George of Mice and Men; Weighing Down a Good Film

Steinbeck's classic novella has once again been re-done into a Hollywood movie in 1992. This version of the classic story is very well done. The writing is well plotted. The acting is superb. The portrayal of the characters, especially George, on the other hand, have received mixed feelings from the following of the book. Sure, the actor's portrayal of the characters are "unique" and convey characters a different way, but the emotions of George just aren't dynamic enough to bring the film's emotional heights to that of the novella. The novella chronicles George and Lennie through the struggles of their dream of one day owning their own farm. Lennie being the naive, innocent one, and George being the "tough-as-nails one with a kind heart. George was initially portrayed static and flat, being nothing more than the tough one. As the story progresses more sides of the man are revealed, showing that inside he does have a soft spot. Gary Sinise, George's actor in the film, his portrayal of the character. The development of the various aspects of Georges character that made him dynamic, and pop out of the text, isn't reflected that well when he is actually brought to life and on the big screen. Sinise portrays George, not as a man with rough exterior with a kind heart, but as an everyday guy who cares about his best friend. His acting is well done, but the character he portrays is watered down. This makes the films storytelling weaker than the novella. This is especially applies to the character's major scenes where he argues with Curley and the final scene of him killing Lennie. The book was beautifully written so that every ounce of text painted the scene vividly. While on the movie is weighed down by Sinise performance from capturing the emotion originally invoked the text. While fans of the original novella might be disappointed. The movie is actually very well done, aside from the characters portrayals. It still immerses the viewer into a world where George and Lennie draw the viewer in a charming tale before a tragic end.