This movie was quite lacking. It took a lot of creative liberties, erasing key events and characters within the story. The pacing made it difficult to have any sympathy for characters. Ma Baxter was nothing like she was in the book in more ways than one, "vast...bulk" (Rawlings, 19). 2 stars rather 1 is to give credit that it is a better adaptation of its textual counterpart than (let's say) "Troy" is to the "Iliad," or "Call of the Wild." As the story is a bildungsroman, Jody should be seen to grow, but the movie lacks any development of his character. If you read the book, the movie is fun to laugh at. Fodder Wing dies. Flag dies. Where is Grandma Hutto?! Did she die? Why did the director not choose to have Jody throw a potato at Eulalie Boyles??? Erm, I am a Literature teacher, and I care about the quality lessons contained in didactic novels. The choice to omit the greatest lesson: "you cain't go thru life chunkin' things at all the ugly women you meet" (133) is a lamentable thing. As a Florida Man myself, the landscape is portrayed very well, as is the reckless spirit of the backwoods Florida Man, personified in the Forresters. If you truly want to experience The Yearling in all its glory, read the book. Back to the swamp for me.
Review of The Yearling
The Yearling
(1994 TV Movie)
Great if you read the synopsis, subpar if you read the book.
17 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers