Precious: Based On The Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Film is an art form requisite of movement.  Reliant on pans and zooms, on cuts and dissolves, and mostly on rising and falling action.  This is how the stories are told to an audience that expects to be transformed by a version of fantasy or reality presented to them on the big screen.  People want to be transformed by a medium of moving pictures brought to life at 24 frames per second one moment at a time.  But, sometimes it is by exploring the feeling of still desperation that the audience is truly transformed.  It is in the quiet introspection that the individual can relate to a story so devastating it can only inspire and challenge their views of happiness and fulfillment.  That is the true beauty of life in 24 frames and that is why Precious embodies the true power of cinema.

Precious is a film about a socio-specific set of circumstances invariably akin to the universal human experience.  The film based on the novel Push written by Sapphire has and is still having an impact on audiences across North America.   Director Lee Daniels really hit home hard with this film doing well with it at both Sun Dance and TIFF; that should be some indication of the film’s Golden Globe and Oscar potential.  The ability to bring compassion to even the most monstrous characters has become something of a signature for Daniels.  He seems to have a unique take on the most ugly parts of life and is able to make them presentable and almost beautiful to the audience: point and case his past projects The Woodsman (producer) and Shadow Boxer (director).  It can be said with ease for some (and great difficulty for others) that with this film Daniels has brought a beauty that goes beyond picture perfect back to the cinema and has therein changed the perspective of how people in the movies should look from here on in.  It is a very important aspect of this film as it is an integral part of the post-modern landscape today.  With the tactful use of simplicity in the depictions of characters and by juxtaposing the off screen personas of actors he is able to push the audience to accept an alternate view of reality.  The homage to Vittorio De Sica’s Two Women was an unexpected and pleasant surprise that fit the film’s theme really well especially since the actors spoke Italian.  This intentional use of the medium as a dream made it all the more real as it brought the audience closer to Precious and recognized the universal need to escape–perhaps the real reason for this medium to exist at all.  It’s a beautiful story told in a poetic way that puts the audience in the story no matter how difficult that point of view may be.  An auteur in the making and one which will hopefully come to fruition and enjoy longevity.  

One must admit that when one sees Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz on the same bill there’s some hesitation.  Truth be told their abilities and performances were well received by the audience and their off screen personas were made invisible by their characters.  Mo’Nique is perhaps the most lovable off screen personality in this whole picture yet she is able to transform into a tyrannical mother who convincingly portrays the personification of hell on earth.  Needless to say a worthy and jaw-dropping performance.  Paula Patton who plays Miss Rain also had the chance at the role of a lifetime that did not in any way go to waste.   In life people have (if they are lucky) someone who does not quit on them and to see someone love Precious as Miss Rain does in this film is the constant reminder that everyone is worthy of love and most importantly a real shot at life.  Patton truly did give a heart warming performance and one that will have an impact on her career course herein. Last, and most importantly, Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe who plays Precious in the film.  This New York native really is the only person who could have brought Precious to life.  This new comer has a presence that makes silence feel uneasy and a voice that in an understated tone makes the soul tremble.  She truly did make her mark with this film and had her work cut out for her.  Her first on screen performance was so good the only risk it runs her is that she will always be held up this level of excellence.  A double edged sword for such a young actress but one that also justly enviable.

Every now and again a film comes along that opens your eyes to the dreams and horrors of life and why that duality makes life worth living even if one’s circumstances are unliveable.  Depending on the personal circumstance of the viewer the reactions can be eye opening or tear jerking but what ever the case may be one thing is for certain: this film will move and touch the heart of whom ever watches it.  A film that is not to be missed and one that simply could not go unnoticed.   

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm and is filed under Drama. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.