The consensus among my peers in recent years is that To Kill a Mockingbird is Baby’s First Anti-Racism Story with a heavy dollop of white saviorism. But I still believe it’s a compelling and effective story, inspiring and viscerally angering in appropriate measures. I appreciate that the central premise really illuminates how racism is “built upon the destruction of the body,” to quote Ta-Nehisi Coates; nearly every detail and piece of evidence on the alleged crime is driven by exploitation, violence, or fetishization of Tom’s body.
Back to the film proper: in addition to having a riveting courtroom scene, this is also a depression-era slice of life and coming-of-age story. The black and white photography by Russell Harlan strikes me as so mournful, capturing the texture of grime and dirt and decay of the poor boonies.
Gregory Peck gives one of those sterling performances of such charisma and screen presence that it has understandably gone down as legendary. Atticus Finch is such a Dad Fantasy: a man known for good character and generosity, but who can also be a badass when needed.
The segments with just the kids drag a little bit in comparison to the Atticus stuff, but the movie never sinks below “engaging,” and often soars higher.
- Review Series: 2009 Top 100
Is It Good?
Exceptionally Good (7/8)
Note: This review was originally published elsewhere. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment or contact me.
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