Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg broke away from his usual genre to direct ‘The Color Purple’ in 1985.
– The film was immensely successful but was embroiled in controversy.
– Critics said Spielberg stereotyped black people, neglecting the authentic essence of Alice Walker’s novel.
– Despite disputes, Spielberg stands by his adaptation, stating that Alice Walker was present during filming and gave her approval.
Spielberg’s Groundbreaking Direction in ‘The Color Purple’
Known for blockbusters, Steven Spielberg took a different path in 1985. With ‘The Color Purple,’ Spielberg dove into a new genre, departing from his typical storytelling style. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film featured A-listers Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey in her debut role. This groundbreaking movie secured Oprah her maiden Oscar nomination.
On expressing his experience with the project, Spielberg confessed that executing ‘The Color Purple’ was frightening due to its stark contrast to his previous works. Nevertheless, he took the daring step, believing in the universality of the story. To him, ‘The Color Purple’ wasn’t merely a ‘black movie.’ He saw it as a film with a story relatable for all, regardless of ethnicity.
Controversy Surrounding ‘The Color Purple’
Despite its critical acclaim, ‘The Color Purple’ didn’t escape the vortex of controversy. The main contention was the film’s portrayal of black life, which critics argued was stereotypical and inauthentic. The absence of a black filmmaker at the helm fueled the debate.
Prominent figures including author James Baldwin and black feminist Michelle Wallace accused Spielberg of distorting Alice Walker’s novel. Ishmael Reed, a black author, criticized the book for depicting black family life and heterosexual relationships conservatively.
Spielberg Responds to Critiques
Addressing the controversies, Spielberg didn’t shy away from presenting his viewpoint. He acknowledged the criticism related to the absence of a black director, attributing it to overlooked black filmmakers. However, he fervently defended his interpretation of Walker’s book. He stressed that his movie was a faithful adaptation of the award-winning novel.
The director also added that Alice Walker was frequently on set. If his interpretation were off, she would have intervened. The author’s consistent support during the filmmaking process assured Spielberg of his direction.
‘The Color Purple’ Continues to Impress Audience
Regardless of the conflicting opinions, ‘The Color Purple’ prevailed among fans and a majority of critics. Proving its commercial prowess, the movie ranked as the #1 PG-13 film in 1985. It made a staggering $98.4 million from a mere $2 million budget. The movie is currently available for streaming on Tubi.
In Conclusion
Steven Spielberg’s audacious attempt to direct ‘The Color Purple’ was an intriguing episode in Hollywood. Choosing a narrative outside his comfort zone, he brought to life a story that connected with many. Despite the swirling controversies, the director steadfastly stands by his rendition of Alice Walker’s classic novel. As for an audience looking for meaningful storytelling, ‘The Color Purple’ has stood the test of time, encapsulating the power of daring filmmaking.
