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Norma Rae (1979)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 1/26

1/26: Sally Field gives an all-time great performance in Norma Rae.

I had been harsh about her acting in many films; it's because she was often pretending and being herself. But in Norma Rae, she plays a deep character who's worth caring about. That's evident at the end when Reuben had a very hard time leaving her. By the way, why Beau Bridges' name on the DVD cover when it should've been Ron Leibman? The latter's contribution was far more significant than the former's and thus got robbed of an Oscar nomination.

Now, this is where the movie falls short: the lack of explanation when it comes to "union." What does it mean? How does that work? Why do workers need it? The part I don't get is Reuben coming from New York City to unionize a factory in a small Southern town. Why was it specifically selected? The screenplay doesn't do a good job of explaining much, so you're well-advised to check out Howard Zinn's book A People's History of the United States as it covers labor issues quite extensively.

Typically, when an employee tries to form a union, he or she tends to be either fired or killed under mysterious circumstances. Sometimes, an agreement is reached, and then the said person is fired as part of moving forward. That's what you call "cutting off the head of the snake." That way, nothing like this happens again...at least not for a long time. Anyway, the story is based on Crystal Lee Sutton at the J.P. Stevens plant in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, during the 70's, but the down-to-earth movie barely covers what actually happened.

All in all, If you have to see one Sally Field movie, make it Norma Rae.

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