Ford's Wrath Forshadows Future

John Ford circa 1946

Families Forced From Homes Live Migratory Lifestyles.
 Corruput Finance in Cahoots with Big Business.
America's Divide- Have's v. Have not's.
 1% Plot "New World Order".

These one liners can easily be mistaken for recent headlines from the New York Times or the Post however, they're really some of the dismal themes portrayed in the 1940's John Ford Film, Grapes of Wrath.  A stunning film, Wrath earned Ford his second Best Director Award from the academy.  Ford's signature style emphasised the peril, turmoil and sadness of the main charecters of the movie, The Joads.

The story of the Joads,can easily be inserted into the lives of millions of Americans feeling the downturn of our embattled economy.  Mothers and Fathers out of work, retired grandparents forced to work because of looted retirement accounts. Occupy Wall Street events and  forclosed mortages within walking disctance from Squatters Row; images that could be expertly captured by John Ford.

In fact,  Ford's ability to use natural scenery to tell the story, revolutionized the  way that stories could be told.  His use of landscapes and other natural wonders to add to the drama and impact experienced by the charecters was genius.  The peril of riding down rt 66 in an overpacked, underigged jalopy furthered my sympathy for the unlucky clan following the ransacking of their birth plot.

Visually, the movie captured the agony and pain of living in such heinous and unsafe conditions with an unapolegetic honesty.  Ford captured the tremendous sacrifice and disappointment experienced by each of the main players.  Casting also added to the impact of this film, however, Editing could have been smoother and less repetetive.

I would highly reccomend this film for anyone interested in such  classic material, the length of the movie, however is challenging. Nevertheless this movies was enjoyable and though provoking.  Ford's talents were at its peak during the making of this film,hence raising the bar of expectation for filmakers to follow. Although it only grossed 600,000 in it's first year, it is considered on of the most 50 most important films ever made.