Wow, and I thought I didn’t get on with “Precious.”
Jeffrey Wells has drawn attention to the concerted efforts of one Anthony Smith, a 29 year-old African-American working in film acquisition, to derail the “Precious” express. Smith has written an open letter decrying the film’s alleged use of racial and social stereotypes as both “dangerous” and “offensive,” which he is sending to assorted industry figures and op-ed pages.
I quote his letter after the cut not because I particularly agree with or endorse it — as much as I didn’t like the film, I think accusing it of racism is a wild stretch. And as a work of fiction, I don’t think the film has any particular responsibility towards any particular social group, so I find much of Smith’s argument naïve at best.
But as with Armond White’s review last week, which was better expressed but imposed similarly unwarranted social expectations upon the film, I think Smith’s letter is another fascinating example of the way this film gets under people’s skin, for better or worse.
Like “Crash,” to which I already compared Lee Daniels’s film in last week’s Long Shot column, “Precious” moves people to extreme polarities of empathy, anger or revulsion … either way, most people leave the theater feeling something. That’s why I think it’s the one to beat.
Below is Smith’s full letter, as posted in The Envelope forums:
An Open Letter regarding the film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: How Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and Hollywood have failed the black community
By: Anthony Smith
The central themes in black communities across the U.S. and in Harlem are not ones of Incest, Rape, Teenage Pregnancy, Physical and Mental Child Abuse, Obesity, Poverty, Welfare, Illiteracy, and AIDS. Yet, in marketing the motion picture, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, the producer and director, Lee Daniels boldly affirms that, “I know this chick. You know her. But we just choose not to know her.”[1] Rather by choice or circumstance, let me be the first to say that I do not know Precious, and I have a hunch that most other black Americans do not know her either. This film is as dangerous as it is offensive, and it is not representative of any community, past or present. The narrative about a young, unloved victim is intellectually and socially dishonest. Daniels relies on overly objectionable imagery and perverse cinematic devices to provoke emotion from the audience, all the while offering no true explanation of events, no link between cause and effect, no solution and no opportunity to deliberate, just action – vile, disgusting, and inhumane acts of violence, apathy, abuse and rape. Moreover, Daniels, similar to the cinematic tendencies of Executive Producer Tyler Perry, equates light-skinned black characters as friendly, virtuous saviors, working to counteract the ugly, evil, stupid and animal-like dark-skinned characters. What a shame!
Precious is not a triumph of artistic, scientific or social measures. The Academy, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the various Hollywood guilds and critics associations should recognize this picture for the dangerous, dishonest minstrel show that it is and vehemently reject its candidacy for consideration of any outstanding achievement. Any award bestowed upon this film throughout the 82nd Annual Oscar Race is one award too many. The American people should heed this warning before handing over their hard-earned money for this picture, because this is not entertainment and it surely is not worth paying for. The irony in Precious, is that while the film depicts the inexplicable, inexorable, collaborative failure of this girl by others, Daniels is the one ultimately failing her (and the entire black community).
Tyler Perry, irrespective of medium, holds steadfast in his commitment to degrade black Americans. Thus, his overt enthusiasm for this picture following the 2009 Sundance makes sense. However, what can one surmise about Oprah Winfrey’s surprising lapse in judgment in agreeing to hock this film as Executive Producer? Winfrey has earned her immense wealth serving as a safeguard, a purveyor of taste with respect to pop culture. Her appeal transcends both race and socioeconomics, and America loves her – black America, white America, straight America, and gay America. If Winfrey commands the public to see a picture, read a book, eat at a restaurant or vote for a Presidential candidate, we do just that! Therefore, I am most offended by her endorsement. And with her substantial resources, is this really the best story that she can offer to the world in 2009? I sure hope not. However, Ms. Winfrey, if this is, indeed, your best, please allow me an opportunity to interview for a position on your team. I have a few ideas aimed at improving your efforts.
It is 2009 and sadly, Hollywood is stuck in the dark ages. An industry that touts the membership of progressive-minded professionals and artists is, in fact, staunchly conservative in its refusal to finance, produce and distribute quality motion pictures by and for people of color. I make a sincere plea to all key decision makers at the major studios to rethink their diversity strategy.[2] Include more talent diversity in your major label features and tentpoles. For pictures predominately about people of color, of different cultural origins, sexual orientations and religious affiliations, consider making honest investments in development, to actually produce a quality picture. These stories, like your audiences, deserve to be treated with integrity. That’s all.
[1] “The Audacity of Precious,” Lynn Hirschberg, The New York Times, October 25, 2009
[2] Jim Gianopoulos and Tom Rothman at Fox; Rich Ross at Disney; Joseph Drake at Lionsgate; Brad Grey and Adam Goodman at Paramount, Michael Lynton and Amy Pascal at Sony; Adam Fogelson, Donna Langley and Ron Meyer at Universal; Barry Meyer, Alan Horn and Jeff Robinov at Warner Bros.
Comments
52 responses to “One-man anti-‘Precious’ campaign”
The only thing I know about this film is that there is nothing that makes me want to actually see it.
@ Nigel Bridgeman
Same!
The trailer of this movie turned me off completely. After I had heard so much about how wonderful it looked, I was greatly disappointed to find a trailer for a film that I just plain don’t want to watch, and I’m kind of grossed out by the audiences that are fawning over it. As a film fan I know I’ll be seeing it, and I’m trying to give it a fair chance, but my gut feeling is that I basically have zero interest.
Except I should say that Lenny Kravitz looks remarkably hot, per usual.
As a multiethnic person, I remember being amazed at how cartoony and completely unrealistic Crash was. My amazement soon turned to concern as scores of people, mostly white, lauded Crash for its frank, realistic view on race.
It’s suddenly feeling a lot like 2004/05.
…sigh…
I haven’t seen the film so I am careful not to speak about things I don’t know.
I think he explains less than he criticizes but perhaps there is some truth about the light skinned vs dark skinned. It might be a coincidence but it might be that even black people deep down think that the darker the more evil. Silly but not improbable.
Guy, I really disagree with you that works of fiction have no responsibility towards social groups (and not only social). Fiction is succesful only if it contains some truth. For example, would you like a film that is well made but there were four English characters that were liers and thiefs and four German people that were saints? Even if the filmmaker has no bad intentions, I believe he should be careful with these things.
Perhaps I misunderstood you but I stated my opinion anyway. :p
I am a white boy, Loyal, but I too laughed at my white, privileged teachers talking about how it moved them. So silly.
Yea Guy, I agree with Jim T. Fiction has the responsibility to alter virtues and mindsets. It sounds like to me that it’s time that you (re)read Phillip Sydney’s Apology for Poetry to remind yourself about the power and importance of fiction.
This letter is kind of lame. What, exactly, does the author of the letter think is an acceptable movie about African Americans? He gives no examples.
Would there be any intellectual dishonesty if this movie were about a fat white girl being raped and abused in the Kentucky backwoods? (whether such a movie would get into Oscar noms is another “hmmmm” question entirely)
Mr. Smith has little to no idea about what he is talking about. And Mr. Wells seems intent on insinuating that he speaks for all of Black America.
I suppose maybe Norbit is deserving of Mr. Smith’s attention. Elitism among the wealthy portions of black people is more prevalent here than the racism of Lee Daniels.
I’m well aware of the power and importance of fiction, thank you very much. That’s why I spend a good deal of my time writing it.
I’m sorry if you disagree, but I think fiction allows “Precious” certain liberties of characterization and representation. Unlike, say, “Crash,” “Precious” is not a film that at any point purports to be about race. There is no reason why the family at the center of its story has to be emblematic of African-American society as a whole — the film’s characters should be individuals, not symbols.
What I found problematic about “Precious” was its shift between first- and third-person perspective that I felt condescended to the characters too often. That’s a separate issue, but it has nothing to do with any demands of how the characters should think or behave in order to “responsibly” represent their race or gender.
Great post, Guy!
And I actually came to your defense Guy – when a person by the screen name – lovespike accused you of purposely seeking out a negative opionion from an African-American critic,in your thread about Armond White.
Well – coincidently we have another thread,and which the nationality of this person happens to be – African- American. *hmmm*
Look! I know that you’re only printing what Anthony Smith wrote – so my main beef is with him not you.
I just find it too much of a coincidence that you’ve found two opposing African-American views to bolster your anti-Precious campaign.
I’m sorry – I can only call it as I see it.
Anyone can take offense to this movie – regardless of their skin color.So a person of color is not needed to give credence to the movie being stereotypical.
Guy, why that tone? I disagreed with you once and I think I was very polite. I wasn’t talking about Precious. I made a general remark.
As a big supporter of Precious, I’m happy that Guy has found two detracting opinions on this film. The conversation is the conversation. To ignore certain participants would be dishonest.
I think the most interesting part of all of this hoopla, regardless of whether or not one thinks it’s justified outrage, is that the two most vocal oppositions to the film so far have been from African-Americans.
It reminds me of last year when everyone went gaga for Slumdog Millionaire, yet the reaction to it in India was lukewarm by comparison, with some even criticizing it as being exploitative and not a fair representation of their culture.
Perhaps these criticisms are completely unfounded, but on the other hand, I’m not African-American either which makes it hard for me to outright dismiss them, because it comes from a point of view very different from my own.
M. Harris: MY anti-“Precious” campaign? I assure you I have neither the interest nor the wherewithal to “campaign” against the movie. (Nor would I use a piece that I so disagree with to “bolster” my opinion.) I merely report on things I find interesting.
And I can’t tell a lie: I think it’s interesting that the two most effortful stands against the film have come from African-American voices. Not particularly meaningful, not worth making much of a fuss about, but interesting.
If what I find interesting is what you find racist, so be it. I’m off to bed.
Jim T: Apologies. Though it did address your question too, my comment was actually directed at Jester, whose tone struck me as needlessly didactic and patronizing. The opening statement wasn’t directed at you, and I’m sorry that the crossed lines caused offence. Your politeness is always appreciated.
SPOILERS
I have to question if this guy watched the film to the very end…..I coulda sworn Monique’s character hinted at an explanation as to why she treated Precious with such contempt…even so, is he saying that there has to be a clear, direct and easily identifiable reason for a characters actions in movies? I’d love to hear his opinion of Jake La Motta in Raging Bull…
Also, I think he’s overreacting to the whole “we know this girl” thing. I never took it as Lee Daniels and company saying that they know all kinds of people who are abused, raped, etc. I always took it as they know girls who are trapped in their shells, ignored by the world because of how they look, and who have all kinds of potential that can be fullfilled if someone took the time to get to know them.
Guy,I don’t find what you have found interesting racist at all.Now your jumping to conclusions.
Like I stated – I can only go by how it “appears”(and I could be wrong about how it appears) to me.I like this site,and I enjoy the perspectives that you guys give on here.
I was just stating how it appears.And if your telling me that you didn’t purposely seek out two African-American opposing views – I believe you!
M.Harris: Sorry, that did come out wrong. It’s late and I’m cranky. Anyway, just to clarify, I didn’t “seek out” these opposing views at all — having already been prominently featured and discussed elsewhere, they just seemed worth mentioning.
Guy maybe my language with the use of words like “bolster” and “anti” was too strong.Again it is interesting – not racist.
No problem,Guy.
Oscar Watching is interesting when race comes into play mainly because its an overwhelmingly white pastime/sport/career, which almost exclusively focuses on white accomplishments in film.
I think minority film pundits may be harder on Precious and rightfully so. How many Oscar contenders have there been with an all-black cast ? 3? 4? And out of those, how many dealt with extremely difficult subject matter (putting it mildly)? It’s a big deal to an entire race of people.
Just like A Serious Man is partly a reflection of the Jewish community, the same can be said for African-Americans and Precious.
The downside is if/when the material paints the race in a less than flattering light. For many people, Precious is going to be their first exposure in a long time to a “black” film, maybe ever. I understand 100% where Armond and Anthony are coming from. It would be nice to have a “black” film in contention that doesnt feature poverty and rape and incest and violence and obesity. A black Up in the Air or Juno would be nice.
I wonder ‘American Hollow’ was dangerous for white America, or would have been had it been more popular.
I wonder how this reviewer would feel about 35 Shots of Rum? It’s foreign, but it features a functional family of color, and has been getting better reviews than Precious. Of course, our countries have their own cultures, but it definitely made me think of that film in this year’s race.
Loyal,you make some good points.But if someone is ignorant enough to believe that “Precious” is a representation of the black community – this picture won’t reinforce what’s there already.
Narrow-minded people will be narrow-minded people.
Someone could see me sitting down eating KentuckyFried Chicken at KFC – and if they’re narrow-minded enough a – stereotype can be made about that.What should I do – not eat at KFC?
My problem with folks like Armond White and Anthony Smith is that they in some way feel they need to apologize for the character’s being depicted – while sending out subliminal messages that say that all black people are not this way.
By doing this they are also insinuating that people who are not part of the African – American community are not open-minded enough to take this film for what it is – not a representation of the entire black community.
I haven’t seen Precious, though I don’t think I’ll like it. As a black person I do think it’s interesting Guy, that two prominent critics of the film are black. And in fact I’m surprised.
I’m going to end with shameless advertising about a race centred post I’d written concerning the rising buzz for Precious.
http://encorentertainmnt.blogspot.com/2009/10/everyones-little-bit-racist.html
Well, not that people haven’t said this already, but Smith doesn’t get that the film wasn’t intended to discuss an entire demographic.
Secondly, there’s not even much of an argument presented. The first paragraph is just a rant on how he thinks the film is racist, and the rest is simply him going on and on and on about how degrading this film is without actually giving any viable evidence to support his claims
Funny how Jeff Wells has spouted unconscionably racist things, and written innumerable posts about how obese people disgust him, yet he’s quick to support the “it’s horrible that this movie might reinforce the idea that these stereotypes represent the community as a whole!” argument when it’s leveled against a movie he doesn’t like.
Dude is pathetic and disingenuous. He couldn’t just stick to his own “the Mo’Nique sequences repulsed me” opinion/argument, he needs to hijack bullshit he clearly doesn’t believe simply because it supposedly makes his ‘case’ stronger?
What a cock.
Seems to me I’ve heard this song somewhere before… Oh, wait, now I remember: It was sung by folks who claimed THE COLOR PURPLE — book and movie — perpetuated terrible stereotypes about African-American men.
Well, I am an African American male, and I’ve seen the movie three times, and I find nothing offensive about it. I not only find the movie triumphant, despite it’s dark undertones, but when I look around the theater and see faces that look like me, as well as faces that don’t, I am hopeful, as an actor and person ( and if this had anything to do with Oprah, people would have flocked to see BELOVED, people know what they want to see). Hopeful because we are finally making meaningful pieces in Hollywood. I am appalled that the letter referred to the film as dishonest and is trying to basically speak for the entire African American race. While, I didn’t grow up in circumstances similar to those of Precious, I know several people that did, male and female. The only thing that offend me is the aforementioned letter, I find it self deprecating, boisterous, and just plain absurd. This is the problem the protagonist faced in the movie, most people turning blind eyes to her situation. If we as a people continue to believe that these things don’t exist, the situations will never be alleviated. I have no problems with people sharing their opinions on the film, but to spew accusations this serious is ridiculous. I’d really like to know where this guy was when films like “Soul Plane” another film with Monique, “Phat Beach”, “White Chicks”, and “King’s Ransom” were released. These films not only exploited stereotypes about us, but they reinforced them, without even coming close to any explanations of why they exist. The writer obviously feels that the team behind PRECIOUS is airing dirty laundry,
Well, I am an African American male, and I’ve seen the movie three times, and I find nothing offensive about it. I not only find the movie triumphant, despite it’s dark undertones, but when I look around the theater and see faces that look like me, as well as faces that don’t, I am hopeful, as an actor and person ( and if this had anything to do with Oprah, people would have flocked to see BELOVED, people know what they want to see). Hopeful because we are finally making meaningful pieces in Hollywood. I am appalled that the letter referred to the film as dishonest and is trying to basically speak for the entire African American race. While, I didn’t grow up in circumstances similar to those of Precious, I know several people that did, male and female. The only thing that offends me is the aforementioned letter, I find it self deprecating, boisterous, and just plain absurd. This is the problem the protagonist faced in the movie, most people turning blind eyes to her situation. If we as a people continue to believe that these things don’t exist, the situations will never be alleviated. I have no problems with people sharing their opinions on the film, but to spew accusations this serious is ridiculous. I’d really like to know where this guy was when films like “Soul Plane” another film with Monique, “Phat Beach”, “White Chicks”, and “King’s Ransom” were released. These films not only exploited stereotypes about us, but they reinforced them, without even coming close to any explanations of why they exist. The writer obviously feels that the team behind PRECIOUS is airing dirty laundry, but they are merely shedding light on situations that continue to corrode society today. In conclusion, I am utterly offended and disgusted by the letter!!!! Guy, do you have an e-mail or any public forum information about where the writer can be contacted?
And if a black film like JUNO was released, people would have a problem with that too, she was a pregnant teen having a baby out of wedlock……
when u think about it, most of the african amercian oscar winners won for negative stereotypical characters. so maybe that man has a point.
Denzel was the bad cop, Forrest was the tyrant in power, jennifer hudson was a sassy mama, halle well, lets not go there, black women still aint forgiven her 4 that sh!t, and it looks like precious is the same. They should be awarding the great Eddie Murphy for Bowfinger or Angela Basset for the Ike Turner movie, but looks like with Precious, they got some more negative stereotypes to award.
and De’Garryan, Soul Plane and White Chicks were funny as fk, and only bousghie black people hated on that ish. I’m black by the way so i can say that.
Yeah, you can say that, not only because your black, but because you have freedom of speech. I personally didn’t think SOUL PLANE or WHITE CHICKS were funny, but that’s just my opinion. It just seems as like when we put cookie cutter, “funny” stuff out there, no one has a problem with it, but when its real people in real situations, there’s a problem. All of the black Oscar winners that were mentioned above played the heck out of their roles, and deserved the Oscar. There have been plenty of non African Americans that have won for so called negative roles: Anthony Hopkins, F. Murray Abraham, and Javier Bardem just to name a few. African Americans have also won for non so called negative roles: Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Louis Gossett Jr. just to name a few. Either way, I think it will always be a catch 22.
good points man, have u read Stanley Crouch on Precious, talks about black actresses struggles to find good roles.
http://www.theroot.com/views/hollywood-same-it-ever-was
De’Garryan, you can’t say “just to name a few” when literally there have only been a few African-American winners total, in history. LOL.
http://www.thecornercinema.com/?p=256
“I don’t think that I will like it”
Hell I can roll of my tounge a bunch of movies that I thought that I wouldn’t like.Until I saw them.
Encore what makes you so sure of that? What one things of a film after they see it is one thing.
One can come off sounding very judgemental – when a quote is made like that.
Newsweek’s “The Problem With Precious” is an interesting read.
And Raina Kelley, it’s writer, is black.
I saw Precious at Sundance. I thought it was OK at best. It definitely made me uncomfortable (a good thing). I can definitely see that Daniels gets off on extreme degradation. I find the fascination with the film a bit strange, however. There really isn’t anything special going on beyond MoNique’s performance. White Guilt (a phenomenon that swept the nation most recently just last year) may just carry this film to the big party.
And, I really don’t know any “girls” like any of those characters, but I’m sure they exist. At least I think they do…
That’s ridiculous. You can’t define the circumstances that this movie portrays based solely on race. Heavyhanded direction aside, the film and its performances were brimmed with more honesty than I’ve seen of any other film in years. Whether or not Mr. Smith actually knows someone like Precious doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there like her, whether it’s a black girl in Harlem or, like someone commented before, a white girl in backwoods Tennessee.
Anthony Smith along with Armond White may think they are championing a great cause in debunking Precious when they are in fact being the resident uncle toms that are used to destroy an excellent black movie. Lets get one thing straight: Different black ppl like different movies for different reasons. White or Smith dont speak for me and they are bordering on megalomaniac territory by attempting to think for a whole race. Secondly, no two ppls situation are exactly the same, Although I don’t identify with every single aspect of Precious’ life I have friends who can. Monique’s character was exactly like my stepmom. She would come in from work yell and scream abt anything and stay in her room, food would be brought up to her. She beat us with boots, game controllers and anything else she could get her hands on i was scared when she walked in the room. I think Precious was a great movie and I am worried why some black ppl think it is so far-fetched.
@Loyal, I was so upet, I totally negated that fact, lol.
”
Funny how Jeff Wells has spouted unconscionably racist things, and written innumerable posts about how obese people disgust him, yet he’s quick to support the “it’s horrible that this movie might reinforce the idea that these stereotypes represent the community as a whole!” argument when it’s leveled against a movie he doesn’t like.
Dude is pathetic and disingenuous. He couldn’t just stick to his own “the Mo’Nique sequences repulsed me” opinion/argument, he needs to hijack bullshit he clearly doesn’t believe simply because it supposedly makes his ‘case’ stronger?
What a cock.”
Seriously. Thank you. It’s gotten to the point that anything Jeffrey Wells says about women, blacks, gays, fat people, Hispanics, people who don’t live on the coasts, poor people, etc. (basically anyone that is not exactly like him) has to be considered suspect by anyone that has read his blog. I can’t take anything he writes about this movie seriously.
M. Harris. No need to get testy. I meant in the context on the films that I’m yet to see for this year I don’t think I’ll like it as much. I apologise for the cloudy semantics of the sentence, but the link expounded.
And ummm, why are you taking issue to me not thinking I’ll like it. Aren’t trailers and early press supposed to tell you whether or not said film will appeal to you? I’m not going to say I hate it when I see if I don’t hate it. What would that prove?
I’m black and I laughed a couple times at “White Chicks”, but “Soul Plane” was the most idiotic, offensive piece of black “cinema” I’ve ever seen. It took every stereotype, for better or worse, amplified it and made us all look like fools. I don’t know any black plane owners, but “Precious” did used to live down the street from me in my old neighborhood except they were siblings. A boy and a girl mentally, physically, sexually and emotionally abused by their mother and her boyfriend. I didn’t see this story being one of race but an unfortunate story of the underprivileged in America. It just happened to be told by a black man adapted from a book by a black woman. And it always seems to be black folks who get upset over depictions. They want it cookie-cutter clean. We can either be the slave fighting for freedom, ultimately getting it, the sports hero with a dream, or that special student that realizes their true talent. But if anything gritty or hard comes into the equation, then its sensationalizing ghetto life and “making us look bad”. Hell, “Soul Plane” made us look bad. HE BOUGHT A PLANE AND PIMPED IT OUT! Remember all the clatter made over “Bamboozled”? I didn’t see the Chinese causing uproar on their depiction in “Gran Torino”. I thought that was ghastly.
As far as stereotypical black Oscar winners, there’s only a few black Oscar winners in the first place. So Jennifer Hudson had sass. The character’s had sass for its 20+ years since its creation. She’s got sass in real life. Halle Berry played a poor black woman whose husband was executed. Charlize Theron played a poor white woman who was executed. Denzel Washington played a dirty cop. Marlon Brando was a crime lord…..I could go on and on. The Oscars tend to stray towards morally challenged characters. They’ll nominate the goody-goodies too, but we’re all more fascinated with the twisted, misunderstood character. As far as African-Americans and our depictions, look no further than a 50 Cent video if you want to be offended. Last time I checked, there were no big booty hoes dancing in my living room while somebody poured Cristal all over their ass.
The more distance I get from my first viewing of Precious at a screening at Austin Film Festival, the more I find myself forgetting it, and sometimes downright disliking it. The first thing I would like to say is that I refuse to pander to Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry’s marketing of the film, which is essentially a ploy to guilt people into seeing the film and just short of stating outright that he have to respect the film, and possibly go so far as to feel obligated to give it a rave review, out of guilt that not hopping on the bandwagon implies that we have no empathy or compassion. This is simply not true, and I find it rather offensive the way the Oprah and Tyler Perry (the latter of which I have nothing but contempt for) are essentially trying to guilt people into seeing the film and loving it.
Quarrels with such things aside, I felt the film didn’t work for me on many levels for several key reasons. First off, before I saw the film, the amount of hype surrounding it was insane, and comparable to the kind of reserved for games like Modern Warfare 2. Naturally, my expectations were high and I felt confident it would live up to the sheer praise bestowed upon it. Unfortunately, it was one of the bigger letdowns of the year. Perhaps I got too swept up in the hype, but when reviews throw around words like “towering masterpiece”, and “best film of the year”, I tend to think that I’m in for something special. In reality, the whole thing was rather underwhelming I was was mentally scratching my head when the credits rolled, wondering what the big deal was. Sure, it was very well acted, but it didn’t really blow me away in the way it sounded like it would. On the contrary, it kind of fizzled out.
Secondly, I have a major problem with director Lee Daniels. The first two acts of the film have him raising his freak flag, and turn into a outright exploitation film that makes the more extreme moments of something like “Inglourious Basterds” (which I loved) feel quite tame by comparison. There is a montage showing Precious being raped by her father, intercut with images of sweat, grease, and pig’s feet frying on a stove top. This kind of horrific scene is not an isolated incident, and similar moments occur over and over again throughout the majority of the film. It’s not bold, daring, or artistic in any way, its unashamedly manipulative and, quite honestly, nauseating. Through the first 2 thirds of the film, I literally felt sick to my stomach, because I was repulsed. This kind of exploitation is present and continues over and over again until the third act of the film, which takes a decidedly lighter and more hopeful tone. In fact, had the first two acts been more like this, everything would have been fine, and I wouldn’t feel like the beginning had been so manipulative in establishing the story. These kinds of tricks are what define lazy filmmaking, and the more disgusting moments just make me nauseous, not empathetic.
These things are not to say the film is without it’s merits. In fact, I would have only given the film two stars if it weren’t for the performances. Like I said before, it’s wonderfully acted, especially by Mo’Nique and Gabby Sibide. While I feel that Mo’Nique is a surefire contender and deserving winner for many Best Supporting Actress awards, Gabby Sibide’s performance, while very powerful in it’s own right, has become the victim of Oprah and Tyler Perry’s ethnic-guilt campaign. She is being touted as an “underdog” and “newcomer who overcomes her obesity to be a successful actress”, and is honestly becoming the banner for the guilt trip awards campaign. I would appreciate the performance more if it were allowed to simply speak for itself. However, the more I think about it, the more the film reeks of “Crash” being marketed as this year’s “Slumdog Millionaire”. The problem is that “Slumdog Millionaire” was not exploitative, nor did anyone try to pass off as sociology. Manipulative, shallow films like “Crash” and “Precious” are not why I became a filmmaker. It’s lazy filmmaking at it’s finest that exploits tragedy for Academy Awards. I will not be seeing the film again, at least willingly, and I’m not compelled to really recommend the film to anyone else. Let’s move on to films more deserving of our attention, shall we?
” Let’s move on to films more deserving of our attention, shall we?”
YOU can move on. We don’t all feel the way you do.