• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Precious

Written by Vanessa Laker
Tuesday, 02 February 2010 00:00

Precious is arguably one of the most emotionally powerful and thought provoking films to hit the silver screen in a long time. Based on the 1996 novel Push by Harlem poet and author Sapphire, the movie goes to great lengths to detail the everyday ‘hell’ and abuse that Claireece Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) faces at the hands of her sexually abusive father, violent mother, classmates and society in general.

Directed by Lee Daniels, the movie - set in 1987 Harlem - is the story of Precious, a sixteen year old obese, illiterate social outcast, whose life story and daily abuse is enough to affect even the most emotionally challenged of people. She’s sexually abused by her father, in scenes quite graphic it almost feels too real. This results in her having a baby by him, who suffers from Down syndrome. After falling pregnant for the second time by her father, she’s kicked out of school and has to attend an alternative teaching programme.

Despite being bullied by her peers at school, it feels like a safe haven compared to the trauma she is subjected to at home. Her mother Mary (Mo’Nique) is a character so vile her evilness can leave you feeling emotionally numb at times. She physically and mentally abuses her daughter on a daily basis, taking out her self hatred and personal issue’s on the person she’s suppose to love the most.

In the book, Mary sexually abuses Precious in shockingly graphic nature, but in the film adaption Daniels focuses more on the physical and mental abuse, although there is one quick reference in the movie that lets audiences know that her mother is sexually abusing her as well. But understandably going into great detail might have been too risqué.

However it’s this risqué nature of the film that makes it so intriguing. The Precious’ of this world are usually swept under the rug and over looked by society. Subjects such as incest normally make people feel uncomfortable, so rather than deal with the situation we tend to ignore it and act like it doesn’t exist, unless it collides with our own lives.

Also when films usually deal with such subject matters, they tend to use ‘cute’ actors so audiences can identify and sympathise more with the character. Casting Sidibe was a great wake up call to all of us. Her character represents the people that society chooses to ignore. Daniels has been described as “brave” for using such an ‘unusual’ actress for the lead role. So in many aspects this film mirrors the fact that as a whole we are quite judgmental and it’s this thought provoking nature that makes the film quite genius.

Precious first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for best drama. After a great reception at the Cannes Film Festival it became one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Although general reviews have been very positive, critics have argued that the film tries too hard in expressing the hardship this unfortunate teenager has to endure. If you thought she’d suffered enough, near the end of the film there’s even more hardship coming her way which prompts her to write “why me?” – a symbolic part in the film – But however OTT the film may seem, there are people out there who find Precious’ story a reality.
Despite the film being excruciatingly sad, there are quite a few ‘laugh out loud’ moments. A technique that’s quite hard to do when dealing with such serious issues.

In America the film has been described as mixing “despair with hope.” The hope comes in the form of Precious’ alternative school. This is the one place she feels safe and at ease. Here she finally learns how to read and write and her alternative teacher Ms. Blu Rain (Paula Patton) is the first person to ever show and express any kind of love for her. So in her bleak, sad and cold world, there’s a little glimmer of light.

In my opinion the strongest part of the film is the cast. It’s not an action film, so it heavily relies on its actors to authentically deliver the story and they do it in a very engaging and moving manner.

Sidibe makes her acting debut in this film. Her portrayal of Precious is subtle, yet powerful. It never seems over the top and feels very believable. A make-up free Mariah Carey plays Ms Weiss, a social worker who helps Precious deal with her struggles as part of the maintenance programme, a surprisingly good and worthy performance (which erases any traces of her previous flop, Glitter).

But the standout performance goes to comedian Mo’Nique. Her portrayal as Precious’ lazy, abusive violent mother is so brutal but yet painfully engaging. Her monologue at the ending scene, which features Carey and Sidibe is so shockingly disturbing, I felt numb whist watching. She’s already won a Golden Globe for her performance and an Oscar is looking very likely too. The film in general is being surrounded with Oscar buzz.

It’s an immensely moving film that will more than likely leave audiences in deep thought and for a number of reasons. Depending on your background, lifestyle, region, circumstances etc, you’re likely to react to this movie in a different way. But one thing’s for sure, it’s a film you won’t forget in a hurry (if at all).

For more from Vanessa visit: vanlaker.wordpress.com