In the wake of worldwide Black Lives Matter protests and movements against police brutality and systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd, the streaming service HBO Max removedGone With the Wind from its offerings. At the time, WarnerMedia announced it would bring the 1939 historical drama back with some measures taken to address its "racist depictions," and yesterday the film did return with a new segment.
Gone With the Wind on HBO Max is now preceded by an introduction from Jacqueline Stewart, a Department of Cinema and Media Studies professor from the University of Chicago, senior fellow at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, and host of the Turner Classic Movies' "Silent Sunday Nights." According to The Hollywood Reporter, she discusses how the acclaimed film can be "uncomfortable, even painful" to watch, but it is important to view and discuss.
The movie's acclaim goes back to its initial run, which netted Gone With the Wind eight Oscars including Best Picture at the 12th Academy Awards. However, there is something to be said for looking back over its problematic elements, as Disney is with its intent to retrofit the theme park ride Splash Mountain with Princess and the Frog content.
Multiple properties, past and present, have changed as a result of the Black Lives Matter protests. This includes movies, television shows like NBC's Brooklyn Nine Nine, and games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare that delayed content in solidarity.
Gone With the Wind is available now on HBO Max.
Source: HBO Max, Turner Classic Movies, The Hollywood Reporter, Oscars