The Butler

http://feelthefilms.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/the-butler/

The Butler is what one might expect when reading the plot synopsis, knowing the cast, and seeing that Lee Daniels in the director's seat. It's a film that contains many great scenes, equally supplying the expected melodrama, and the ensemble cast shows off what put them in the business to begin with. What is unexpected is the overly-disturbing Black torture and racism. I wasn't expecting the The Butler to cross the line it does.

Lee Daniels spreads his directorial skills like butter on toast and pulls out dramatics in the simplest story set-ups. Daniels captures the scope of the picture well, we identify it is a sizable film that will cover a lot of history, but he relies on what has been done in movies in the past with his narrative. For example, the the typical "coming of age" opening scenes are a product of movies, television shows, and books that have come before it. Once those obligatory opening moments are through, Daniels takes the next two hours to stress our emotional delicacies to make us react to the stereotypical fairytale.

The most esteemed African American actors have bonded together in The Butler to create the massive ensemble. At the top of the latter is Forest Whitaker in a sensitive performance. Whitaker is always "on", carrying the picture with dignity. The rest of the cast enjoys the chance to sink their teeth into historical figures, aided by proper make-up. Standouts include James Marsden, Terrance Howard, Live Schreiber, and Alan Rickman.

The most controversial performance in my opinion is Oprah Winfrey. To clarify, Oprah is a personality, not an actor. When she's amongst some of the best Black actors working in the industry, she sticks out like a sore thumb. Winfrey fails to act a single minute in The Butler, which is disappointing considering the potential of the decently written role that could've been thoroughly brought to life by another middle-aged African actress (a demographic that has enough trouble finding mediocre roles, let alone having TV hosts steal them). I respect Oprah's contributions to the world and her humanitarian work, but her acting in The Butler halts the film each time her character appears.

The editing and score work hand in hand to create an epic feel to sequences that intend to be inspiring. The decadence of the White House is immaculate and there's fun to be had when watching the scenes take place in that particular setting. The sound quality is also matched nicely.

The Black struggle for a better life is the idea in which the story prances. Daniels doesn't shy away from showing us the endeavors African Americans faced when dealing with racism. Black people are shown as strong willed, hardworking human beings that are looked down upon with feelings of unworthiness. The Butler does have a lot going for it, even with its abundance of cliches.

Rating: 7/10

Grade: B+

Feel the Films: A Blog by R.C.S. -> http://feelthefilms.wordpress.com/