The “Color Purple” is a refreshing take on the musical, drawing inspiration from it rather than being a direct adaptation. Some songs from the original show have been removed and new ones added, including “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” from the 1985 film. Marcus Gardley’s screenplay stays close to the book, especially in the portrayal of the romance between Shug and Celie, which is subtly intimate but significant in Celie’s life. This relationship is a key component in her personal growth as she learns about pleasure and safety.
The first two hours of the film are engaging, with big musical numbers, emotional performances, and a sense of respect for the story’s 40-year legacy. However, the fast-paced editing hinders the viewer’s ability to fully appreciate the dance sequences. Despite this, the film is compelling overall.
Nevertheless, the challenges of adapting Celie’s story become evident towards the end. The character development suffers due to the constraints of an average movie running time, resulting in one-dimensional portrayals of the male characters. The rushed conclusion also diminishes the impact of the final scene.
It’s unfortunate that the film does not fully capture Celie’s complex humanity, and one can only hope for a future adaptation that does so. Alice Walker’s novel presents fertile ground for exploration, depicting a story of horror and heroism as a Black woman finds freedom among her peers and bravely extends that freedom onward.
The Color Purple
Rated PG-13 for incest, rape, racism and abuse. Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes. In theaters.