There’s no doubt that in school or somewhere along the way you watched the 1985 version of The Color Purple. The story of two sisters separated by life’s circumstances and their unlikely journey back to each other despite tragedies both face along the way. Set in the early 1900’s, the sisters have the decks stacked against them, but endure through their faith and love for family.
This holiday season, The Color Purple is returning to theaters. Featuring the story of Celie (Fantasia Barrino) and her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey). The movie is the same story, based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker which was written as letters between the two sisters. However, this version seems to blend the film and the later musical adaptation into one. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, it seems this story is one she holds close to her heart and refuses to let any others in or be told.
If this is your first time seeing The Color Purple, this version may be hard to warm up to. Whether it’s the street dancing or the jazz hands – it seems like a weird mix of story between musical numbers and jumps in time. Some very interesting decisions were made on what parts to keep from the musical version and which from the film version, and blending these elements doesn’t seem to work at times.
Instead, the movie seems to start like a Broadway show and ease into a movie that only has a few sporadic musical elements. It’s jarring at times, and with a run time of over 2 hours and 30 minutes, it seems to drag on through parts of the film. It’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re in church during some of the musical numbers – even if they’re not meant to be religious. It just seems like the movie couldn’t decide which adaptation it wanted to stick with or blend the two more cohesively.
Yes, The Color Purple will have its audiences and it will most likely do well this holiday season in theaters. But if you’ve already seen the 1985 version or the musical adaptation – don’t expect anything different in this version. It’s dancing that fine line of movies and their musical adaptation overload. Can both have versions in the film format and be successful or is it just over-saturating the market? And why this story again? There are plenty of other worthy stories that could be told, instead of recycling the same story that already has been done multiple ways.
There is no doubt that the actors are talented. The acting and singing talent in the film are amazing. But it seems lost in the story that audiences may not want to see again. The Color Purple will be in theaters everywhere on Christmas Day.
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About The Color Purple:
Experience “The Color Purple,” a bold new take on the beloved classic starring a lineup of award-winning talent, including Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino as Celie in her major motion picture debut. With an all-star lineup of producers, including Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Spielberg, this completely reimagined film is based on both the novel and the Tony-winning Broadway show.
Warner Bros. Pictures will release “The Color Purple” in theaters only on Christmas Day.