MovieChat Forums > The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Discussion > Can Grapes be remade?

Can Grapes be remade?

posted 13 years ago by bobloblaw917
38 replies | jump to latest

I've often wondered why Grapes of Wrath hasn't been remade. Perhaps many directors, producers, et al feel like that the original movie cannot be improved upon, and I can understand that. The original is an outstanding film but was made at about the same time the book was written. Perhaps this is why a remake hasn't been attempted because the thought is, it cannot be made better. I think that this story needs to be told to another generation that will NOT take the time to read a book OR watch an old black and white movie. My point is, I do beleive that we have some talented directors who could pull this off. The Coen Brothers come to mind. If anyone could direct and cast a remake of this film, Joel and Ethan Coen would be the guys I'd vote for. I wonder if they would ever consider it???

[–] Nomaz02 13 years ago

As many here would like to think and I would surely like to hope, it seems that the world is moving towards a general economic recovery and the "weather" for a Grapes of Wrath remake may be favorable. People are beginning to go back to the movies and are going back with "economic bust" fresh on their minds. I certainly would hope that any remake attempt would be chocked full of acting talent, as a lot of the melancholy undertone in the original would most likely require an exceptional of amount of acting ability to portray effectively. Certainly a great piece of film regardless.

[–] satan-stole-the-muffins 13 years ago

I think the book needs to be re-adapted. This film is great, but ended far too optimistically. We need a remake that is truer to the novel IMO.

I like pigs. Dogs look up to you, cats down on you. Pigs treat you as equals.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] batpuller007 13 years ago

Obama is working on it.

[–] csteve67 12 years ago

haaaaaaaaa..more like the Rupublican't side on the House of Reps

[–] paulritter 13 years ago

I think it's a great idea because the original, however powerful, was heavily censored and because it looks like we may be stuck in a very deep recession for many years to come.

Steinbeck's novel was an indictment of the economic system that allowed the creation and continuation of poverty; it's a call for action. The movie changed that message by eliminating criticism of the economic system and by placing faith in individuals to adjust and survive economic problems. Compare the endings, for example. Near the end of the book, the Joad family first enters a migrant camp that is operated by the government and then moves on to a camp operated by the growers. In the grower's camp, one of the main characters becomes actively involved in union organizing, something that Steinbeck deeply believed in. The novel ends with the union being broken and a woman breast-feeding a starving man. So what does the film do? It reverses the order of camps visited to show the family moving from the grower's camp to the government camp. On their arrival at the government camp, the movie shows a cleanly dressed attendant welcoming them and explaining that it is a government owned cooperative. The government camp represents the New Deal. Rather than ending in despair, the movie ends in the government camp with a speech that implies that the family's plight has now been resolved.

I wonder if they would ever consider it???

I'm going to post where they or their friends might see it and link to your OP.

[–] poppyrose 13 years ago

A remake would be wonderful if they align it the book and not the fantasy journey and ending as the movie ending indicates. The movie version did not bury Granma and didn't have the Joads or others from Oklahoma speak in their native tongue and with some elementary truths added it would add authenticity to the people and why they were downtrodden as they were.

Johnny Depp is fantastic with accents and could play the character of Tom Joad well.

[–] nihatb48 12 years ago

And Kathy Bates would be great as Ma Joad

[–] mcelesia-1 9 years ago

Wow, nihatb48! Just came in here to suggest Kathy Bates for the Ma Joad role! I second your motion.

[–] sirk46 13 years ago

watching it right now
Coen brothers
Yes

[–] MrRickBlaine 13 years ago

Spike Lee.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] csteve67 12 years ago

can and should...maybe not a Coen vehicle...maybe Eastwood or Spielberg would do it more justice...

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]