To Kill a Mockingbird ranks among the most perfectly made films in all categories. First of all, it's one of the most faithful book adaptations that even had a thumbs up from the author, Harper Lee. And everything else about it rings so true, even almost 40 years later: pitch-perfect casting, beautiful cinematography and direction, absolutely timeless musical score, compelling story, rich characters, memorable opening and closing sequences, the great Kim Stanley as the film's narrator and on and on. It is a true American classic.
This is the most memorable moment for myself and I'm sure for many others. Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) has just lost his noble battle in defending Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a young black man accused of beating and raping a young white woman. It's a devastating blow in a case where he was clearly innocent. In this moment, Atticus is collecting his things and getting ready to leave. Everyone has exited the courthouse except for the black spectators (and Atticus' children, Jem and Scout) who are forced to sit in the stifling balcony. As he is preparing to leave, every one of them stands up to show their respect, admiration, appreciation, whatever you want to call it, for his great efforts. Reverend Sykes (Bill Walker) notices Scout is sitting down and he says, "Jean Louise. Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing." It's a scene that could have been overblown or overly sentimental. Instead, it's a quiet and brief, yet powerful moment when the people in the balcony show their respect for this man of justice and grace, and then go on with their day. There are no teary close-ups of Atticus, no hysteric shouting of gratitude, no over-the-top musical cues, just a realistic display of gratitude - and it's all the more powerful for it.
If you have not seen this film, please do yourself a favor and check it out. And on a lighter note, this movie may have the best character names ever thought up: Scout, Atticus, Jem, Dill, Boo, Calpurnia, Mayella, etc.
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