Review of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) by Matthew D — 30 Dec 2018

A timeless insight into American racial dynamics.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) is director Robert Mulligan reinventing the courtroom drama, coming of age story, and American classic of cinema. The finale in the court is a sight to behold as Gregory Peck his tour de force portrayal of Atticus Finch. He is the star as you find Peck endearing as a father, respectable as a lawyer, and admirable as a man. This is a story about a man that does the right thing because it is fair and a black man deserves a fair trial as anyone else.

Mulligan directed black and white film perfection as the atmosphere is always creepy and unnerving. There are many long scenes with a shot just focused in on panning down a street to close up on a character's face that are stunning shots. The use of Elmer Bernstein's lovely score is brilliant. The haunting forests, chilling streets, and eerie homes at night are elevated by Bernstein's music.

It really is incredible how To Kill a Mockingbird clearly influenced A Time to Kill, Mississippi Burning, Stand by Me, and The Goonies. Every coming of age and courtroom drama takes a little something from the look to the style of direction in To Kill a Mockingbird.

The cast is pretty outstanding by any standard. Gregory Peck is captivating every time he is on screen as Atticus Finch. Robert Duvall is so tender and shy as Boo Radley. Mary Badham is so adorable and likable as Scout Finch. You see her confusion at the new ideas presented to her. Her indignant attitude is very fun to watch too. Lastly, I must mention that Phillip Alford is very impressive and expressive as Jem Finch. His sorrow and concern show a subtle understanding in his acting far beyond his years.

In all, To Kill a Mockingbird is a must watch film forevermore. It is excellence in direction that is gripping from beginning to end. It is creative angles and perspectives not normally seen in film. It is unfortunately timeless messaging on racial divisions and tensions in America. To Kill a Mockingbird is just wonderful!