"To Kill a Mockingbird-, directed by Robert Mulligan was adapted from the timeless classic by Harper Lee. Produced in 1962, it deals with issues such as racism, discrimination, violence, sexual abuse, and human dignity. Many aspects make this film a success worldwide, such as the plot, the portrayal of characters, music and the use of camera and film techniques, which helps brings out the full intensity of the story.
To Kill a Mockingbird has a dynamic plot. The story is set in Maycomb, a sleepy rural town located in Alabama, during the 1930's, at the height of the Great Depression. It is seen through the eyes of Scout, a nave six-year-old girl. The unique aspect about Scout is that she never speaks with hatred. She speaks with a child's innocence, and describes complex things in a child's way, making it easier to understand. The story consists of two intertwined tales. The first revolves around the small town life of the three children, Jem, Scout and Dill. An essential part of this first tale is their next door neighbour, known to the children as Boo Radley. As the town's infamous recluse, Boo dominates the imaginations of Jem, Scout and Dill, as their curiosity slowly gets the better of them. The second part of the story is the trial of a black man accused of rape on a white girl. Atticus, their father, is chosen to defend the Negro, and being a dutiful lawyer, does so. This results in conflict involving his family and friends.
The characters in the film are portrayed as carefree and relaxed, although each character has its own unique personality. Scout is depicted as an independent and bright child, eager to understand everything that is going on in their small town. She is a tomboy, hates wearing dresses and finds the accusation that she "acts like a girl" highly offensive. The film brings out the point that every character is human, with human flaws and weaknesses. Even Atticus, the shining example of morality, is symbolically weak, as he is old widowed as opposed to young and virile.
