1937 - The Life of Emile Zola: "May my name perish if Dreyfus be not innocent"

1937 Best Picture Winner

Premiered on September 13, 1937 in Los Angeles

Budget: $700,000

Gross: N/A



Recently, I watched the coverage of the New Orleans Saints "Bountygate" situation on ESPN. As I watched the coverage while on the treadmill in the gym, I thought about this movie. This movie is the first film with a strong political message. It has a very strong message about the need for a free press. Emile Zola stood up for truth by writing about the corruption in the world. We often criticize the media in our country but a free press is essential to a free society.

The movie does not have great acting or special effects. The movie started slowly but it got a lot more interesting after the first hour. I wanted to stand and cheer at the end.

Joel

Favorite: The scene where Zola is on trial is my favorite scene of any Oscar winner we've seen so far. It was very intriguing and unique.

Least Favorite: The movie was like a stage play. There were very few wide shots to set the stage for a new scene. The movie makers did not do anything that had not been done before.

Callie
Favorite: I liked the depth of the movie and the emphasis on truth.
Least Favorite: It was challenging to follow the characters at the beginning.