Analysis of The Colour Purple Film

Analysis of The Colour Purple Film

'The Colour Purple' is a novel written by Alice Walker in 1982. It is

the touching and inspirational story of Celie. The story is set at the

start of the twentieth century and Celie is a young black girl living

in the Deep South. Celie writes letters to God in which she tells

about her life - her roles as daughter, wife, sister, and mother.

Through the course of her story, Celie meets a series of other Black

women who shape her life. Throughout the story Celie is the centre of

this community of women, the one who knows how to survive. The highly

praised Hollywood Director, Steven Spielberg modified the novel for

film in the mid-1980s. When turning this novel into a film Spielberg

may have anticipated some difficulties, such as condensing the story.

The aim of the film was to portray the position and troubles of

Afro-American women at the time. It shows that women were oppressed by

their colour and gender. The harsh words said to Celie by Mister help

depict the situation of most black women, 'you black, you poor, you

ugly, you a woman - you nothing at all'. Like the novel, Spielberg's

film does not dwell only on this depression and trouble, he also shows

the strength and determination of the women. Despite all the scenes of

racial cruelty, domestic violence and the shocking situations, the

film shows the determination and strength of character that

Afro-American women possess. The colour purple symbolises the bruises

and suffering but becomes the colour of femininity and delight.

Firstly, I am going to analyse the opening section of the film.

Spielberg has created a soft, blissful mood by choosing t...

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...create this contrast. Celie is getting in the back of the car and

Mister comes after Celie and tries to hit her, but Celie puts her hand

out and stops him, this makes us the audience feel immense triumph as

Celie has overcome Mister. We also witness a shot from behind Celie

looking down on Mister, this is effective because it shows how Celie's

overcome Mister and is now higher than him, which gives us the

audience great jubilation.

Spielberg has adapted the film very well and he has managed to portray

all of Alice Walker's purposes. The film is touching and

inspirational. It shows how other black women have helped shape

Celie's life and she is the centre of this community of women. Towards

the end of the film as the audience we feel an immense sense of

triumph and jubilation and surely this film inspires all.