Wild River

Wild River is an American drama film released in 1960 and directed by the critically acclaimed Elia Kazan. It is a historical film that illustrates the complex weave of progress and tradition, solitude and society, as well as individualism and common good. The film boasts a talented cast that includes Montgomery Clift, Lee Remick, and Jo Van Fleet, stars whose performance styles seamlessly intertwine to create a tapestry of emotional range and depth.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, specifically in 1936. Clift plays the lead character, Chuck Glover, an eager and idealistic field administrator from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a recently formed New Deal agency with a herculean task - to control the often-tempestuous Tennessee River, prevent flooding, improve the navigability of the river and promote agricultural and economic productivity in the region. To achieve this, Chuck is assigned the task of convincing a stubborn old woman, Ella Garth (Jo Van Fleet), to willingly give up her piece of land, an island in the Tennessee River, so that it can be used for a new dam.

Ella, a defiant and proud matriarch, battles tooth and nail to preserve her lineage, heritage, and most importantly her home, from the inevitable transformation spearheaded by the government in the name of modernization. Jo Van Fleet’s portrayal evokes empathetic understanding from the audience for her stubborn resistance and reluctance to surrender her home, thereby representing the clash between old and new, personal and public interest, and man versus nature.

A young and vivacious Lee Remick plays Carol Baldwin, Ella Garth’s widowed granddaughter. Carol's character seems entrapped, not just on the island but in the redundant traditions and caged life that the isolation of the island has to offer. Her encounter with Chuck Glover ignites an amalgamation of emotions, ranging from romantic curiosity to the ambition of a life beyond the confines of the island.

Emerging within this conflict, a relationship blossoms between Carol and Chuck, fueled by the latter's earnest determination to fulfill his professional duties and the underlying romantic attraction between them. Montgomery Clift’s performance as Chuck is commendable; his character convincingly carries the weight of his responsibility, embodying the progressive momentum of the New Deal era.

Further fueling the narrative's tension is the persistently relevant theme of racial discrimination. This aspect of the film unfolds as Chuck decides to hire local African Americans for a public works project, this decision is met with resistance from the white conservative locals. Kazan’s choice to include this subplot was a progressive move for a film in the 1960s and displays his aptitude in intertwining multiple societal issues into one cohesive narrative.

The film captures the viewer’s attention through its visually stunning cinematography. It utilizes vast, untamed landscapes contrasted with the close interaction of characters. It is a captivating watch, mainly due to its beautiful visual storytelling and magnificent performances by the principal cast. The scenic beauty of the Tennessee Valley plays as much of a character in the film as the protagonists, setting a splendid yet isolating stage for the characters' predicament.

Furthermore, the film's score by Kenyon Hopkins underscores the visual beauty of the river representing both a lifeline and a threat, thereby reinforcing the duality inherent in the film. The score ebbs and flows with the river, perfectly complementing the narrative's drama.

Wild River masterfully showcases the clash between progress and tradition, coupled with strong performances from its cast, placing it among Elia Kazan’s most memorable films. Its nuanced storytelling about progress and its impact on people’s lives make it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema. Kazan addresses societal issues with finesse, allowing the viewer to see both sides of the argument, sparking thought-provoking debate amongst its audience. With magnificent acting, breathtaking scenery, and a deeply compelling narrative, Wild River is a cinematic achievement that stands the test of time.