Here's why:
* George's Dream: George, Lennie's friend and caretaker, often tells Lennie about their dream of owning a small farm. As part of that dream, George envisions Lennie working on the farm and having a "little house" with a garden.
* Lennie's Role: George's vision includes Lennie tending the rabbits, a job that Lennie is particularly excited about. George also envisions Lennie being able to get work at a nearby ranch, potentially as a stable hand.
* The Movie Mention: In a crucial scene, George tells Lennie about how they can get work at a nearby ranch, and mentions that Lennie is "strong as a bull" and could even get a job in "the pictures." This is a reference to the growing popularity of movies at the time.
It's important to note that:
* Lennie's limitations: Although strong, Lennie is mentally challenged and struggles with understanding complex ideas. His disability makes a career in motion pictures highly unlikely.
* The Dream's symbolic nature: George's dream of a farm represents a yearning for stability and independence. It's also a symbol of the American Dream, which is often elusive for marginalized groups.
Therefore, while Lennie is promised a career in movies by George, it's a dream that is ultimately unattainable due to his disability and the harsh realities of their society.