“Black and ugly as ever, however…”
Notorious BIG
When Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire begins the title character, Clareece “Precious” Jones (Gabby Sidibe), is an obese, illiterate 16 year old mother, pregnant with her father’s second child. She’s physically and verbally abused by her mother, raped by her father, and expelled from school. Saying the odds are stacked against Precious is an understatement. I felt compelled to write my thoughts on this film because, like Precious, there are several obstacles stacked against the film itself.
In January, Precious premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. A few days later, I sat with a friend and executive of a major production/distribution company where I asked him to share his thoughts on the film. His immediate response, “Black people won’t go see it.” The reasons – the film is too dark, too ugly, and too depressing. “Black audiences go to the movies to be entertained, not depressed,” he added. I thought, since when is a good film not entertaining? But maybe this executive is on to something. When was the last successful serious-minded drama produced, directed by, and starring African-Americans? We live in the era of Madea and films like This Christmas, competent, feel-good family dramedies that, while entertaining, are easily forgettable. Whether you love or hate the film, you won’t soon forget Precious.
Yes, Precious is dark. Yes, Precious can be ugly. But I would never label a film filled with such hope depressing. Contrary to what many may have read Precious is quite funny and nimble. Sounds odd for a film about illiteracy and incest but the film’s screenplay, written by Geoffrey Fletcher, is a wonderful adaptation of Sapphire’s novel, Push. Fletcher captures the joy of teaching and discovery of learning. He and director Lee Daniels, craft Precious’ classroom scenes at Each One Teach One Alternative School (and much of the film) like a documentary. The vibrant scenes avoid easy answers and Hollywood sentimentality. Fletcher’s screenplay combines realistic dialogue with unforgettable characters.
Most obvious is Mary Jones, portrayed by comedienne Mo’Nique with ferocious angry. We have never seen Mo’Nique so raw and bruised; her final monologue both upsetting and quite heartbreaking. This performance will lead Mo’Nique to her first Academy Award nomination. Then there is pop star and diva, Mariah Carey, who completely disappears into her role as social worker, Mrs. Weiss. Paula Patton, as Precious understanding lesbian teacher, and Lenny Kravitz also make solid turns in important, if underwritten, roles.
But this film belongs to Ms. Sidibe. In her first film, she slips into Precious as if she had been preparing for this role since birth. If you have watched any of Sidibe’s televised interviews, aside from physical similarities, she and Precious don’t have much in common. Sidibe is a spirited and well-spoken young woman. Precious, on the other hand, is passive and mumbles nearly everything. If she could, Precious would simply fade into the background. Sidibe conveys so much about Precious with saying a word. Although Precious’ life is filled with tragedy there’s a light in Sidibe’s eyes and a softness to her face that’s comforting, telling us everything will be alright. It’s the best female performance I have seen all year.
If there is a weak link amongst this talented team, it’s director/producer Lee Daniels who undermines the pacing, authenticity, and truthfulness of his film, with a few jarring MTV/BET-style fantasy sequences and some clumsily edited flashbacks to her brutal rape coupled with fried food simmering in hot grease. I also take issue with his use of music. There were three pivotal scenes where the music in no way complimented the action on screen. I found myself being taken out of the drama, because the music was awkward and too loud. Aside from those missteps, I still commend Daniels for trusting his unorthodox cast to breath life into such heavy material.
Precious sums it up when she says, “The other day, I cried. I felt stupid. But you know what? Fuck that day.” And she’s right. Why harbor on the tragedy and negativity of yesterday when we can focus on the possibilities of our future? That’s what Precious is about, the infinite possibilities we as human beings are afforded regardless of our circumstances. Sure, Precious is black and to some she may be ugly, however, there’s more to her (and this film) than meets the eye. Discover this gem for yourself.
Precious: Based On The Novel Push by Sapphire is currently in limited release, showing in only 18 theaters. The film will expand nationwide in two weeks. I encourage everyone, no matter your race or ethnicity, to see this film. It’s an important American movie…oh it’s very entertaining as well.
Kirk A. Moore
