David O. Selznick wanted Gone with the Wind to be somehow more than a movie, a film that would broaden the very idea of what a film could be and do and look like. In many respects he got what he worked so hard to achieve in this 1939 epic (and all-time box-office champ in terms of tickets sold), and in some respects he fell far short of the goal. While the first half of this Civil War drama is taut and suspenseful and nostalgic, the second is ramshackle and arbitrary. But there's no question that the film is an enormous achievement in terms of its every resource--art direction, color, sound, cinematography--being pushed to new limits for the greater glory of telling an American story as fully as possible. Vivien Leigh is still magnificently narcissistic, Olivia de Havilland angelic and lovely, Leslie Howard reckless and aristocratic. As for Clark Gable: we're talking one of the most vital, masculine performances ever committed to film. --Tom Keogh
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: classic epic film Comment: this classic movie made in 1939 still has the ability to hold the interest and facination of all ages. the cast did an outstanding job of portraying their characters. considered risque in its day, this movie is very acceptable for all ages of viewers. Customer Rating: Summary: As good as the Book!! Comment: Love this movie.. it's a classic and it stays very true to the book. It's a great movie and you can watch it in two sittings if you don't want to sit through the whole thing at once. Customer Rating: Summary: This movie hasn't "Gone"away Comment: If you like Classic movies,even if you're too young to have seen it growing up,this one is right up there on the "I should have" list.
This is my 2nd copy;first was a vcr which wore out.
Great restoration; Classic lines;"frankly,my dear,I really don't give a damn".SHOCKING in the 1930's!,with some good history of the Civil War period.{Artisic license allowed}
All the Characters have something to offer,and the "behind the scenes" extras are an interesting and informative look into the Old Hollywood system of movie-making.
This is a definite to add to any collection. Customer Rating: Summary: My Favorite Movie Comment: This movie is my favorite movie of all time, and every time that I watch it, I notice something new about it that I like. The movie centers around a woman, Scarlett O'Hara. Her life is depicted from when she was a young lady before the Civil War had begun to her entrance into womanhood after the war was over. Besides the changes in Scarlett during this time, you can also see the changes in environment, civilization, social interactions, and American culture. I like the way Margaret Mitchell adapted this parallelism in her book and am glad that got translated into the movie. The title of the movie is ever so appropriate as the civilization that Scarlett knew growing up is forever "gone with the wind". I would recommend this movie to everyone to watch as I consider it a true classic. I also love the costume and set design! The gowns Vivien Leigh worn in the movie are true masterpieces. Walter Plunkett did an amazing job in their design. The set design, from the burning of Atlanta scene to the amazing decor in Scarlett and Rhett's home is truly something to behold. The set design and costume design came together in the infamous dress Scarlett wore made from her homestead Tara's curtains. Those interested in the Civil War and history from that time period can also enjoy the historical elements of the movie. The movie is long in length (3 hours 39 minutes), but an intermission is included that allows for a break in the action. The music during the intermission allows the viewer time to ponder what has happened in the movie so far and think about what is yet to come. The ending of the movie is the best cliffhanger of all times. I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I have. Customer Rating: Summary: I am not going to say it Comment: Since this is one of the all time great movies, most tickets sold, a gazillion amazon reviews, etc., I will not say what the Amazon reviewer said about the first half being excellent and the second half somewhat drags. I will not say it since it has already been said. Too bad the condensed book division of Reader's Digest did not put out a 3 hour version of this movie. I had to wait nearly four hours to hear Clarke Gable utter his famous line, "Frankly my dear, I did not build that dam."
I did enjoy the movie, especially the first two hours. I did make it thru the flik, less about a 20 minute nap during part two (just like what happens to me each time I attempt Dr. Zhivago).
