The Color Purple: A Comparison of Spielberg's Classic and the New Remake

The Cultural Representation

The Color Purple, a timeless classic based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel, has recently been revisited in a new remake, shedding light on the cultural nuances and representation in Steven Spielberg's 1985 version. The original movie, directed by Spielberg, received both commercial success and critical acclaim, but it has faced criticism for its portrayal of Black culture and the adaptation of Walker's powerful narrative.

Fantasia as Celie Harris Johnson singing in The Color Purple

Taraji P. Henson, who stars as Shug Avery in the new version, has openly expressed her thoughts on the cultural significance of the original film. She highlighted that the 1985 version missed the mark in portraying the resilience and joy within the Black community. Henson emphasized that Black people don't wallow or stay stuck in trauma; instead, they celebrate life, find joy, and fight for their right to happiness. This revelation provides a compelling insight into the cultural authenticity that the new remake aims to capture.

The Color Purple characters looking in awe in the back of a convertible

Criticism and Controversies

Despite its initial success, Spielberg's Color Purple adaptation has faced criticism and controversies over the years. The movie, which grossed just shy of $100 million and received numerous award nominations, has been scrutinized for its portrayal of Black men and the omission of the book's 'poetic vision'. Negative reviews lambasted the film for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and failing to authentically represent the characters and themes from Walker's novel.

Danielle Brooks wearing a plaid dress in The Color Purple

Furthermore, the decision to soften the lesbian relationship between Shug and Celie to achieve a PG-13 rating has been a point of contention. Critics, including civil rights activist James Baldwin, expressed disappointment in Spielberg's approach, calling for a more faithful adaptation that respects the original narrative's depth and complexity.

Halle Bailey as young Nettie, holding a baby in The Color Purple 2023

The New Remake and Its Impact

The release of the new Color Purple remake has sparked discussions about its potential to surpass Spielberg's classic in terms of cultural representation and authenticity. Early reviews of the remake have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the film's ability to capture the essence of Walker's novel and the vibrant spirit of the characters. The involvement of Black filmmakers in the new version has been a significant factor in addressing the cultural missteps of the original, as highlighted by Taraji P. Henson.

Closeup of Colman Domingo wearing a hat and looking wistful in The Color Purple

With a Certified Fresh 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and two Golden Globe nominations, the new Color Purple movie has already made a strong impression. The collaborative efforts of the creative team behind the remake have contributed to a visually striking and culturally resonant portrayal of the story, signaling a promising shift in the representation of Black narratives in cinema.