Gone with the Wind?

[Seaworth'sShipmate]

In light of all this controversy of the Confederate Flag, what do people think of this romantic, family friend movie?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFu-jemU-bA

How bad is it? It was made 75 years ago, and likely has some un-pc aspects. I watched it, but still found it quite enjoyable, considering the whole "context of the times".

Has anyone seen it? If so what do you think? Is it controversial, or is it worth watching with the whole family?

[Ser Scot A Ellison]

I hated Gone with the Wind. Crappy melodrama. Terrible southern accents. Nasty sterotypes.

[Matrim Fox Cauthon]

I hated Gone with the Wind. Crappy melodrama. Terrible southern accents. Nasty sterotypes.

Ruins so many otherwise good movies for me.

[She who must be Obeyed]

I am not ashamed to say I loved Gone with the Wind, the book and the movie. Yes it was filled with racist, sexist, ethnic stereotypes, yes the southern accents were bad, aren't they always. However as a young girl I loved the melodrama, just as I loved other period books/movies, many that had questionable historical or politically correct information. I enjoyed old war movies and westerns I used to watch with my Pappaw, even though many of those played fast and loose with the facts and were frankly immoral in their treatment of different ethnic groups. But late at night eating popcorn or ice cream when I was a kid, they were good.

I hate that racism exists, just as I hate sexism, just as I hate homophobia and any other ism/phobia that is used to descriminate/degrade/devide humans. I just don't think GwtW was made to make a social/political statement. But rather to adapt a work of historical fiction that was wildly popular during that period in US history.

As a slighty off topic aside that seems relevant: I live only 2.5 miles from the South Carolina State House, and believe the confederate flag is a distraction to my state's real problems like social injustice, sub-standard-education, poverty and homelessness, and therefore should be removed for that reason if no other.

That being said, I believe that racism goes deeper than the flag in SC and the wider USA, and when it is removed, along with the statues of John C Calhoun and other confederate icons racism will still exist. I think this social/political energy should be put into changing the things that actually affect peoples' daily lives like the lack of expanded medicaid, protection of our waterways/wetlands where many poor residents get their families main protein source in the form of fish not realizing the fish are contaminated and hazardous to consume, especially for children.

I support the removal of the flag but I am not naive enough to believe that act will fix racism in SC, only hard work and political will exercised by our community and elected officials will do that.

as to the specific topic GwtW still gets 2 thumbs up IMO, for being a classic film that broke many barriers in sound, color, cinematography etc winning 10 academy awards (out of 13 noms) not for its morally questionable content. I mean I appreciate a Clockwork Orange for it's value as a Hugo and NY film critic award winning film (as well as 11 academy and bafta noms) not as a glorification of rape.

[Elder Sister]

As a kid, I loved the movie. When I got older, I read the book and was puzzled by the romantic images of brave southern boys and slaves who happily served their white masters. I started reading about the Civil War and studying up on the socioeconomics of that period of the Deep South and realized the whole book and the movie are utter horseshit. It's hard for me to watch now.

But I do love Clark Gable. I can't help it.

[jarl the climber]

Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

[Ser Scot A Ellison]

SwmbO,

You live in Columbia, SC too? :)

That's three boarders here now. Another 15 years and we'll have enough for a BWB meet up. :)

[Manhole Eunuchsbane]

Obligatory...

http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/Lumpy67/media/Butterfly%20OH%20LAWD_zpsqn1k1epc.jpg.html

[She who must be Obeyed]

SwmbO,

You live in Columbia, SC too? :)

That's three boarders here now. Another 15 years and we'll have enough for a BWB meet up. :)

:cheers: Ser Scot. :laugh:

I am rocksniffer's niece. We met last year in charlotte, although I was mighty busy soaking up my first con and plenty of drinks. I really enjoyed the experience with the BWB members we hung out with including you and POD, the Not So Silent Sisters.

Can't wait to do it again :cheers:

[Summah]

GWTW is a slavery apologetic. It's racism is breathtaking and it probably is one of the most harmful movies/books to black people because of its popularity and the romanticism it draws around the slave owning class, and the way the slaves themselves are portrayed could not possibly be more stereotypical. Its probably one of the most offensive films I've seen.

[jet199]

GWTW is mainly popular because it has a anti-heroine unlike most other American romance novels (or novels in general) where the lead female is an insipid goody two shoes. Scarlet is basically amoral.

[eyenon15]

I forced myself to watch it a year. or so ago. I can see why it would seem pretty epic back then as far as the technical film work of it.

I was surprised about the relationship between Rhett and Scarlett. Hearing about the movie for years I was expecting them to be kind of legendary movie love couple. I was surprised to find out they barely even liked each other.

All in all I thought it's pretty good and deserves a place in film history, I think it's a tad bit overrated. I wouldn't call it one of the top 20 movies of all time like it tends to often be ranked.

[Reposado]

there is all that sure,

but it is still on the very shortlist for best theme

[The King in Black]

It surely isn't worse than Lawrence of Arabia.

[Seaworth'sShipmate]

GWTW is mainly popular because it has a anti-heroine unlike most other American romance novels (or novels in general) where the lead female is an insipid goody two shoes. Scarlet is basically amoral.

Amoral is a bit generous. Scarlett is borderline evil. Even her ne'er do well rogue of a husband, Rhett Butler, shows more compassion and concern for other people than Scarlett does. Scarlett seems basically incapable of compassion, remorse or empathy for others.

Observe the following clips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAV3OfHo4n4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6KmLvhjtMw

She later threaten the little girl that she will "put the strap to her" if she doesn't get a move on.

[lacuna]

In light of all this controversy of the Confederate Flag, what do people think of this romantic, family friend movie?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFu-jemU-bA

How bad is it? It was made 75 years ago, and likely has some un-pc aspects. I watched it, but still found it quite enjoyable, considering the whole "context of the times".

Has anyone seen it? If so what do you think? Is it controversial, or is it worth watching with the whole family?

Amoral is a bit generous. Scarlett is borderline evil. Even her ne'er do well rogue of a husband, Rhett Butler, shows more compassion and concern for other people than Scarlett does. Scarlett seems basically incapable of compassion, remorse or empathy for others.

[... ]

She later threaten the little girl that she will "put the strap to her" if she doesn't get a move on.

Hard to keep track of the trolling there, buddy?

[Tyrion's Double Axe]

Hello Ice/Forum Folks, this is an interesting thread. I am old enough to have seen GWTW in one of its final theatrical releases before the tv broadcasters took over the movie and made it a tv product. It was amazing on the big screen and I am glad to have had the experience.

A few points and observations:

In my opinion, yes, on the surface GWTW appears loaded with negative black stereotypes that are almost surreal to watch by our 21st century standards.

However, look carefully at the character of Mammy, portrayed by Hattie McDaniel, and observe how she interacts with Scarlett, Rhett, others. There is no doubt especially in the post-Civil War, Reconstruction era part of the film that there is genuine friendship, a certain level of respect and caring between them all, a sharing in the desire to survive the war, and sometimes Mammy exerts a certain unique authority over both of them.

Today's social critics will decry Mammy's accent, appearance, stereotypes. However, she also saves Rhett Butler's life when he is locked away in grief over the death of his child. She and Melanie are the instruments of Rhett's deliverance and her praying for his recovery is a powerful cinematic moment. Comes across to me that Mammy simply wants God to look over her friend, Rhett.

Also, McDaniel won the Oscar for supporting actress, highest award her profession could give her. It was a barrier broken that helps lead to Sidney Poitier, Halle Berry, Lou Gossett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg as Oscar winners, and preceded many other breakthroughs in many fields, not to mention Obama, first black President of the U.S.A.

Scarlett O'Hara may be one of the most complex movie heroine/anti heroines of all time. For all her negatives, she has smarts, guts, sheer force of will, almost never melting under pressure, and yes, she is a conniving spider when it comes to ensaring people. However, her speech on the hill, "I'll never go hungry again..." is one of the most powerful moments in movie history, completely reveals who she is, the level of her desperation. And remember, her family is dead, crazy, starving to death in a ruined, war blasted home, with yankee looters roaming around.

Is she a proto, pre feminist? Taking it upon herself to rebuild a post war family business out of little to nothing? Again, compare her power level to most women in post Civil War America, she is an alpha female businesswoman who can outwork, outwit, or outmaneuver men.

Anyway, it's an epic, the glory of the once powerful studio system, as sweeping as anything of its era and beyond. Spawned a lot of imitators, "North and South" on tv, and had copycats in its approach: the big,high energy, fast paced, potboiler/soap opera. Still a worthwhile movie experience in my opinion.

Tyrion's Double Axe, thanks, regards.

"From the Night's Watch Library...."

[Tyrion's Double Axe]

Hello Ice/Forum Folks, this is an interesting thread. I am old enough to have seen GWTW in one of its final theatrical releases before the tv broadcasters took over the movie and made it a tv product. It was amazing on the big screen and I am glad to have had the experience.

A few points and observations:

In my opinion, yes, on the surface GWTW appears loaded with negative black stereotypes that are almost surreal to watch by our 21st century standards.

However, look carefully at the character of Mammy, portrayed by Hattie McDaniel, and observe how she interacts with Scarlett, Rhett, others. There is no doubt especially in the post-Civil War, Reconstruction era part of the film that there is genuine friendship, a certain level of respect and caring between them all, a sharing in the desire to survive the war, and sometimes Mammy exerts a certain unique authority over both of them.

Today's social critics will decry Mammy's accent, appearance, stereotypes. However, she also saves Rhett Butler's life when he is locked away in grief over the death of his child. She and Melanie are the instruments of Rhett's deliverance and her praying for his recovery is a powerful cinematic moment. Comes across to me that Mammy simply wants God to look over her friend, Rhett.

Also, McDaniel won the Oscar for supporting actress, highest award her profession could give her. It was a barrier broken that helps lead to Sidney Poitier, Halle Berry, Lou Gossett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg as Oscar winners, and preceded many other breakthroughs in many fields, not to mention Obama, first black President of the U.S.A.

Scarlett O'Hara may be one of the most complex movie heroine/anti heroines of all time. For all her negatives, she has smarts, guts, sheer force of will, almost never melting under pressure, and yes, she is a conniving spider when it comes to ensaring people. However, her speech on the hill, "I'll never go hungry again..." is one of the most powerful moments in movie history, completely reveals who she is, the level of her desperation. And remember, her family is dead, crazy, starving to death in a ruined, war blasted home, with yankee looters roaming around.

Is she a proto, pre feminist? Taking it upon herself to rebuild a post war family business out of little to nothing? Again, compare her power level to most women in post Civil War America, she is an alpha female businesswoman who can outwork, outwit, or outmaneuver men.

Anyway, it's an epic, the glory of the once powerful studio system, as sweeping as anything of its era and beyond. Spawned a lot of imitators, "North and South" on tv, and had copycats in its approach: the big,high energy, fast paced, potboiler/soap opera. Still a worthwhile movie experience in my opinion.

Tyrion's Double Axe, thanks, regards.

"From the Night's Watch Library...."

[Tyrion's Double Axe]

Hello Ice/Forum Folks, this is an interesting thread. I am old enough to have seen GWTW in one of its final theatrical releases before the tv broadcasters took over the movie and made it a tv product. It was amazing on the big screen and I am glad to have had the experience.

A few points and observations:

In my opinion, yes, on the surface GWTW appears loaded with negative black stereotypes that are almost surreal to watch by our 21st century standards.

However, look carefully at the character of Mammy, portrayed by Hattie McDaniel, and observe how she interacts with Scarlett, Rhett, others. There is no doubt especially in the post-Civil War, Reconstruction era part of the film that there is genuine friendship, a certain level of respect and caring between them all, a sharing in the desire to survive the war, and sometimes Mammy exerts a certain unique authority over both of them.

Today's social critics will decry Mammy's accent, appearance, stereotypes. However, she also saves Rhett Butler's life when he is locked away in grief over the death of his child. She and Melanie are the instruments of Rhett's deliverance and her praying for his recovery is a powerful cinematic moment. Comes across to me that Mammy simply wants God to look over her friend, Rhett.

Also, McDaniel won the Oscar for supporting actress, highest award her profession could give her. It was a barrier broken that helps lead to Sidney Poitier, Halle Berry, Lou Gossett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg as Oscar winners, and preceded many other breakthroughs in many fields, not to mention Obama, first black President of the U.S.A.

Scarlett O'Hara may be one of the most complex movie heroine/anti heroines of all time. For all her negatives, she has smarts, guts, sheer force of will, almost never melting under pressure, and yes, she is a conniving spider when it comes to ensaring people. However, her speech on the hill, "I'll never go hungry again..." is one of the most powerful moments in movie history, completely reveals who she is, the level of her desperation. And remember, her family is dead, crazy, starving to death in a ruined, war blasted home, with yankee looters roaming around.

Is she a proto, pre feminist? Taking it upon herself to rebuild a post war family business out of little to nothing? Again, compare her power level to most women in post Civil War America, she is an alpha female businesswoman who can outwork, outwit, or outmaneuver men.

Anyway, it's an epic, the glory of the once powerful studio system, as sweeping as anything of its era and beyond. Spawned a lot of imitators, "North and South" on tv, and had copycats in its approach: the big,high energy, fast paced, potboiler/soap opera. Still a worthwhile movie experience in my opinion.

Tyrion's Double Axe, thanks, regards.

"From the Night's Watch Library...."

[Tyrion's Double Axe]

SORRY DID NOT MEAN TO POST 3X, DIDN'T SEEM TO POST PROPERLY ON MY END. HOW TO DELETE?

Tyrion's Double Axe......