Of Boredom and Bad Acting

Would you be capable of shooting your best friend in the back of the head? Well that’s what I wish someone had the courtesy to do for me while I sat through 2 hours of poor acting and bad directing. Now I’m sure many watched this thinking they could get around reading the novel itself, another tedious homework assignment, but I’d rather waste my time reading then my hard earned money. The epic tale of the unique camaraderie between the “quick witted” George Milton (Gary Sinse) and the slightly retarded Lennie Small (John Malkovich) searching for work in the great depression is not brought to justice by this mediocre film. Gary Sinse illustrates that he has the ability to both direct and star in this movie…although he does neither well. In the opening scene we sit back and watch a damsel in distress in running through an open field hollering and flailing about. Now for those who haven’t read the story the slow motion running in the open field would seem incredibly obscure. I’m sure the inability to hear what the girl was yelling about was meant for visual impact but it only lead to greater confusion. Yes, the movie does do a good job of portraying the novel and gets the story line across but, unfortunately that’s as good as it gets. There must be some kind added innovativeness right? Wrong. The film is an exact reenactment of the novella but lacking some of the crucial elements. The irritating floozy who is constantly seeking attention, known as Curley’s wife, is one character that was exceedingly underplayed. While watching the film you wonder how the plane Jane looking girl could possibly be the catalyst of conflict. For some inexplicable reason the character’s vulgar side is not shown in the film which leaves you wondering why she is so hated among the other workers. Instead of knowing what a condescending character she really is the viewer is left feeling sorry for her throughout the movie. I’m sure the 2 minutes it would have taken to insert the scene of her making racist remarks towards the black worker would have been well worth it to show the diversity of her character. The visual impact of this character also comes up short. While you expect to see an overdone, made up, trampy appearing characters don’t be too disappointed to see an average looking girl play this role. Even advancing her with a little more sex appeal with $5 more worth of make up would have made this character more accurate. Another substantial let down was the lack of microcosm present in the film. The scene in the novel which allowed us to connect with the beaten down character of Crooks was not even shown in the movie. This portion of the novel allowed us to see how life was like during the depression and how significant the issue of racism was whereas in the movie we are not able to experience this. Sinse’s attempt to play the role of George was one that failed miserably. Instead of him possessing a mean yet compassionate persona, Sinse’s character showed to be too calm and contained. All and all his acting was that of an amateur; perhaps the director should have cast someone other then himself for the role. And now for the grand finale…the closing scene. While I’m sure many of you are anticipating the unforeseen ending of George having to shoot Lenny you’re in for great disappointment. Before you can be left at the edge of their seat wondering will he do it? The gunshot is fired leaving you angry as to why the such a crucial scene would be cut short. Instead of showing George as a nervous wreck as his finger is placed on the trigger, the film has him knelt behind Lennie without showcasing any real anxiety. The bad directing coupled with bad acting is the perfect recipe for a bad movie. Yet another failed attempt of bringing a classic novel to the big screen.

Character Sketch

Intelligence, patience, compassion and optimism are all qualities that are possessed by George Milton, a character in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinback. This novel is a tale about two companions who travel together from one job the next while dreaming about a long lost oasis which they seek to have in the future. In contrast to his heavy set friend Lenny who portrays the intelligence of a five year old George is “small and quick”. Although George lacks in physical build he compensates for this by possessing the ability to think logically and rationally for both himself and his deficient partner. With this intelligence he is capable of finding jobs for the two of them. One aspect that is proven time and time again is George’s patience. Having to deal with someone who is incredibly diverse can show to be too much for George at times. Although, he repeatedly tells Lennie about how “if [he] was alone [he] could live so easy” he pardons his dim remarks and behavior while continuing to provide for the both of them. He admits that “Lennie’s a God damn nuisance most of the time, but you get used to [him].” The two characters share a unique bond with Lennie being dependant on George for guidance while George looks to Lennie’s perpetual child like enthusiasm to keep him going. He constantly defends his friend and forces others to see what many cannot. When getting interviewed for their new job George ensures that the boss knows that contrary to the fact that Lennie lacks intelligence “he’s a God damn good worker.” While others have “never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy” George is willing to provide that compassion for his dear friend. He is found constantly looking after Lennie supplying him with security from others against him. Admirably through all of the hardships that the two have faced together George shows an incredulous amount of optimism. Even after being chased out of their old jobs George raises the spirits of both himself and his friend by speaking about how “someday-…[they’re] gonna have a little house and couple of acres”. To most living in this time it may seem like a ridiculous dream but George speaks of it as a reality. Doing so he goes as far as making plans on how to achieve their ultimate goal of owning their very own ranch. This idea is what ultimately gives both of the characters drive and gives them something to strive for. George reassures that “[they] got a future,” because they have each other to look after one another. In this incredible tale of an unlikely pair of friends George Milton shows himself not only to be quick witted but a compassionate and optimistic individual.

Superpower

Lightening speed, super strength, the ability to fly, all common superpowers that many would choose if they had the option. However, if it was up to me to decide I would choose the powers of shape shifting, and teleportation. Being a shape shifter would allow me to morph into any animal, object, or person that I desired. Not only would I be capable of taking their form but I would also inherit the skills that they possess.To avoid the consequences of my poor actions I could simply change form into that of an innocent by standard. Doing so I would be able to get away with anything. Shape shifting would also allow to me to undergo a metamorphosis into a member of the society which people look to as deities of the world, such as celebrities. Experiences such as going to the Oscars or competing in the Olympics would no longer be far fetched dreams but an amazing reality. The feeling of being admired by millions is only granted to those lucky few but with this superpower even an everyday person like myself could relish in the glory. Transforming into an object would grant me the ability to escape from any danger that may come my way, such as if a raging axe murderer were to try and attack me I could choose to change form into that of an object leaving him clueless as to where I've gone. Although it may seem like a selfish superpower I could also use it to benefit others. My transforming into objects would be very beneficial to those around me. In scenarios such as being lost in the woods without the ability to make a fire I could transform into a lighter. In the situation of a crime scene or a robbery I could take the form of an officer and take criminals captive which helps to benefit society. In typical schools when there are fights and no teachers present to break them up I could take the form of one interceding and stopping the fight. This power towers over all of the others allowing me to have the realistic powers in life. These are only a few of the endless ways I could use shape shifting to help the world.This power towers over all of the others allowing me to have the realistic powers in life. Yes super strength would be fun but in reality how often would one really use it? Flying? Sure, it would be a thrill for a while but afterwards one would get bored of it. To be honest mind reading would be quite the power but it would ultimately result in me finding out too much, and probably things I'm better off not knowing. Another superpower I would enjoy would be that of teleportation. Being able to move from one spot to the next in a blink of an eye could have endless possibilities. Instead of being caught up in reveries of traveling the world I could do just that. Being a teenager I could do the typical sneaking out of the house routine without even having to step foot outside my bedroom door. Not only would this leave my parents completely oblivious but it would give me the power to be back in the comfort of my own home within seconds of them thinking I was gone. Danger would seem like a foreign word to me because of my ability to move out of its way, whether it be a natural disaster or a psychotic killer. These two superpowers would leave me with no limitations to what I could do. The combination of shape shifting and teleportation would be epitome of the perfect superhero.