Watching Gone With the Wind for the First Time

Review of Gone with the Wind

Artwork of Gone with the Wind

Introduction

For the first time I watched the 1939 film Gone with the Wind I was I have always heard about the movie and about how it won many awards for its groundbreaking storyline and characters. In many ways this movie is featured on Turner Classic Movies all the time and many older people have always considered it one of the best. I have never given it a watch due to me believing it would be boring or like most old movies have very complex storylines.

The Atlanta Bazaar

But when we watched it, I noticed at first the very broad depiction that it gave of Woman especially during its setting in the 1860s during the Civil War. Instead of showing the main character Scarlett O’ Hara foolishly in love it showed the emotions, feelings, and responsibility that a woman had to take during a war. Not only her but many other characters that were women in the movie that had a great depiction of their actions. The movie showed me that women's roles in society have always been overlooked or downplayed in their importance in society, especially as time went on and society changed. 

Scarlett O' Hara

Scarlett O'Hara

Scarlett O’ Hara's character was one that really showed how someone can be strong and have a change of character during the whole book. In the beginning she was shown as a rich, ungrateful, and arrogant Lady of a rich southern family. Especially through her actions towards other men and woman and in her words used a lot at the beginning. But in the middle of the story, she was shown to be courageous and able to stand up for herself and her family. Not only this but able to take a leading means as a woman in a time where that attitude was carried by men. This proved that she was not only a strong person but a strong woman regardless of her flaws and actions.

The Truth of War

The Film showed war as realistically and truthfully as it could be put. That for nothing comes from war except death, violence, and grieving. During the aftermath of the battle, there was a shot of soldiers
dead and much sadness. Not only this but families hearing that their loved ones

Aftermath of the Battle of Atlanta

didn't make it and were accepting grieving. To my realization I saw that not many films are able to capture the truth of war especially in less than the given time needed. The loss of Scarlett O’ Hara returning back to her home and trying to get her loved ones out of Atlanta.

Cultural Issues

Mammy the maid

    The Movie depicted American Society very well especially for a 1930s movie set in the 1860s. Through the scene of women and especially African Americans. Especially seen through Mammy who is excellent portrayal of a strong black woman whose occupation is a maid which shows the abilities of getting a job as an African American during her time. Also, the Southern ideologies that are portrayed much differently than the North especially its culture and beliefs.

Conclusion

    In conclusion, the film Gone with the Wind is a very amazing story that is a great depiction of woman and society. The brilliant use of removing the blanket off the truth of society and the roles people play that have been ignored since the beginning of time. Also, how the movies the realness of war and that the story perceives itself as serious as possible which is the reason why its point comes across very well.