The Crucible starring Daniel Day-
lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield,
Joan Allen, Bruce Davison
The Crucible Still Relevant In The New Millenium
I teach high school American Literature, and The Crucible is a regular part
of our curriculum. We traditionally read it in the fall, accompanied by the
Puritan literature of the period in which it is set. Students find it interesting
and engaging, for the most part, but often have a tough time picturing the
action. This film--which I was astonished to learn is the only English-
language production--is beautifully done and artfully acted. I was also
surprised to learn that Arthur Miller himself wrote the screenplay at age 81!
I wonder why the film was not produced in the U.S. until 1996? The
adaptation is faithful, though Miller himself made some interesting choices,
such as dividing some of the soul-searching counterpoint to Danforth's
legal juggernaut between the young Hale and an expanded character,
Judge Sewell, who is nothing more than a background character in the
original play. I especially liked the visual effect of the halo that appears
around Elizabeth Proctor as she resolves to tell the only lie of her life in
defense of her husband. Joan Allen (the Black and White mom from
Pleasantville) gives another real-as-it-gets performance as the saintly yet
very human Elizabeth. Another of my favorite moments with Allen occurs
when she is taken away from her home to stand trial on the trumped up
charges of witchcraft. In the play, John tells her to "fear nothing" a nd she
responds in kind, but the stage directions make it clear she is terrified.
Joan Allen delivers the line, "I will fear nothing" with an absolute iron will
that infuses her character with heretofore unseen strength.
All in all, this film is worth a close viewing and it adds genuine depth to the
reading of Miller's classic.
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