I read one review that called this film a "fictionized" account of the Scopes "Monkey Trial." That is not entirely accurate. It is more of an editorialized account of the trial. The names of the principal players have been altered, William Jennings Bryan becomes Matthew Harrison Brady, yet the story is the same. This is an opinion piece. This film is designed to argue a specific viewpoint, and it does it rather successfully. I do not agree with the conclusions of the film. I do not agree with the beliefs of the filmmakers, yet I think the film is very effective. One of the primary rhetorical devices of the film is to marginalize the "Religionists". Each of them, whether it is the townsfolk, Brady, or Reverened Jeremiah Brown, are made to be buffoons--ignorant and hateful. One review said the character of Brady was overblown. I think that is the point. He is supposed to be a pompous, arrogant, loud-mouthed moron. I like the fact that you almost always see him stuffing his face with food. This strengthens the image of him as a gluttonous simpleton. This type of rhetorical device is very effective. The sanest, most logical, most humane people in the film are the ones in support of Cates and in opposition of the Creation-only viewpoint. The Reverend is willing to sacrifice his own daughter for his supposed fanatical beliefs. This is one of the most powerful aspects of the film. It portrays Christians as heartless, blind followers. I don't think this is always true, but the film makes it seems as though it is. Even without the rhetorical aspects of the film it is very good. The courtroom scenes are a paradigm for conveying claustrophobia and paranoia. The people are trapped in this hot, confined space. It becomes a tremendous metaphor for the town's belief system. The acting is superb. Each actor hits each scene with just the right note. I think one of the greatest dialog scenes in all of cinema is the final courtroom battle, which is taken almost verbatim from the actual trial. The two actors are at the top of the game as engage in a titanic verbal spar. The cinematography effectively portrays the collapse of Brady's arguments, and eventually his whole life. The dialog in this scene, and throughout the entire movie, is some of the best there has ever been. This is an excellent film. Even for one who doesn't agree with the philosophy of the film, I can appreciate the artistry of this great film.
Review of Inherit the Wind
