Director: Martin Ritt
Starring: Sally Field, Beau Bridges and Ron Liebman
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in Hollywood have made films which have appealed to audiences like Sally Field. Since the 1980’s, Field has become an iconic actress with a lasting legacy. Whether it’s caring mothers, divorced housewives or political figures, Field has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Field’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her bravery. She is one of those actresses which hasn’t ever been afraid to take on risky roles which require a certain degree of dedication. Through her brave choices, Field has become a strong actress in Hollywood that audiences value. Shining a bright light in darkness, Field has become one of the most beloved icons in the entertainment business. As delicious as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate, she is one of those actresses that has never lost her ability to captivate making timeless movies which audiences appreciate. Throughout her long-lasting career, Field has starred in countless memorable movies that are definitely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a huge fan of Sally Field and adore all the movies she has made throughout her career. However, “Norma Rae” may be my favourite. Ever since its release in 1979, Sally Field’s film has stood the test of time as a coming of age classic. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one is the best movies of the 1970s. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Sally Field, who portrays a dedicated union worker driven to accomplish a goal. Ultimately, what makes “Norma Rae” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains highly relevant today. It delivers a profound message about labor workers that would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about union workers, there are many strong reasons why “Norma Rae” is a movie which is definitely worth seeing.
“Norma Rae” tells the story of a young woman working in a factory that stands up against a union organization with a painful price to pay. Sally Field embodies a Norma Rae, a strong woman with bravery. Norma has always had dreams of finding success in a union. However, Norma Rae’s life drastically changes when she endures poor working conditions in her factory. Facing a dilemma, Norma makes the decisions to take a stand against her union company. As she faces tension, Norma begins to question if she will ever gain success in her organization. Questioning where she belongs in the world, Norma begins wondering whether she would ever accomplish the goals that she has been hunting.
Martin Ritt is a newcomer to stories of union workers. Before he directed “Norma Rae”, he had never made a movie about union workers before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the painful consequences by women which are mistreated by union organizations but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Ritt captures a woman that embarks on a journey to stand up against her union organization. Visually, the movie is a stunning feast for the eyes. Ritt expertly uses montages to capture the struggles faced by a union worker standing up against companies. For instance, montages enhance the textile worker scene. During this memorable scene, Norma Rae stands up against her company through bravery. One admires montages that capture tense hardships which union workers go through. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested, montages elevate classic literature adaptations. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through spellbinding visuals, Ritt captures union workers seeking to find identities in a world where they experience barriers that are challenging.
Another admirable aspect of “Norma Rae” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, the film’s production values hold up extremely well today. Ritt’s decision to shoot the movie in real life factories across America is risky but it works tremendously. For instance, the factory locations enhance the injustice scene. During this unforgettable scene, Norma Rae stands up against her reprehensible union bosses for being treated poorly in her factory. One appreciates strong production capturing the lives of union workers facing tension. Real-life factory locations are a complicated technique to use in films. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this film. Furthermore, the music is excellent. David Shire’s music gives the movie an exciting atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that union workers often bear. Through phenomenal production-design, the filmmaker captures the lives of union workers facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Norma Rae” is a classic that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly utilizes silence to capture the hardship faced by union workers. Martin Ritt’s screenwriting strength is capturing the impact of injustice on union workers through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the union factory becomes a strong symbol of the injustice that Norma Rae faces. Ritt effectively uses symbolism of the factory to capture the adversities that a union worker is facing. For instance, symbolism elevates the union meeting scene. During this unforgettable scene, Ritt takes a stand against her union by giving a monologue. One admired symbolism of the union capturing the hardships female workers in unions are facing. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Chris Columbus’ “Mrs. Doubtfire” demonstrated, symbolism elevates classic films capturing lives of housekeepers. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through an engaging screenplay, Ritt captures union workers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sally Field delivers one of her greatest career performances Norma Rae. Field first achieved appreciation for playing women experiencing dysfunctional families in dramas. With “Norma Rae”, however, she took on her most emotional role. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a courageous woman taking a stand against union workers, but Field succeeded immensely. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, she captures the angst, bravery and courage of a feminist woman that takes a stand against commemorated union companies. It’s a superb performance from one of the most celebrated actresses working today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Sally Field, the supporting cast also merits praise. The supporting cast is spectacular and merits appreciation. Beau Bridges is brilliant, capturing the caring personality of Norma’s husband that experiences grief when his wife focuses on her career at the expense of her family. Ron Leibman is remarkable, bringing humanity to Norma’s co-worker that cares deeply about his profession he loves dearly. Lastly, Pat Hingle merits appreciation. As a union worker facing a crisis, he brings tense emotions to the movie.
Finally, “Norma Rae” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing union workers facing a painful price to pay. Unlike most films made in the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully tackling themes that remain relevant today. The movie tackles strong themes of identity, career and injustice which would resonate with everyone. The movie delivers a strong message about union rights that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Norma Rae” is one of those rare movies about union workers which everyone would adore.
Fans of Sally Field would definitely enjoy “Norma Rae” and so will movie-goers seeking heartwarming entertainment. A captivating classic about union workers, it celebrates an actress that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about courageous women with strong personalities taking a stand against corrupt unions mistreating employees which are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress that gained a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition for her abilities to portray larger-than-life characters which are compelling whose engaging movies tackling timely themes that remain relevant today are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 