Directed by Gary Sinise and based on John Steinbeck’s timeless 1937 novella, Of Mice and Men (1992) is a deeply emotional American drama that explores friendship, dreams, and tragedy during the Great Depression. This adaptation stays faithful to its literary roots while showcasing powerhouse performances by Sinise and John Malkovich.
Detailed Summary
The Dreamers: George and Lennie
The story centers on George Milton (Gary Sinise) and Lennie Small (John Malkovich), two displaced ranch workers traveling together through California during the Great Depression. George is quick-witted and protective, while Lennie is large, strong, and mentally disabled but kind-hearted and gentle. Their shared dream is to one day own a piece of land—a farm where Lennie can tend to soft rabbits, something that brings him immense joy.
Life at the Ranch
The pair find work on a ranch owned by a boss whose son, Curley (Casey Siemaszko), is aggressive and insecure—especially around men bigger than him. Curley’s flirtatious wife (Sherilyn Fenn) adds tension to the atmosphere, as her loneliness and need for attention make her a tragic figure in her own right.
The ranch hands—like the kind-hearted Slim (John Terry) and the elderly, crippled Candy (Ray Walston)—form the supporting backdrop for George and Lennie’s fragile hopes. When Candy hears about George and Lennie’s dream, he offers to pitch in his life savings to join them, bringing their fantasy closer to reality than ever before.
Trouble Brewing
Curley, constantly paranoid about his wife’s behavior, picks a fight with Lennie, who accidentally crushes Curley’s hand while defending himself. This act makes the ranchers wary of Lennie’s strength but also cements his childlike innocence—he doesn’t realize his own power.
The Fatal Encounter
The turning point comes when Lennie, left alone in the barn, encounters Curley’s wife. She confides in him about her loneliness and her shattered Hollywood dreams. When she invites him to touch her soft hair, Lennie—fascinated by the texture—panics as she starts to scream. In his desperation to quiet her, he shakes her too hard and accidentally breaks her neck.
Realizing the horror of what’s happened but unable to fully comprehend it, Lennie flees to a hiding place George had instructed him to go to in case of trouble—a brush near the riverbank.
The Manhunt
When Curley discovers his wife’s body, he gathers a lynch mob to hunt Lennie down. Slim and George both know Lennie won’t survive if captured. George finds Lennie first, sitting by the river, blissfully unaware of the full extent of what he’s done.
Movie Ending
At the riverbank, George and Lennie share a final moment that mirrors the opening scene of the movie. George tells Lennie once again about their dream—the farm, the rabbits, and the freedom they’ll have together. As Lennie listens, smiling and lost in the fantasy, George’s voice trembles. He knows what he must do.
The sounds of the approaching mob echo in the distance. George, with tears in his eyes, draws Carlson’s stolen pistol and, while describing the beauty of their dream, shoots Lennie in the back of the head—ending his life swiftly and mercifully.
Slim arrives moments later and understands what George has done. The two walk away together in silence, Slim comforting George, while the other men look on without understanding. The final shot lingers on George’s grief and the crushing loss of innocence and hope.
It’s one of cinema’s most heartbreaking endings—faithful to Steinbeck’s original vision of mercy, love, and impossible dreams.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Of Mice and Men (1992) does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes definitively with George and Slim walking away after Lennie’s death, leaving viewers to sit with the emotional weight of the story.
Type of Movie
Of Mice and Men is a drama and tragedy, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. It’s both a social commentary and a character-driven emotional journey about friendship, poverty, and the fragility of dreams.
Cast
- Gary Sinise as George Milton
- John Malkovich as Lennie Small
- Sherilyn Fenn as Curley’s Wife
- Ray Walston as Candy
- Casey Siemaszko as Curley
- John Terry as Slim
- Joe Morton as Crooks
Film Music and Composer
The haunting, minimalist score was composed by Mark Isham, known for his atmospheric and emotional music. The soundtrack perfectly captures the loneliness and quiet beauty of rural 1930s America, enhancing the film’s somber tone.
Filming Locations
Filming took place in California, particularly in Sonoma County and Mendocino, where the dusty ranch landscapes mirror Steinbeck’s original setting. These wide-open fields and simple bunkhouses evoke the Great Depression’s hardship and isolation, reinforcing the film’s authenticity.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, Of Mice and Men received critical acclaim for its performances and faithful adaptation. It was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards and recognized at international film festivals for its emotional power and classic storytelling.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Gary Sinise both directed and starred in the film, making it a personal passion project.
- John Malkovich reprised the role of Lennie, which he had previously performed on stage alongside Sinise.
- The chemistry between Sinise and Malkovich stemmed from years of working together in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
- Steinbeck’s son personally approved the script adaptation.
- The director’s decision to film on location, rather than on sets, added an extra layer of realism.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based directly on John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella Of Mice and Men, one of America’s most studied literary works. The title itself comes from Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse,” which reflects on how “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The film stays loyal to the novel’s tragic ending. No alternate endings were filmed, though early drafts included slightly longer scenes exploring Curley’s wife’s loneliness and Crooks’ isolation. These were removed for pacing and emotional focus.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The 1992 film is widely considered the most faithful adaptation of Steinbeck’s novella. Minor changes include more dialogue between ranch hands and added visual moments that highlight the setting’s desolation. The tone, structure, and ending remain true to the book.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lennie and George dreaming about their farm under the stars
- Curley attacking Lennie in the bunkhouse
- The tragic barn scene with Curley’s wife
- The final moment by the river
Iconic Quotes
- George: “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.”
- Lennie: “Tell me about the rabbits, George.”
- George: “We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film subtly references Steinbeck’s birthplace, Salinas, through small environmental details and props.
- A book on the ranch bunkhouse table is The American Dream, a nod to the story’s central theme.
- The sound design during the final scene mirrors the peaceful ambiance of their first campfire conversation—symbolizing the cyclical nature of their doomed dream.
Trivia
- Malkovich’s performance as Lennie is often cited as one of his best, earning widespread praise for its emotional depth.
- The film’s dialogue mirrors entire passages from Steinbeck’s book almost word-for-word.
- Gary Sinise chose to direct after seeing poor earlier adaptations that didn’t capture the novel’s intimacy.
- Real farm equipment from the 1930s was used for authenticity.
Why Watch?
Watch Of Mice and Men if you love emotionally charged storytelling, powerful acting, and literary adaptations that stay true to their source. It’s a heartbreaking yet beautiful exploration of friendship, hope, and the cost of mercy—one that lingers long after the credits roll.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Impostors (1998)
- Miles from Home (1988)
- Mission to Mars (2000)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
- The Green Mile (1999)
- My Left Foot (1989)
- A River Runs Through It (1992)
- Sling Blade (1996)
