperate for work in rural California during the Depression: George (Gary Sinise) is of average stature and smart whereas Lennie (John Malkovich) is big and mentally challenged.
John Terry is on hand as Slim, Ray Walston plays Candy and Joe Morton plays Crooks.I've been a fan of this potent Western drama/tragedy ever since I read the book as a teenager and both this version and the 1992 version are worthy film adaptions (I have yet to see the 1981 TV production with Robert Blake and Randy Quaid, which I've heard is good).
In any case, Sherilyn Fenn is a vast improvement over the original's Betty Field, who's annoying and not desirable enough to pull off the part (but, then again, she might be desirable to male ranch hands with no other females within a dozen miles).The film runs 115 minutes and was shot in California.GRADE: A- COMMENTARY ***SPOILER ALERT*** (Don't read further unless you know the story) Curley's wife has only ever been valued for her sexuality, which she has learned to use to attract attention.
But as director and actor, he pulled off a masterpiece with this movie.I have only one criticism: as good an actor as John Malkovich is, he's not Lenny Small.
Far too many times have I gone to see a movie with someone and I loved the film and they hated it because it wasn't just like the book.
Gary Sinise, who acted and directed this, did an excellent job at portraying each character in the book both physically, and dramatically.
After reading the book there was even a description of what George's character looked like, which depicted Sinise perfectly.I know the controversy as well on whether or not John Malcovich had portrayed Lenny correctly.
The inner turmoil that George faces between himself and the rest of the world is finely played, and I would recommend this movie to anyone, especially the people that have read the book.
In the film/novel "Of mice and men" first aired in the year 1992, and directed by Gary Sinise.
George tries and keeps Lennie out of trouble, but he just does not listen.The one thing that stands out on this movie is that Candy has a hand and in the book he doesn't have one..
This movie tells the story of George And Lennie, 2 guys looking for work.
This film was during the Great Depression, and Lennie (John Malkoviah) and George (Gary Sinise) are looking for work.
Lennie (Malkovich) and George (Sinise) head to a ranch to carry out work with a dream of one day owning their own land.Based on John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men is one of the classic dramas that creates controversy through a widespread use of real life difficult issues and is no surprise that it is of frequent use in English GCSEs. Written in a highly scripted and imaginative way with humour, drama and adventure, this is a timeless piece of literature that will go on and on and recall issues that were present in the depression that are remerging in recent times with the credit crunch and lack of work and money in particular.
Malkovich and Sinise give great performances and it is down to the script that makes the stars shine in the way they do with particular moments such as Lennie's animal loving in particular mesmerizing.Sinise's artistic direction works wonders with the motions of the story.
From the moment I pressed play on the DVD player, I knew this was a quality piece of film.The film has a beautifully composed soundtrack and is visually very beautiful but what makes it so absolutely fab is, in my opinion, the chemistry between the two lead parts.Malkovich is one of my top 3 favourite actors and he gives this role 110% Some people on here have suggested that his portrayal is over the top but I found it nothing short of convincing.The story is a classic yarn which has everything...
The film "Of mice and Men" has brought to life the book by John Steinbeck.
Review Of The Film "Of Mice And Men" The movie was really well done and was well related to the book.
I read the book Of Mice and Men as a part of my high school curriculum in English Class in year 9 and I saw the movie available for rent, and from the first moment I saw the film, I knew it was an amazing screen adaption of John Steinbeck's book.
Gary Sinise and John Malkovich were just perfect as George and Lennie and the supporting cast were as perfect, including the late Ray Walston as Candy, Sherilyn Fenn as Curley's Wife and Joe Morton as Crooks.
This movie has great performances by Sinise and Malkovich,  and the characters Steinbeck created really get to you.
The acting was superb, the directing equally as fantastic, and the story made me feel like I was reading the book for the first time again.I was absolutely shocked to find that the movie was over 8 years old, and that, even worse, it's not released on DVD!
Malkovich and Sinise beautifully portray the characters George and Lennie from Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Sinise has certainly proven that he has some serious directing potential.
John Mallkovich and Gary Sinise as Lennie and George are exactly how you imagine them from the book.
I had the opportunity to read Steinbeck's book at school and to watch the movie after we discussed the book, and I have to say that the movie is even better than the novel.!!George and especially Lennie are played in such a gripping way that I fell in love with the movie at once.
Steinbeck is said to be a master of describing nature - the movie captures it in a similar, deeply impressing way.The acting of the two protagonists, John Malkovich and Gary Sinise who play Lennie and George, is simply magnificent.There's nothing more to say but: Don't miss this one!.
Gary Sinese plays George with a great deal of sensitivity; his scenes with John Malkovich as Lenny will break your heart.
Staying true to the spirit of John Steinbeck's classic novel, Gary Sinese (who stars, directs and produces) brings an updated version of OF MICE AND MEN.
Just several weeks ago, still remembering the story very well, I finally watched the 1939 film for the first time, which is the first of two theatrically released adaptations of John Steinbeck's 1937 novella, and a very good one at that.
"Of Mice and Men" is a good novel for readers of all ages and a particularly excellent film, i.e. the version with Gary Sinese and John Malkovich.
This movie was absolute genius to Gary Sinise's part, and probably one of the better portrayals after a book than any other book I have read.John Malkovich is absolutely outstanding as the role of neurological impaired Lennie Small.
Although feeling a little disappointed about Lennie's physical size  being described much larger in the novel than in the film, the extremely difficult character was acted out fantastically by John Malkovich, a proclaimed French actor in his own right.
George and Lennie eventually come to work at a ranch, and that's where our story starts.I watched this film very soon after finishing the novel, and was pleasantly surprised.
Of Mice and Men was a pretty good movie, and I quite enjoyed it.The best thing about this film adaptation was the script, like mentioned above.