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Move Over Selma, Lee Daniels Directing The Butler

Krystal Clark — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:25:13 +0000

After receiving critical acclaim for his Oscar nominated film Precious, director Lee Daniels has been hard at work developing another heart-wrenching drama. The film is called Selma and it features a cast led by Hugh Jackman and Precious alum Lenny Kravitz. It was set to be Daniel’s next big project, but unfortunately it hit a wall — enter The Butler. According to Deadline, he’s taking some time away from his Civil Rights film to direct a movie about a White House servant.

Daniels is currently awaiting financing for Selma and in the midst of that has signed on with Sony Pictures Entertainment to rewrite and direct The Butler. You’re probably wondering what the hell is “The Butler” and why has it caught Daniels’ eye? The film will center on Eugene Allen, a man who was a servant in the White House for over 34 years. He watched the eight presidents he worked for wrestle with and finally stem the tide of segregation.

A lot of the material covered in the movie will be based on a series of articles written on Butler by Wil Haygood. The first draft of the script was penned by Danny Strong who worked on Recount. Daniels will immediately come in and work some of his magic on the script and eventually direct from it. Production could begin before the end of the year and there’s word that Denzel Washington has been approached to play the title role.

All the while Selma is still waiting for its money, which is ridiculous considering the attached cast of Jackman, Liam Neeson, David Oyelowo, Ray Winstone, Robert De Niro, and Cedric the Entertainer. Jackman even gained 30 pounds to play his role in the movie! Maybe they should all pool their individual resources to make this happen.

What do you think of Daniels taking on The Butler? What do you think of the finance issues with Selma?

Lee Daniels Hires David Oyelowo to Play Martin Luther King Jr.

Krystal Clark — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:40:13 +0000

Academy Award nominated director Lee Daniels is hard at work on his next film, a civil rights drama entitled, Selma. Two major castings have already been made, one being Hugh Jackman and the other his Precious star Lenny Kravitz. According to Reuters, he’s hired another actor to play one of the most influential men of the 20th century, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The name David Oyelowo may not sound familiar but it will soon enough. The British actor has landed the role as civil rights activist and African American pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. The actor previously appeared in the 2008 made for television version of A Raisin in The Sun, and he’ll pop up in George Lucas’ WWII drama, Red Tails. He won’t be the only freedom fighter in Selma, because he’ll be starring alongside Kravitz’ character Andrew Young another man fighting for change.

Jackman on the other hand will star as a racist sheriff in the film that centers on “the historic marches staged by King in 1965 in Selma, Alabama.” The role of George Wallace, the Alabama Governor is still awaiting an actor to fill its void. The movie is currently being shopped around for financing, which is unfortunately on shaky ground.

Originally Pathe International was on board but we’re hearing they might scale back their involvement. Why would they do that? This is a movie that has an Oscar nominated director, an award winning singer, and Hugh Jackman! Everyone loves Hugh. Maybe they’re concerned about the content or the harshness of the performances? Who knows.

What do you think about Oyelowo’s casting as Dr. King? Who would you have put in that role?

Hugh Jackman Cast in Lee Daniel’s Selma

Krystal Clark — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:38:19 +0000

Hugh Jackman has landed a new role that will be a far departure from his stint as Wolverine in the X-Men series. The Australian actor has been cast as the lead in the next film from Precious director, Lee Daniels. According to USA Today, the pair will team up for Selma, a civil rights drama that he hopes to start filming soon.

Even though Daniels is nominated for Best Director at this Sunday’s Academy Awards, he’s more interested in his next project than his Oscar tux. He says that he’s been working on a finalized version of the script for Selma, doing research, and constantly writing. In the USA Today article he admits that he needs to speed up the casting process, because the only actor he’s nailed down is Jackman. Even though the director declares that the project is “all over the place” he feels like he’s finally “caught up a little bit.”

For those of you who aren’t familiar, prior to and during the Civil Rights Movement, Selma, Alabama was a hot bed for racial tension. It was so out of control that a march took place in protest of segregation that ended in violence ultimately forcing then President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act.

It will be interesting to see Jackman in an southern American setting, but who will he play? Will he be a hardcore racist, or one of the good guys trying to make a difference? Either way, this sounds like a good stretch that will show his acting range.

What do you think of Hugh Jackman taking on a role in Selma? Do you think he can pull off a period piece of this nature?

Does the Precious Movie Stereotype?

Krystal Clark — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:55:51 +0000

Starting today, we’ll finally be able to experience the much talked about Lee Daniels drama, Precious. The film has won plenty of accolades on the festival circuit and will have its opportunity to impress the general public with today’s release. A lot of people are waiting for the film to open in theaters nationally, but this week it will only hit L.A. New York, Chicago and Atlanta then gradually go from there.

Along with the positive reinforcements have come some negative views of Precious and its portrayal of certain individuals on a national scale. A debate has opened up that asks the question, does Precious enforce stereotypes?

One of the major debates surrounding the film is whether or not it’s a good representation of African-American women, plus sized women, or urban youth in general. Just yesterday we ran a story on co-star Mo’Nique, who plays Mary Jones the lead character’s abusive mother in the film. She admitted that it’s easy to judge the character on the outside, without taking the time to figure why she acts the way she does.

Over on The Grio, they ran a quote from Loren Pritchett, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University who took a different approach to the movie. She believes it reinforces age old stereotypes of African-American women.

“Movies like this are double-edged swords in the black community. On one hand it serves as an informative vehicle for discussion, but at the same time casts a label across the black community as a whole, leaving audience members of the opposite race throwing us all into one big troubled category.”

Although it’s easy to pick out the negative aspects of anything, we should definitely focus on the positive as well. The fact that this type of story is getting out is a step in the right direction. There are real girls no matter race or creed who are in abusive situations all over the world. Also, the fact that two ladies who aren’t considered the ‘Hollywood norm” are getting praise for their performances is another positive side effect. There are plus size actresses who can pull of dramatic material just a well as Meryl Streep, but aren’t given the opportunity to do so. This film is a double edge sword indeed, but it depends on the angle you’re looking at it.

What do you think about the Precious controversy? Does the film enforce stereotypes?

Oprah Introduces the Latest Precious Trailer

Krystal Clark — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:22:19 +0000

A new trailer has been released for the critically acclaimed film, Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire. The drama has gained momentum as an early awards season contender thanks to its various screenings on the festival circuit. It stars newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, and Mariah Carey. It’s directed by Lee Daniels and produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.

Check out the latest trailer for this power piece called, Precious…

In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.

This film really tugs at your heartstrings, and forces you to have a strong reaction to someone else’s unfortunate situation. Precious is a thorough and unconventional look at the human condition, and highlights a situation that plagues many, but is typically left unacknowledged.

Precious starts playing in select theaters on November 6th.

What do you think about the latest trailer for Precious?

Precious Review Round-Up

craigsternberg — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:43:57 +0000

The top award winner at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival was the Oprah Winfrey produced Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. Precious took home the festival’s “People’s Choice Award” that Best Picture Oscar winner Slumdog Millionare earned last year. Critics have praised the movie throughout its run in various festivals and the movie is gaining major Oscar buzz.

The film’s story revolves around an illiterate girl named Precious and her struggles throughout her everyday life. The film is a brutally honest portrayal of the young woman’s perseverance over the most inhumane obstacles.

Check out what people are saying about the indie darling, Precious…

Both Mo’nique and Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe deliver Oscar Worthy Performances…

Gabby Sidibe sparkles as Precious – Obsessed with Film
Comedienne Mo’Nique is the epitome of maternal evil as Precious’ mother Mary, ranging from sadism to self-pity through a kaleidoscopic spectrum of abusive behavior, and the performance is so complete that her malignance is utterly compelling and utterly believable. – Obsessed with Film
As Precious, Sidibe is superb, allowing us to see the inner warmth and beauty of a young woman who, to her world’s cruel eyes, might seem monstrous. As Precious’ hideous mother, Mo’Nique is cruelty incarnate. It’s an astonishingly powerful performance. – The Hollywood Reporter

It’s Dark, Gritty, and Uncompromising…

“Precious” has no bounds. It’s a disturbing, overwhelming story of one Harlem girl’s merciless degradations. – The Hollywood Reporter
An urban nightmare with a surfeit of soul, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” is like a diamond — clear, bright, but oh so hard – Variety

Lee Daniels juggles emotional extremes brilliantly…

Director Lee Daniels sagely navigates the story from Precious’ cavernous inner world through her synaptic flashes of fantasy that momentarily allow her to transcend her personal hell. – The Hollywood Reporter
Second-time helmer Daniels demonstrates a remarkable, balletic ability to juggle emotional extremes. – Variety
Under Lee Daniels’ stewardship the movie segues from atrocity to escapist fantasy and life-affirming positivity with ease – Obsessed With Film

So what do you think? Will you be checking this out? How excited are you for this movie?

ScreenCrave.com » lee daniels

Move Over Selma, Lee Daniels Directing The Butler

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