Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 5: The Color Purple

Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . The Color Purple by Alice Walker Content warning for listeners and young listeners for this episode! 1:28 - Here’s the Setup 3:41 - Previews Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. The Color Purple by Alice Walker Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. The Color Purple (1985) The Color Purple (2023) 7:34 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen. Sisters being separated Celie first showing up at Mister’s house Setting up the story Anything left out that shouldn’t have been. African continent Celie and Shug’s relationship Shug’s life events Voiceover narration Setting on the coast of Georgia Celie’s discovery of herself Mister’s redemption arc Casting and mis-casting Directors Harpo Shug Mister Problematic elements. Continuity issues: dock and boat access to juke joint Sophia having a potential traumatic brain injury? Mailbox focus 42:52 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Mister’s redemption arc Shug’s redemption arc Shug singing down the choir Title line incorporation Shug singing at the juke joint The Fancy Pants song (“I’m so Pretty” from West Side Story) Worst and best actors. The Mailbox Squeak/H.E.R. Adult Nettie/Ciara Celie/Whoopie Sophia/Oprah Mister/Danny Glover Celie/Fantasia Barrino Sophia/Danielle Brooks Young Celie & Young Nettie Worst and best book characters. Ol’ Mister Mister Shug The Three Musketeers: Shug/Sophia/Nettie 56:40 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes - 1985 Movie on Rotten Tomatoes - 2023 1:02:25 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel Which of the movies that we’ve already reviewed would you most like to see as a musical? Jurassic Park by Michael Chricton - Popcorn Episode The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Popcorn Episode Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - Popcorn Episode The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins If you were to cast yourself as one of these characters, which would you be? If you were sentenced to 12 years in prison, what would it be for? Murder Drinking and driving 1:05:46 - End Credits The Dry by Jane Harper Available for rent (we’re using the library!) Connect With Us Currently Reading | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch