Well, normally this would be Beauty Monday, but I have no new beauty news or reviews. I am soooo behind on reviews. So, today will be 'Movie Monday' as Friday night I saw the much discussed, much lauded, and yes, much reviewed "Precious" directed by Lee Daniels. I debated seeing this on a Friday night, because I like you, had heard about how serious and disturbing this movie would be. Lord knows, the last thing I need on a Friday night is to be depressed. Well, I bit the bullet, and I'm glad I did.
'Precious' is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a 16 year-old severely overweight, illiterate teenager who is pregnant for the second time from her now-absent father. Yes, it is at times brutal, and hard to watch, but please don't be deterred from seeing this movie. Precious is a riveting, well-made movie with a compelling plot and first-rate performances.
It's hard to believe this is a debut performance from Gabourey Sidibe who is fantastic as Precious. She effectively captures the pain, lack of esteem, and eventual resolve of her character, and should definitely make the "one to watch" list. Supporting performances from Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and the stunning Paula Patton are all noteworthy. These are roles unlike what we've from Carey and Patton respectively, and they performed beautifully. However, Monique, starring as Precious' mother is mesmerizing. The hype is true. She kills this role with a performance that is as nuanced as you'd find from a veteran actress. It really is something to see.
If I had one complaint about this movie, it would be the questionable colorization of the casting. Specifically, the title character and her parents who had serious problems were dark-skinned, while the more redemptive, positive characters, (Kravitz, Carey, and Patton) are very fair skinned. With the history of light vs. dark skinned bias and stereotypes, it's surprising that someone in charge did not consider this more carefully. Indeed, other reviewers were disturbed by this aspect of casting as well. (Mediatakeout.com made this a non-recommend based on this fact).
However, the movie is strong enough that I would still recommend it. At a time when there are a lack of serious roles for Black actors/actresses to showcase their talents, 'Precious' is a welcome change. I know this movie is still in limited theatres, (I don't know why they thought this slow rollout was a good idea), but if it's in your area, check out Precious.
What about you? Have you seen Precious? What are your thoughts?
If you haven't seen it, do you plan to?
2 comments:
I read the book and was in tears, so I know the movie with the hype on Monique's performance will indeed have me crying. I plan to go see it this weekend.
Really good movie. However, from what I hear the movie is quite a bit more graphic,(which is usual) so it may not live up to the book. But I think the performances will keep you interested.
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