Detailed Summary
Celie’s Early Life and Struggles
In the early 20th century American South, the film begins with young African American girl Celie (Whoopi Goldberg). Celie suffers sexual abuse from her father, who fathers two children with her and then takes them away. Later, a harsh man named Mister (Danny Glover) forces Celie to marry him, continuing her cycle of suffering.
Nettie’s Departure
Celie’s sister Nettie (Akosua Busia) comes to live with her and Mister, but is soon forced to leave after rejecting Mister’s advances. Nettie promises to write to Celie, but Mister intercepts and hides the letters, leading Celie to believe Nettie has forgotten her.
Sofia’s Resistance
Sofia (Oprah Winfrey), the strong-willed wife of Mister’s son Harpo (Willard Pugh), refuses to be subjugated by her husband. Her defiance leads to a confrontation with the white mayor’s wife. As a result, authorities jail Sofia and later force her into servitude.
Shug Avery’s Arrival
Shug Avery (Margaret Avery), a jazz singer and Mister’s longtime lover, arrives and forms an unlikely friendship with Celie. Shug’s presence empowers Celie, encouraging her to find her voice and strength.
The Revelation of Nettie’s Letters
Shug discovers the hidden letters from Nettie, revealing that she has been living in Africa and caring for Celie’s children. This revelation ignites Celie’s resolve to reclaim her life.
Celie’s Empowerment
During a dramatic dinner scene, Celie confronts Mister, expressing her anger and independence. She leaves him, moving to Memphis with Shug, where she starts a successful business making custom pants.
Reunion and Redemption
The film culminates with Celie being reunited with Nettie and her children. Mister, now remorseful, helps facilitate this reunion. The final scene depicts a joyful, tearful reunion between Celie and her loved ones.
Movie Ending
The movie ends on a hopeful note. Celie, having regained her self-worth and independence, is finally reunited with her sister Nettie and her children. Mister, now a broken man, has a moment of redemption by helping bring the family back together. The final scene shows Celie surrounded by her loved ones, symbolizing a new beginning filled with love and hope.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Color Purple” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a period drama that explores themes of racism, sexism, and personal redemption. It is an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.
Cast
- Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Harris Johnson
- Danny Glover as Albert “Mister” Johnson
- Margaret Avery as Shug Avery
- Oprah Winfrey as Sofia
- Akosua Busia as Nettie Harris
- Willard Pugh as Harpo Johnson
- Adolph Caesar as Old Mister
- Rae Dawn Chong as Squeak
Film Music and Composer
The score for “The Color Purple” was composed by Quincy Jones. The music incorporates elements of blues, jazz, and traditional African American spirituals, enhancing the film’s emotional and cultural depth.
Filming Locations
- Anson and Union counties, North Carolina: Various rural scenes were shot in these locations, providing an authentic Southern backdrop for the story.
- Monroeville, Alabama: Used for some of the town scenes.
The locations were crucial in capturing the early 20th-century Southern atmosphere and the rural life depicted in the film.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Whoopi Goldberg), and Best Supporting Actress (Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery). Despite the nominations, the film did not win any Oscars.
- Golden Globe Awards: Whoopi Goldberg won Best Actress in a Drama.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Whoopi Goldberg) and Best Original Score (Quincy Jones).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Whoopi Goldberg’s performance marked her film debut, earning critical acclaim and launching her acting career.
- Oprah Winfrey’s role as Sofia was also her film debut, showcasing her powerful acting abilities.
- Steven Spielberg directed the film, marking a significant departure from his usual genre of adventure and sci-fi films.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel “The Color Purple,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
- Historical Context: The film draws heavily on the historical context of African American life in the early 20th-century Southern United States, addressing issues of racism, sexism, and personal empowerment.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. Spielberg’s adaptation closely followed the novel’s narrative and resolution.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Character Depth: The book delves deeper into the inner thoughts and development of the characters, particularly through Celie’s letters.
- Themes and Subplots: Some themes and subplots are more extensively explored in the novel, such as Celie’s spiritual awakening and the African experiences of Nettie.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Celie’s Confrontation: The dinner scene where Celie stands up to Mister, claiming her independence.
- Sofia’s Resistance: Sofia’s defiant stand against the mayor and her subsequent imprisonment.
- Shug’s Song: Shug singing “Sister” to Celie, symbolizing their deepening bond and Celie’s awakening.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m poor, black, I may even be ugly, but dear God, I’m here! I’m here!” – Celie
- “All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers.” – Sofia
- “You’re a low down dirty dog, that’s what’s wrong. It’s time for me to get away from you, and enter into the Creation. And your dead body be just the welcome mat I need.” – Celie
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s use of color purple in various scenes symbolizes Celie’s journey from oppression to empowerment.
- The mailbox outside Mister’s house, where Celie’s letters from Nettie were hidden, represents the suppression of Celie’s connection to her sister and her eventual discovery of her own strength.
Trivia
- Steven Spielberg initially felt unqualified to direct the film due to his lack of experience with dramatic narratives, but he ultimately embraced the challenge.
- Alice Walker, the author of the novel, was closely involved in the film’s production and endorsed Spielberg’s adaptation.
- The film’s lack of Oscar wins despite multiple nominations sparked significant controversy and discussions about racial bias in Hollywood.
Why Watch?
“The Color Purple” is a poignant and powerful exploration of resilience, identity, and the human spirit. Its stellar performances, especially by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, combined with Spielberg’s sensitive direction, make it a compelling and inspirational film.
Director’s Other Movies
- Jaws (1975)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Schindler’s List (1993)
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Beloved (1998)
- Roots (1977)
- 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- The Help (2011)
- Fences (2016)
