Of Mice And Men is a classic novel that tells a wonderful story. There's a reason virtually every GCSE-age child in the UK has read it and studied every page in excruciating detail. The 1992 film adaptation, starring Gary Sinise as George and John Malkovich as Lennie, does a great job of transferring John Steinbeck's tale to the silver screen. It's one of Malkovich's best performances, bringing real vulnerability that isn't there in his more sinister roles. The centrepiece of the third act is George's mercy killing of Lennie, when he is responsible for the accidental death of another character's wife. George distracts his friend with their shared dream of retiring to a self-sustaining ranch and keeping rabbits before shooting him in the back of the head. Lennie's final thought is of the pets he has always wanted to have and the fantasy that he and his best friend have been working towards for their entire life. This finale provides the perfect payoff for both of the central characters and allows Lennie to die in the most peaceful way possible, with a smile on his face.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
