THE COLOR PURPLE distributed by WARNER BROS. (1985). It's based on the novel written by Alice Walker. Steven Spielberg directed his first mainstream dramatic film. This was Whoopi Goldberg's movie debut along with Oprah Winfrey.
The production budget climbed to $15 million. It grossed $98 million at the U.S. box office. (Movie ticket price for 1985 was $3.55).
The story surrounds Celie (Goldberg) in the rural state of Georgia (early 1900s). She was raped by her father. He marries her off to Albert who also abused her mentally and physically. She grows into a timid woman who finds the strength to break free from all the abuse.
"Purple" received 11 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress (Goldberg) and two for Best Supporting Actress (Oprah Winfrey & Magaret Avery).
Controversy over the depiction of black men in the film outraged minority groups. Including the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). They also did not like the fact that Spielberg directed the movie because he is "white."
The NAACP campaigned against the film at the 1986 Oscars. They encouraged Academy voters not to choose the movie in any of the nominated categories. Because of this controversy. Spielberg was also not nominated as Best Director. "Purple" went home with no awards.
Nonetheless - It is ranked as one of the best films of the 1980's and in history. Devoted fans love the movie. Including me. I've seen it so many times over the years.
No comments:
Post a Comment