I was in my American Literature class on Tuesday, May 17, when we watched this movie. I had never even heard of this version of the film, and I was reading the credits, knowing from the beginning that is was going to be good, Gary Sinise starring and directing, and, in his best and on of the best performances ever, John Malkovich played Lennie Small. This film made my eyes water from the fantastic acting and the great adaptation of the 1937 Steinbeck novel.
George Milton (Gary Sinise) and Lennie Small (Malkovich) have to run from a job because of a reason you find out later in the film. They go to another ranch, and carry with them the dream of having their own land and being able to use it and live well off of it. Lennie is a larger man who is mentally challenged, and George is the person who is keeping him away from trouble and is protecting him. The story is very empowering and fantastic, especially as an adaptation coming from Sinise himself.
The best aspect of this film is the FANTASTIC acting of John Malkovich. Sinise is also amazing in his performance, and Ray Walston gives an amazing performance as Candy.
Bottom Line: A. One of the best adaptation films I have ever seen.