Spielberg’s Double Feature: A Critical Look at The Color Purple and Empire of the Sun

So, you’re staring at a wall of DVDs, or maybe scrolling endlessly through a streaming service. Been there. You want a movie, something good, something worth your time. You’re not looking for film school lectures, just a decent flick for a night in. Let’s talk Spielberg, two very different films, two very different experiences: The Color Purple (1985) and Empire of the Sun (1987).

Story and Plot

The Color Purple follows Celie, a black woman in the early 20th century South. Abuse, resilience, and the long road to self-discovery. It’s heavy, powerful stuff, drawn from Alice Walker’s novel. Does it grab you? Yes, it does. Like a punch to the gut. Raw and real. Empire of the Sun? A young boy, spoiled, privileged, separated from his parents in Shanghai during World War II. He navigates a Japanese internment camp, forced to grow up fast. Another heavy hitter, based on J.G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel. Both stories are strong, distinct. No recycled plots here.

Characters and Performances

Whoopi Goldberg as Celie. A force of nature. You feel her pain, her strength. Deservedly Oscar-nominated. The supporting cast? Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey. Powerful performances all around. Empire? A young Christian Bale. Remarkable. He carries the film on his small shoulders. John Malkovich adds a touch of cynical charm. Both films? Characters you remember, performances that stay with you.

Directing and Cinematography

Spielberg’s direction in Purple? Intimate, focused on the characters. The cinematography? Beautiful, capturing the rural South. Empire? Epic scale. Sweeping shots of wartime China. Spielberg shows his range. Both films, visually stunning, but serving the story, not the other way around. I’ve seen directors get lost in the pretty pictures. Story suffers. Not Spielberg. He knows what he’s doing.

Editing and Pacing

Purple unfolds deliberately. It’s a slow burn, but never drags. Every scene has weight. Empire? A bit more uneven. Some parts feel rushed, others linger. A few scenes could have been trimmed. I once worked on a film where the director refused to cut a single frame. The result? A three-hour snooze-fest.

Music and Sound Design

Quincy Jones’ score for Purple? Iconic. Soulful, moving. Empire‘s score by John Williams? Grand, orchestral. Both fit the mood perfectly. Sound design? Subtle but effective. Enhances the experience without being overbearing.

Cultural and Social Impact

The Color Purple? Tackles racism, sexism, domestic violence. Important themes, then and now. Empire of the Sun? The horrors of war, seen through a child’s eyes. Both films leave you thinking. They stay with you.

Genre and Execution

Purple? A period drama done right. Emotional, impactful. Empire? A war drama, but from a unique perspective. Both films excel in their respective genres.

Audience Reception and Reviews

The Color Purple? Critical acclaim, box office success. Though, some controversy at the time. Too much? Too real? Nonsense. Empire? Generally positive reviews, though maybe overshadowed by Purple. Both worth watching.

Production Design and Visual Effects

Purple’s production design? Authentic, capturing the time and place. Empire? Visually impressive, especially the war scenes. Practical effects, not over-reliance on CGI. A good thing. I’ve seen too many films ruined by bad CGI. It’s like a cheap magic trick. You see the strings.

Overall Enjoyment and Replay Value

Both films offer a powerful experience. Purple? An emotional journey. Empire? A visceral one. Both worth revisiting.

Script and Dialogue

Purple’s dialogue? Naturalistic, capturing the Southern dialect. Empire? A bit more formal, but still believable. No clunky lines here.

Symbolism and Subtext

Both films are rich in symbolism. Purple? The color purple itself, representing hope and resilience. Empire? The boy’s obsession with airplanes, a symbol of escape. Both films reward close attention.

Production Quality

Both films are well-made. High production values. No glaring technical issues. Spielberg knows how to make a movie. It shows.

Conflict and Tension

Purple? The tension builds slowly, relentlessly. Celie’s struggle is palpable. Empire? The tension is more immediate, driven by the war. Both effective in different ways.

Strong points: Both films boast incredible performances and powerful stories. Spielberg’s direction is masterful in both, showcasing his versatility.

Bad points: Empire of the Sun could have benefited from tighter pacing. Some may find The Color Purple‘s subject matter challenging.