The Miracle Worker (1962)

 Arthur Penn's "The Miracle Worker"

My impressions of "The Miracle Worker" before ever having seen the film was something far more akin to that of "Mary Poppins." Unfit parents are at their wits end with their children and a nice, calming presence comes along instilling patience and understand that allows the children to learn and thrive. However, this is not at all anything like "The Miracle Worker," and for good reason.

The film is based on the 1959 stage play of the same name, which in turn was based on the real events of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Arthur Penn, the stage director for the play was tasked with bringing it to the big screen. The studio originally wanted Elizabeth Taylor for the part of Ms. Sullivan. But, Penn instead went against the studio and chose Anne Bancroft, who starred in his stage production. Patty Duke, although she was fifteen years old at the time, was brought from the stage performance to play Helen Keller.

The film is a far more physical affair than I would've considered. The physical elements are well-needed, as it illustrates visually the battle of wills taking place between Anne and Helen. Anne's insistence that Helen's parents have spoiled her creates additional drama. Her lack of pity for the child obviously creates the very necessity to establish a will over her. Once that will is asserted, Anne believes she can truly educate her.

I found this dynamic to be completely captivating. The demonstration of will between two stubborn forces feels both dramatic and intimate. Once the climatic breakthrough occurs, it's euphoric given the grind it took to get there.

Penn uses the physicality of the two in his camerawork, especially with his use of close-ups. He places the viewer directly into the conflict and violence, making us feel intimately a part of it. Because of this, the film feels so alive and kinetic. 

"The Miracle Worker" was such a breath of fresh air, especially in an era of American cinema that feels ultimately stale. The early 1960s in American cinema produced many frustrating watches. At a time when European and Japanese cinema was crafting game-changing modern and post-modern works, America felt as though it was lagging behind. This makes "The Miracle Worker" one of the few diamonds in the rough.