The Color Purple Movie Review 1985

Celie is a poor black girl who fights for her self-esteem when she is separated from her sister and forced into a brutal marriage. Spanning 1909 to 1947 in a small Georgia town, the movie chronicles the joys, pains, and people in her life. Adaptation of Alice Walker's acclaimed book features strong lead from Goldberg (her screen debut), Glover, Avery, and talk-show host Winfrey (also her film debut). It's hard to see director Spielberg as the most suited for this one, but he acquits himself nicely, avoiding the facileness that sometimes flaws his pics. Brilliant photography by Allen Daviau and musical score by Jones (who co-produced) compliment this strong film.

Distribution

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Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 154 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Civil Rights, Buddies, African America, American South, Women, Top Grossing Films of 1985, Producers: Steven Spielberg, Books to Film: Alice Walker

Screenplay

Menno Meyjes

Cast

Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, Adolph Caesar, Rae Dawn Chong, Willard Pugh, Akosua Busia

Cinematography

Allen Daviau

Director

Steven Spielberg

Music

Chris Boardman, Quincy Jones

Producer

Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Warner Bros.

Awards

Directors Guild 1985: Director (Spielberg); Golden Globes 1986: Actress--Drama (Goldberg); Natl. Bd. of Review 1985: Actress (Goldberg).