Docudrama with Realistic Depiction:
*Grapes of Wrath* can be considered a docudrama due to its semi-documentary style. The film incorporates realistic elements, such as actual newsreel footage from the Depression, to highlight the plight of migrant workers. It features authentic details like overcrowded camps, unsanitary conditions, and the difficulties of the migrant work life, which were prevalent challenges faced by real people.
Social Commentary and Realism:
John Ford's film addresses larger socio-economic issues of the time, such as the displacement of farmers due to industrialization and the exploitation of migrant workers by powerful corporations. It aims to expose the struggles of everyday individuals during the Great Depression and the challenges they endured in their pursuit of dignity, work, and a better life.
Artistic Interpretation:
However, it's essential to note that *Grapes of Wrath* is still a fictional narrative. The Joads' journey, characters, and some plot elements are crafted through the lens of storytelling. The film's narrative arc, character development, and emotional moments are designed to engage the audience on a personal level.
Conclusion:
*Grapes of Wrath* effectively blends docudrama elements with artistic interpretation. While it presents genuine historical aspects and captures the essence of the Depression era with remarkable authenticity, it does so within a fictional framework. Thus, it can be considered a romanticized docudrama that both mirrors historical realities and offers a dramatic and emotional portrayal of a challenging time in American history.