Racism is a tough thing to write a book or make a film about because it can make people feel uncomfortable, but the fact is it is a real issue and it still exists today. From the #1 national bestseller written by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is not only about race, but about class and women as well. And all of these sensitive, personal and tough subjects are driven home by the beautiful direction of Tate Taylor and the outstanding and effective performances lead by Viola Davis.
The film takes place during the 1960’s in Mississippi where black women wait hand and foot on rich, southern families. They fix their drinks, make their food, clean their houses, and raise their children. But they can’t sit at the same table with the white families and have to use separate bathrooms. And while these are the unspoken rules and behaviors of the people in this small town, three women plan to change that forever. Skeeter (Emma Stone) just got back from college and desperately wants to be a writer. She gets a job at a local paper answering house maintenance questions, but she begins to work on something much more important yet dangerous. She begins to write a book that shows the perspective of the black women who work for these prominent southern families. She wants to tell their story in their words.
She starts by interviewing her best friend’s housekeeper, Aibileen (Davis) who opens up about who she is, what she does, and what she thinks about the people she works for. And everyone from both sides do not approve because there could be great consequences if their collaboration is discovered. Their friendships hang in the balance, but they continue and eventually start getting some more voices to be a part of the book. Aibileen’s best friend Minny (Octavia Spencer) is the second black women to reveal how they really feel about the work they do and who they do it for. While there is anger and disapproval at every turn, specifically by Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard), a friendship is created because these women want to see change. This book is their way of fighting back, but not without courage or taking some serious risks.
This film has been accused of glossing over the racial issues of the 60’s, and while Taylor could have gone further with it, there is still plenty in there to give you an idea of the kind of things that happened back then and how each race saw each other. And the character of Holbrook really shows racism at it’s most despising, ignorant stage. Howard really embraces this role and her character is a complete bitch. She is a bully and almost every woman looks for her approval except Skeeter. Stone pulls off a solid performance as a woman who is willing to stand up for something even if she is standing by herself. And once her and Aibileen establish trust with each other, her and the housekeepers begin to come out of their shell and really say what is on their mind, and they have quite a bit on their mind.
There are two characters in the film that add so much to it and do not play traditional women, and have a tendency to steal every scene they are in. The best part is they both get to share some screen time with each other. Spencer plays Minny and it’s a breakout role for her. Her character has to endure a lot, and not just at work, but at home dealing her abusive husband as well. But she is full of attitude and has a fighting spirit, and you get wrapped up in it the second you see her.
The other character who stands out is Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain), who ends up becoming Minny’s boss. She is the Marilyn Monroe of the small Mississippi town. And the rules about eating at different tables and using separate bathrooms does not apply in her home. She is lonely and insecure, and is not only looking for a housekeeper but a friend. Chastain is amazing and makes this character her own and it’s a breath of fresh air. Minny and Celia really energize the film and their scenes and chemistry are not to be missed.
The Help may be Spencer’s breakout film, but Doubt was Davis’. However, since then she has only been in small, supporting roles in movies like Law Abiding Citizen, Knight and Day, and Eat, Pray, Love. Finally, she is able to display the great talent that she is full of in this film. She is mesmerizing as Aibileen. She brings such grace and sincerity to the character, but there is bitterness and hatred that lurks inside of her for the life she has lived and who can blame her. And with a cast as talented as the one in this film, it is Davis who leads the pack. There are several performances that should be remembered come award season, but Davis’ certainly deserves another Oscar nomination for this tender, heart-breaking role.
Taylor turns this popular novel in to a deeply touching human story about race, gender, respect and equality. The look and feel of the film helps take you back to a tough time and we get a glimpse of the hate and heartbreak that took place back then. And I must say that not every white character is shown to be full of spite and fear, and we get to see and hear about those who were kind and treated African-Americans like human beings.
The Help delivers a strong message about the people we were and the progress we have made and must continue to make. And the film still allows you to laugh and is heart-warming in many ways. It is very entertaining and has its fun, but remains deeply affecting and emotional. It is touching and feels genuine the entire time. Taking on such a serious topic had to be difficult, but thanks to Taylor’s incredible, delicate vision with more than a few stand-out performances, The Help is one of the most surprising, endearing films of the year. One of the best of 2011.
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“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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