Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, Lee Daniels’ Precious creates a dire portrait of a troubled, obese African-American girl who goes by the name of Precious (a nickname which she gives herself), who has endured the hardships of domestic violence, poverty and nearly every possible form of abuse. Featuring a predominately African-American cast of characters, the performances from the inner city story are gritty, disturbing and painfully honest.
Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, a young actress, gives a heartbreaking portrayal as the heroine Precious, who exists in a landscape of despair. Her father has raped, impregnated (two counts) and abandoned her. Her mother (played with incredible range by comedian Mo ‘Nique) verbally and physically abuses her on a daily basis, throwing a glass or a shoe at her whenever she does something wrong.
Like a fly in a jar, she scares her poor daughter into a world that she cannot escape no matter how hard she tries.
In this dark, tragic world, then, what can one take away from this film? With such graphic and realistic disturbances presented on screen, how can we as an audience relate to this story?
The answer is hope.
When her caring principal, who sees that Precious is in her second pregnancy, offers her an opportunity to attend an alternative school, Precious takes the opportunity. She begins to attend a class there with ten other girls all from poor areas of New York City. Her teacher, played with tenderness and sincerity by Paula Patton, looks into Precious and sees something special.
With the heart of Oprah Winfrey, the marketing genius of Tyler Perry, and incredible performances from its lead actors, Precious delivers on most levels. Daniels’ direction is daring. For better or worse, it does not hold back in its imagery, dialogue and situations.
At times, this can take away from the film’s message.
The camera shakes, zooms in, and zooms out. Daniels’ choice to abandon aesthetic quality for a sense of realism may be liked by some, but in essence, it makes the imagery less powerful. They might have been better suited getting Spike Lee to direct the picture. The editing and transitions between many scenes can be choppy and obtuse, but these flaws do not detract from what is really precious about this movie: the performances.
Mo’Nique delivers a knockout performance, will definitely get nominated for the Oscar, and may even take home the grand prize. In her debut performance, Gabourey Sidibe carries this film from beginning till end. And there’s Mariah Carey, who doesn’t look like, well, Mariah Carey. Dressing all the way down, she also delivers a good performance as a sensitive social worker.
Precious is a smart, well-meaning project that, despite some loose ends, pulls itself together nicely. A solid film with excellent performances, it triumphs in both its message and meaning.
On a Camel Rating Scale, out of a possible four, I’m going to give Precious 3 Camels.
Editor’s Note: Professor Downs of the History department recently wrote an opinion piece on Precious for the Chronicle of Higher Education that was the second most emailed story on 12/16.
