Stats:

Movie:
The Crucible

Stars:
Daniel Day-Lewis
Joan Allen
Winona Ryder

Date: 1998

Bottom Line:
Excellent drama. Worthwile rental.

The Crucible
This is an extremely good & faithful adaptation of Arthur Miller's play (should be since he wrote the screenplay as well & was active on the set during filming). The movie/play is the true story about the Salem Witch Trials but is actually about McCarthyism and the blacklisting of the 1950s. The movie is extremely moving and well acted. Joan Allen as usual was excellent as was Daniel Day-Lewis. Winona Ryder isn't as good in her role as the lead accuser (isn't there anyone else in her age group who can do dramatic roles?!?) as she could be, but she pulls her weight. The movie has a lot to say on many different levels. This is a movie/play which was written to make you think and squirm and examine your own actions.

It didn't get as much press as it should have when it was released, & even though the theatre were I saw it was filled, the film did not hang around in theatres very long. Which was really too bad. If you can see it in a theatre, see this movie. Otherwise, pick this up at your video store when it comes out.