The Color Purple: Book vs. Movie

[@Roscoethecat]

I read the book and watched the first movie for the first time over New Years weekend. I think I wouldn't have understood some of the movie if I hadn't read the book first. I liked them both, but if I had to choose between watching the movie again or reading the book again, I would choose the book. I would like to see the 2023 movie, but I've got Covid right now, so I'll wait until I can watch it from home. This was a great commentary, Greg!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you feel better soon! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@derekvanlehn5012]

I read the book with my wife and recently watched the 2023 movie. I have not yet watched the 1985 version but just commenting to say how much I loved Sofias performance in the 2023 movie but I did notice some of the “sanitizing” of some of those character dynamics. Thanks for putting together these thoughts on the adaptations, I kept saying I needed to come back and watch this as I was reading the book when you had first put this video out

[@juliehickman2880]

I am a huge musical fan. The musical is absolutely beautiful. Shug has one amazing song called ‘Push Da Button’…a direct reference to one of Celie’s letters. ‘I’m Here” is heartbreaking in the best way. Fantasia Barrino brings herself and her experiences to the song. Cynthia Erivo is amazing as well. Erivo will be amazing in Wicked. As always, Oprah brings a great amount of controversy and the actress who plays Shug talks greatly about the poor compensation of pay for Black actresses in many of her interviews. I would say taking the deep dive into the book brings so much more to the movie. You only get a glimpse of Nettie’s time in Africa, which for me, neglects the Colonialism and rape of the people, culture, and resources. The friend who went with me too see the movie has not yet read the book, but the abuse my Mister was evident to her. Mister’s cursing and redemption is leaned upon. Harpo’s son gets taken over by Sophia and chorus women at the end, which makes that song make sense. I would love to see the musical on stage. I think there is a big nod to the cinematography of In the Heights, which I also love. Redemption, forgiveness, and sisterhood are the big themes, but the overcoming of adversity is evident.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It’s funny because I do feel like I complained a bit about the musical-but I actually liked it! It’s funny when that happens. The cast was so good. I really liked Fantasia as Celie.

[@alldbooks9165]

Fascinating analysis. I still need to see the new movie (and the film adaptation of Wicked) just for the music.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think the Wicked adaptation comes out later this year--it got delayed because of the strikes.

[@grand-merev.1104]

I thought the first movie adaptation was perfect. I’m hesitant to watch the second .

[@SupposedlyFun]

I do think the new movie has some good takes on the material that make it worth a look, but I understand feeling protective of the 85 version.