Steven Spielberg wants 'Grapes of Wrath'

Here's the thing: Yes, I read The Grapes of Wrath in high school like everybody else. And guess what? I thought it was kind of...boring. I know, I know, something was wrong with me back then. Today, I fully appreciate John Steinbeck's brilliance, believe me. And I will also say that John Ford's original Grapes of Wrath movie is, to me, one of the greatest classic American movies ever made.

So, with word that none other than Steven Spielberg (and DreamWorks) wants the rights to The Grapes of Wrath, I have to ask: Should this happen? Yes, it's Spielberg, the director who makes magic on screen, most recently with Lincoln (which was one of my favorite films of 2012). It's the same Spielberg who reveres the work of John Ford, and no doubt feels the weight of this kind of movie retelling. Ford's vision was astounding with the 1940 Grapes of Wrath movie, and he won the best director Oscar for his efforts.

Is Steven Spielberg hoping to follow in John Ford's footsteps? Maybe, or maybe not. Reports indicate he's not at all interested in directing this Grapes of Wrath movie adaptation, but he will produce.

Sometimes, a movie is so iconic, I am not entirely sure I want to watch a new adaptation of it. Oh, sure, if this makes it to theaters you can bet I'll be there, ready and hoping to love it. But right now, I'm just not sure. The classic 1940s film was just that good. Perhaps with the right people involved (and I'd consider Spielberg "the right people"), and the right actors cast (though no one could ever top Henry Fonda as Tom Joad), this might be a huge success. I want the film to stay true to The Grapes of Wrath book, though, and I want it to truly bring out the epic struggles of Mr. Joad and his family.

And I think Dean Fetzer over at LitReactor says it best: "Will it be better? Probably not, but it’s not going to be a cheap knock off, that’s for sure."

Anyone else care to weigh in on this one? Is it a good idea for Hollywood to rework this classic film (and novel), even with Spielberg and DreamWorks attached?

Photo courtesy of LitReactor.com