Precious

Release Year: 2009

Director: Lee Daniels

Review: A sobering, grounding and moving film which continually layers on misery and despair, and yet never gives up on its character.  Its a basic concept which has been explored many times before, a troubled youth trying to persevere despite their challenges.  This film is especially unkind to Precious, an overweight 16 year old, pregnant with her second child and still trying to make it through middle school.  Her predicament  starts of bleak, and only goes downward from there, this is a story about perseverance in the face of unthinkable hardship.

By no means is this a fun film to watch.  It's not a feel good movie, however it also does not revel in tormenting its lead.  Director Lee Daniels presents a stark, unrelenting and honest portrayal of despair, but never gives up on Precious.  He paints a miserable portrait of a person who seemingly has no hope, no where to go, and yet this is where the film shines.  Despite her problems, no matter what happens, Precious pushes on.  No matter how lost a cause her life seems, there is always time to find some meaning in it.  The message of hope, and continuing to look forward no matter how hard life gets, is a powerful punch to your own psyche.  By spotlighting someone who is so low, it makes you realize how small your own problems actually are.

The spark that ignites this film from a simple character study into a powerful drama is the acting.  Across the board the acting elevates scenes and impassions characters.  Gabby Sidibe as Precious embodies her character, enamoring you in the plight this young girl.  Equally astounding is Mo'Nique, as Precious' mother, playing the foil to her daughters success.  She manages to be despicable and detestable, while clinging to some humanity, something which not easy to pull off.  Without the acting there would be a flatness that would deaden the entire experience, having these performances makes the movie.

This is not an easy movie to watch.  Looking back on it, I'm not sure I can even say I enjoyed it.  The message of hope, while present, is muffled.  It wasn't so much that I felt hope for Precious, but rather I pitied her.  The message was delivered more by looking at the situation, and realizing that your situation could be much worse rather than inspiring hope through Precious.  By doing it in this way, while still effective, it leaves you with an unpleasent feeling sitting in your stomach.  It is undeniably a moving film, but not one I necessarily believe ever fully delivers the entire message it was capable of.
Rating: 3.5/5

Award Consideration: This film is in all sorts of award talk.  And with a movie thats supported by Oprah, its no small wonder.  It is a small film that exploded to the mainstream.  This is the kind of film that cleans up the awards.  

Lee Daniels for best director seems like a stretch, and I don't think it is deserving.  He did do an amazing job getting great performances out of his actors, but beyond that, I don't see anything that will get him an award.  He may snag a nomination, but what it really amounts to is it raising his stock for his future films.  He will be back with another film, and I'll be looking to see if he continues to elevate his work.

Where it gets interesting is with the acting awards.  Mo'Nique for best supporting actress will almost certainly get a nomination, and I can't argue with that at all.  She definitely has a great shot at winning this taking a cursory look at the nomination list for the Golden Globes.  She might not have the best performance of the year, but she may just be the best of those nominated.

Gabby Sidibe will also almost certianly be nominated.  It is her first performance and she will have lots of underdog momentum going into the awards.  She was very good in her role, but I think it was a limiting performance.  She plays it very well, it just wasn't that dynamic.  It will be interseting to see how well she does in the Golden Globes.  I don't think she deserves to win, but she might just pull it in.

Finally, the big award.  The best picture award.  'Precious' will almost certainly be nominated with the expanded list.  It also has a great shot at winning for the reasons I've already listed.  It is a very solid film, that came out of no where.  It defintiely is not my pick for best film, but it might take the award.