The Color Purple opens in theaters December 25.
The Color Purple has a complex and disappointing history in its journey from novel to screen and stage adaptations. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker faced frequent censorship, leading to changes in its depictions of violence and homosexuality for the Steven Spielberg-directed film and the subsequent Broadway musical. The original story of a Black woman’s coming of age in early-20th-century Georgia has struggled to maintain its dangerous and transgressive nature in its adaptations, and that trend continues with the new movie musical from director Blitz Bazawule.
The new movie musical follows the plot of Spielberg’s film, chronicling the life of Celie Harris as she deals with abuse, forms bonds with women, and finds her own strength. However, Bazawule’s depiction fails to deliver the emotional impact of the original story. The film plays out like on autopilot, as if the musical numbers and storytelling were added as transitions rather than an integral part of the narrative.
The Ensemble’s Talent Diminished
Despite the incredible talent of the actors, the film fails to capture their performances effectively. The cinematography is murky, obscuring the cast’s expressions, and the dance sequences lack the space to showcase the actors’ movements. The film’s frequent truncation robs the ensemble of the opportunity to fully explore their characters and relationships, reducing each scene to its bare minimum before moving on to the next.
Missing Emotional Depth
Furthermore, the film fails to portray the interpersonal relationships with the depth required. The portrayal of the close relationship between Celie and Shug, which should have been a triumphant portrayal of queerness and Blackness, feels underdeveloped. The movie’s lack of passion, magic, and character development leaves the story feeling incomplete and odd.
A Lack of Emotional Connection
The film struggles to convey the passage of time and fails to establish an emotional connection with the audience. The musical numbers, dramatic moments, and character interactions lack a sense of place, time, or emotional resonance, diminishing the impact of the storytelling.
The jazz- and swing-inspired tunes are snappy and catchy, but the film fails to capture their true passion and emotion. The talent of the lead actors is underutilized, and the movie lacks vocal and musical crescendos that could have elevated the storytelling.
The original Color Purple movie, despite its flaws, delivers a much more rhythmic and emotionally resonant experience, hitting every high note that the new adaptation loses amidst the music.