Gone with the Wind (1939)

This story emerged towards the end of The Great Depression in the United States. It’s amazing how the struggle in Atlanta pre, during and post-Civil War could so closely relate to much of the United States in the 1930s. Scarlett O’Hara’s (Vivien Leigh) character is forced to develop from a spoiled southern belle to a hardworking woman when she’s left to take care of her pregnant friend Melonie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland), dying soldiers and her home Tara. Scarlett’s development is only one reason why this film captivated me for four hours. Rosie the Riveter-esque, Scarlett’s attitude towards men seems surprisingly powerful for the time. It was satisfying to see that although she was painted as a sex symbol, she chose her relationships based on what would be convenient for her. She didn’t allow other people to sway her or affect her decisions despite the character one might assume her to be. Once she loses her money and is hit hard with the reality that is the South during the civil war.

It was an interesting historical perspective to see. Coming into the movie, I had only my knowledge from New England schools about the Civil War. In GWTW, not only did I get to see the Southern perspective but it was the perceived Southern perspective from the 1930’s South. The time difference from the film’s release to the War is about the same distance from current day to the film’s release.

The movie used a lot of interesting shots with light and dark. The use of shadows was prominent for many scenes. One shot stands out to me: Ashley and Melonie are heading to bed upstairs and they say goodnight to Scarlett. It’s clear this is difficult for Scarlett with her infatuation with Ashley, and then a shadow grows over her face as the couple ascends with a lantern. Another obviously memorable scene was the great burning of Atlanta. The shadows used here of the group’s escape were incredible and the entire scene is as jaw dropping today as it was 70 years ago. The grandeur of this film is what makes it stick- especially the scene where Scarlett finds herself in the middle of thousands of injured soldiers all bleeding and yelling. The camera back further away from Scarlett to reveal the atrocities and it is a shocking image.

Scarlett’s difficult struggle during the war as her life was crumpling around her is something many people related to in the 30s and can relate to still. Her determination to preserve Tara and remain well fed left her seemingly unfeeling and cold. Marrying Kennedy and breaking her sisters heart was a necessary step in her eyes to paying the $300 dollars in tax money for Tara. This was something she believed she had to do and her starting the lumber mill and taking over was a clear sign of her growth. Although many people in the town did not approve of her independence, Scarlett didn’t let this affect her.

The film brushed the brutality of slavery under the rug and painted a pretty picture of the South for the movie’s purposes. I'm not sure this was the respectful choice, however, had they focused on the fact that Scarlett was a slave owner, it would cast a uneasy feeling on the entire film. Mammy was a mother figure to Scarlett as she had been working at Tara since Scarlett was born. She was one of the most lovable characters in the film. The actress that played Mammy, Hattie McDaniel, in fact won an Oscar for her performance.  I agree that Mammy’s character was a fan favorite.

As an audience member, for a ‘happy ending’ I wanted her and Rhett’s relationship to work out. However, because of her ongoing feelings for Ashley, Rhett felt more and more disconnected until their daughter Bonnie was the only thing keeping them together. Unfortunately, after Bonnie’s untimely death and the peril that was Melonie’s illness, Rhett finally leaves her. This moment is almost refreshing because I wanted Rhett to be free of her. Scarlett realizes her feelings for Rhett too late but with her determined spirit she reminds herself: “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

By Haley Dougherty