This is one of my favorite new movies in the last few years. I grew up in Northern Louisiana about three hours drive to Jackson, MS. When I was born there were they were just getting rid of separate water fountains and toilets for "White" and "Black."
When I started second grade they started desegregation in my Parrish. I had the first black teacher in an all white elementary school during the second grade. In the third grade, they started busing in the children. For me, it was a blessing. Our school district--in spite of what they may have said about public education in Louisiana at the time could not have handled it better. My second grade teacher was the first and ONLY black person in my formerly all white school. She won over here class of 2nd graders on day one. Not only was she a good teacher, but she was also a compassionate and brave individual. I will never forget her.
Back to the movie, "The Help."
I'm sure everyone did not love this film the way I have (five times now) but if you have not watched it I encourage you to do so prior to the Oscars on Sunday night. Then route for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer to win in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories. Ms. Davis delivers one of the greatest all time performances in her role. She can make tears well in my eyes without saying a word. Ms. Spencer--in the supporting also gives an Oscar caliber performance. She provides comic relief throughout the film.
The entire ensemble cast is IMO plain perfect. The hateful Hillie with her bridge club bitches, Skeeter (Eugenia), is brilliantly played by relative newcomer, Emma Stone, who dares to write a book from the perspective of the colored help. Sissy Spacek as Hillie's aging mother with the onset of dementia, the little girl who plays, Abeline's last "little girl" is a brilliant young child actress. Allison Janney also delivers IMO her best performance ever as Skeeters mother. Cicily Tyson, although her screen time is minimal--her impact powerful and moving. And perhaps aside from Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain's portrayal of Mrs. Celia Foote is so endearing and so funny. How could any man resist this woman---and how could anyone not be endeared to her character. Lets not forget to mention Mary Steenburgen as Elain Stein, the boss a the publishing firm in NYC.
There is not a bad performance in this movie but it is no chick flick or boring artsy fartsy movie the Academy embraced because of political reasons or because all the critics loved it so much. For me this movie succeeds on so many levels. It remains even handed and never goes low brow with lynch mob scenes or the like. There is plenty of comic relief and I consider it to be a modern classic.
I know the Oscars are boring but I will be watching on Sunday to see Ms Davis and almost certainly, Ms Spencer accept their well deserved Oscar Trophies. I don't see how it could possibly lose in the "Best Adapted Screenplay" category and an unprecedented sweep may be in store.
But even if it does not win a single Oscar, unless you are a prejudiced and heartless individual do yourself a favor if you have not done so already. Rent and watch "The Help."
Just remember:
- You is kind.
- You is Smart
- You is Important!
If I'm totally honest I wasn't too thrilled with the movie, but nobody tell the gf that or she'll leave me!
it's okay but not exceptional, my kids didn't really enjoy watching it, it's very slow.
