Movie #786 "The Butler" has some odd casting, I'll say that for it. Example? Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan --- I was on the floor laughing at that, and those who remember Ms. Fonda and her anti-Vietnam stance would probably laugh at it, too. Robin Williams as Ike? And there's lots more I don't want to divulge here, but it does keep the viewer watching pretty closely as we sail through several years of contemporary American history............too fast, maybe? However, the director handled the changes with aplomb ---------and so did most of the actors. The standouts include Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and the older son David Oyelowe. It's this son that offers most of the conflict in the film, since he is the one actively partaking in civil rights sit-ins, rides on the freedom bus, attending black panther meetings, etc. as the racism gets progressively, and shamefully worse in our country --- the movie made me feel ashamed many times to be an American because of the mistreatment, but then there are a few moments when we can feel pride, as well, and that helps get through the hatred and bigotry which abounds in the film, yes, even within the white house walls! There's a quote said by Martin Luther King in the film (and I hope he really said it) about how important the black "weight staff " was to the civil rights movement by plowing peacefully through their work, they were presenting the opposite of the stereotypical behavior that was being expected of them. They were silent but constant and strong in their work, and I think this is one of the main reasons Daniels did this film ---- it is in honor of those who served in the roughest conditions of our civil rights movement. As you can see, I enjoyed the film for all its history, its powerful images (Jackie Kennedy with blood running down her stockings) , its quietest moments, its loudest moments (freedom bus scene, which is so difficult to watch), and I think everyone should see this important film. That being said, there are some weaknesses --- it tries to cover too much, some of the acting is suspect (not the leads), and the music is too loud (sound is weakest in the film) at times, but oh my goodness, the cars, the costumes, the makeup, the set decorating, very meticulously done to offer almost a time travel back to those (not good) 'ol days that we need to revisit once in a while. We need to remind ourselves of the work that we must do to overcome the bullying, the stereotyping, the violence we inflict upon others we deem different from ourselves.
I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Lee Daniels' The Butler2013PG-13
Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.
- Cast:
- Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams,Clarence Williams III
- Genre:
- Biographies, Political Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces, Drama
