Coming out of Sundance this year, one of the films causing a stir was Lee Daniels’ Precious (previously known as Push: Based on a Novel by Sapphire. The film was, from all my readings, considered an across the board winner and though the film won both the Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award, it seemed unlikely that it would be picked up for distribution.
A few weeks later we posted news that Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey had signed on to help distribute the film; good thing too otherwise I doubt anyone would get the chance to see it. Daniel’s film is based on a groundbreaking novel by Sapphire which tells the story of Claireece Precious Jones, an abused teen trying to make her way in life. Precious’ story was a devastating read but it resonated an unexpected joie de vivre and hope that seems to have translated well onto film.
Precious stars new comer Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe in the title role with Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz appearing in supporting roles. I know it sounds ludicrous to have a line-up of musicians as supporting actors but it sounds as though they all pull through and looking at the trailer, it looks like the reviews weren’t exaggerating.
No official release date but the film is scheduled to play at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard line-up.
Trailer is tucked under the seat!
I dunno, looks cliched and awful to me. Bombastic and over the top, only will less attractive actors than are usually in these types of movies. Maybe they just can’t figure out how to market it.
Unrelated, I did the ‘perspective credits/title-cards’ at the end though.
“Maybe they just can’t figure out how to market it.” That would be my guess. I’m surprised this even made it into a movie to begin with considering how much of the story is internalized. I can’t wait to see how it turned out.
Yeesh. Skepticism rises in Mpls. This trailer is harsh. The film may turn out better though as you mentioned. I’m not ready to write it off completely, but the people involved who helped make, produce and distribute it all want to make me vomit. Have you seen Glitter? Yeah.
I do see some Paula Patton. Might be enough to get me into the seats right there.
The cast does nothing for me but I was really impressed with the novel and I’ve yet to read a bad review which gives me a bit of hope that this will be better than the trailer suggests. It’s going to be a hard sell regardless of how you market it.