Blank Check with Griffin & David: Episode Summary — "The Color Purple with Kanise Mobley"

Release Date: March 9, 2025

1. Introduction to "The Color Purple"

In this episode, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve deep into the film adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Color Purple." Joined by guest Kanise Mobley, the conversation explores the complexities of adapting such a profound literary work into a mainstream Hollywood film under the direction of Steven Spielberg.

2. Steven Spielberg's Role and Directorial Choices

Griffin opens the discussion by critiquing the iconic tagline and poster of "The Color Purple," likening it to stereotypical 80s movie marketing:
"[00:44] Griffin Newman: I think the tagline for the Color Purple...It's about life, it's about love, it's about us is such a, like, terrible, like, you know, stereotypical 80s movie tagline..."

David expands on Spielberg's unique position, noting the film's "weird cultural object status" in his career:
"[02:00] David Sims: I'd never seen it before. This was the first time...it has a very weird status in his career."

Kanise adds her perspective as someone deeply connected to the cultural and emotional weight of the story:
"[26:44] Kanise Mobley: I am so worried about my street cred right now... it has some of the people who have defined blackness on camera for the last 50 years."

3. Casting Decisions: Launching Careers and Missed Opportunities

The trio discusses the significant casting choices, particularly how "The Color Purple" became a launching pad for stars like Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. Despite its commercial success, the film's casting decisions had varied impacts on the actors' careers:
"[39:28] Kanise Mobley: With her, like, Margaret Avery... I'm like, you if you put her in..."

Griffin highlights the contrast between Whoopi's breakthrough and Margaret Avery's stalled career:
"[38:42] David Sims: And then Whoopi Goldberg...gets slotted into comedy vehicles... her career is a one of one."

4. Oscar Nominations and Controversies

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the film's Oscar journey. Despite multiple nominations, "The Color Purple" did not secure major wins, leading to debates about recognition and the Academy's handling of the film:
"[40:15] Griffin Newman: But that's not like, you know, you kind of need to be like, you wouldn't... it's like, like, I wanted to, like..."

David points out the historical snubs Spielberg faced, particularly his lack of Best Director nominations despite his films' successes:
"[41:51] Griffin Newman: Don't you think it's funny that they're like, Captain America, what's it about?"

5. Reception and Legacy of the Film

Kanise reflects on her personal experience watching the movie for the first time, highlighting its emotional depth and the challenges Spielberg faced in adapting the book's intricate narratives:
"[28:24] David Sims: You don't have to say anything... I think this is a very watchable, affecting movie."

Griffin critiques the tonal discrepancies between the book and the film, suggesting that Spielberg's sentimental approach may have diluted the novel's rawness:
"[37:06] Kanise Mobley: She really plays this scene so fucking hard, as does Oprah... But like, How?"

6. Comparisons to Other Spielberg Films

The hosts draw parallels between "The Color Purple" and Spielberg's other works, analyzing his penchant for blending entertainment with profound emotional narratives:
"[35:52] David Sims: But then it's also like, then what are you doing?"

They contrast Spielberg's handling of human evils in "The Color Purple" with his more fantastical ventures, questioning his adaptability across genres:
"[36:35] Griffin Newman: This is why I want to open the dossier."

7. Guest Insights: Kanise Mobley's Perspective

Kanise provides a nuanced view of the film's portrayal of black women and the intersectionality of race, gender, and spirituality:
"[28:27] Kanise Mobley: But I definitely felt like the book had more interesting things to say about the black community..."

She critiques the film's superficial handling of deep-seated issues, emphasizing the loss of the novel's intricate character development:
"[31:02] Kanise Mobley: ... it's an incredibly watchable, affecting movie... but Spielberg is too shy or maybe just too sentimental..."

8. Conclusion: Balancing Art and Commercialism

The episode wraps up with reflections on the delicate balance Spielberg attempted between staying true to the source material and ensuring commercial viability. While "The Color Purple" achieved significant box office success, the conversation underscores ongoing debates about representation, adaptation fidelity, and directorial vision in Hollywood.

Notable Quotes

• "[00:34] David Sims: I failed to identify one that I could do without getting arrested."
  — David humorously reflects on attempting to cover memorable quotes from the movie.

• "[26:44] Kanise Mobley: I have never seen that movie in my life."
  — Kanise expresses surprise at her initial unfamiliarity with such a culturally significant film.

• "[37:33] David Sims: And, like, what you're saying the thing of, like, the dynamic of the shaving. Right."
  — David discusses the pivotal shaving scene and its emotional impact.

• "[40:52] Kanise Mobley: She's gonna do Theodore Rex, right?"
  — Kanise humorously predicts the character's future endeavors based on the film's portrayal.

• "[43:53] Griffin Newman: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no..."
  — Griffin responds to a humorous interlude, showcasing the relaxed nature of the discussion.

Final Thoughts

"The Color Purple" remains a complex piece in Spielberg's filmography, balancing commercial success with critical and cultural challenges. This episode of "Blank Check with Griffin & David" offers a comprehensive exploration of the film's multifaceted legacy, enriched by personal anecdotes and thoughtful critique from both the hosts and guest Kanise Mobley.