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Reviews
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
A genuine slice of unapologetic Southern Americana.
Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch is one of the most enduring in all of film history. In addition to his role as Ahab in Moby Dick, it is not unfair to say he may have presented his fans with 2 of the greatest and most believable screen performances ever. Examine the contrast involved between the two. Atticus Finch: The quiet, self retiring Southern defense attorney, and Ahab: The quintessential, domineering Type A control freak. His sense of timing and understanding of the roles are exceptional. The heroism of Atticus shines thru with barely a raised voice. The villainy of Ahab would be considered completely over the top if attempted by any other actor. As the foundation and central hub of these films he makes the other actors around him simply shine in their own performances.
The Ox-Bow Incident (1942)
A dark vision of the human spirit, both literally and figuratively.
Wellman touches on so many social concepts in this film, that it is necessary to view it multiple times to understand all the complex interactions between the characters. Whether it is racial, generational, or the examination of peer pressure and mob mentality, this film covers the entire spectrum of bestial, vs. human behavior in people from widely different points of view and reference. As a father, I felt terrible pain for the character portrayed by Dana Andrews. His poignant portrayal of someone in the wrong place, at the wrong time, is heart-wrenching. I was also touched by the brief appearances of the sole black character in the film, who knew better than any of the protagonist's what the real significance of lynching forebode.