Review of Of Mice and Men

Introduction

Two itinerant labourers try to find casual work in the depression era of America. They cannot stay in any place very long as Lennie; a simple-minded soul, often gets them into trouble. George looks after Lennie; aware that the life they both want is increasingly further away. On a new ranch they meet the old hand, Candy, who may help them to achieve their dream of their own smallholding but Lennie brings it all crashing down with his inappropriate actions causing tragedy.

The Steinbeck play this film is based on has been successful in repertory theatre for many years. The original novel was written in 1937and is often overshadowed by `The Grapes of Wrath` not least because that was made into an incredible film with powerful performances by Henry Fonda and the supporting cast. The downbeat ending of `The Grapes of Wrath` made it a long lasting piece of social documentary highlighting the scandal of the dustbowls created by intensive farming that drove the `Okies` to become refugees in their own country.

Although referring to the `bigger picture`, the plot of `Mice and Men` feels more personal as the responsibility of one man towards another, the basis of society, is the driving message behind both the novel and the film.

John Malkovich as Lennie is difficult to love and this may be deliberate. It is easier to feel sorry for those who do not make us uncomfortable. The opening image of a woman in a torn red dress is disturbing, as we know that Lennie is responsible. When the character of Curly`s wife is introduced it signals impending doom.

This story was originally filmed in 1939, directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Burgess Meredith (George) and Lon Chaney Junior (Lennie). Steinbeck wrote the play upon which both films are based but the newer version has been adapted by screenwriter Horton Foote who previously adapted `To Kill a Mocking Bird` for the screen.

Gary Sinise starring in, directing, and producing it marks out this version. John Malkovich and Gary Sinise reprise their stage roles from 12 years previously.
Sherilyn Fenn who had lately found fame in `Twin Peaks` plays Curly`s wife.

2002 was the centennial of the birth of John Steinbeck and that may well have been the reason for releasing this film version on DVD.

Video

The Widescreen anamorphic transfer is of good quality with no obvious flaws. The colours are soft and the exteriors are satisfactory. There are not a lot of different locations as it was originally a stage play but the action is split around various places on the ranch.

Audio

The sound in Dolby 2.0 is adequate with a poignant musical soundtrack added by Mark Isham. The soundtrack is used sparingly as the narrative pushes forward to the inevitable denouement.

Features

There is a theatrical trailer on the disc but nothing else and this seems a wasted opportunity for a tie in with the Steinbeck centennial. However this disc has come in at the budget end of the market.

Conclusion

Given that 2002 was the centennial of the birth of John Steinbeck you might have expected the issue of this DVD to tie in with that. Unfortunately that seems to have been a coincidence as no extras other than a trailer put this firmly in the budget category. The DVD is perfectly adequate with good clear pictures and sound reproduction.
The film itself is enjoyable and thought provoking and a worthy successor to the original. The visuals are rather soft which makes the violence when it happens all the more shocking. The two lead characters are very strong with a good supporting cast and a genuinely emotional ending.