So I’m hoping this time, it’s an art. Unlike the movie Blind Side, which I can’t bring myself to want to watch.

Lastly, my husband didn’t think it was a good film. He thought the story drove the narrative and people were only interested in hopes that there was an end or a light. He enjoyed Precious story, but didn’t feel any character other than the mother, was developed beyond that.

Outstanding post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Precious. Keep doing what you do as only you can.

Manchild

I really wish they’d just release the damn film so I can see it for myself! I could see “2012″ everywhere, anywhere, right now if I wanted. I feel like I so rarely get to see the work of black directors, whatever the story – so my complaints about the general sociopolitical bent of the reviews comes from that perspective. And like I said, I’m just a bitch.

Warmest regards, Alison

Of course I haven’t read the book Pusheither. Less than three weeks ago it was recommended to me while I stood inside a bookstore. I chose to purchase another book instead. Now, after hearing a few suggest that I read the book first to really capture the essence of the story, I wish I’d copped the book as well. Sista Souljah’s Midnight. But more than likely I won’t get that opportunity until after the film.

As a man, I cannot identify with a girl being sexually abuse by her own parent. That’s scary. But I imagine it takes place more often than one would like to think. So this will be a heartbreaking story for sure. I certainly look forward to watching then turning around and letting everyone know I agree, and even advising others to hurry up and see it.

Again, enjoyed the read.
Thanks.

And noted Thembi, your feelings about the colorism in this film. In NYTimes Magazine Daniels candidly talked about his own color issues against dark skinned Black people. He’s quite a few shades darker than a paper bag his damn self, so I don’t know where that came from. I haven’t read the book, but from reviews from people who have they’ve stated the importance of Precious’ teacher being a dark skinned woman with natural hair. It’s disappointing that an actress who does not fit that description was cast in such a pivotal role.

Thembi,

I wanna say that I loved reading this entire post – it was awesome, and read with a certain poetic quality. The above quote resonates with me as it is indeed the crux of much of the issues, or dare I say angst, expressed about ourselves by ourselves. I haven’t seen the movie as of yet, but I’m looking forward to it. From the looks of it, it sounds like it is a story that must be told. I just wished it was received as positively as it was by you. But hey, that’s that internalized oppression thing for ya.

I’m not sure what it means to “self-edit” but rest assured I closely examine everything I write. Perhaps the seriousness of this film did not merit my usual humorous tone, and writing it immediately after viewing such an emotionally taxing work definitely has some impact. However, as I said, the movie was great and something people looking for a thinking film should see. Thats the thing about this movie or should I say art house film; I’m sure that Daniels’ approach and intention was to be more artistic and thought-provoking than entertaining, and my thinking around Precious reflects that.

I wonder if there is any other medium where you have to get all up under someone’s skin in order toassess its merits? “What are Oprah’s/Daniels’/Perry’s motivations? Is this kind of abuse common?” It’s like we are afraid that each big screen depiction of Black America is going to be our last. I haven’t yet read a review of the film that talks about it as you might talk about any film – was the editing effective? was there a cohesive feeling with lighting or colors or character exploration? were the actors able to help tell the story, or did they get in the way? did it hang together well? I want to hear about those things too. This is a story that hasn’t been told before, and I want to know if it was told well. Oprah and Perry, like them or not, have done a lot to ensure that all kinds of movies about Black folk, good, bad and ugly, can continue to be made. How/Why/With what ulterior motive they did it (and do it), I don’t know.

But “Precious” isn’t about them. It’s another story about us, about Black people in America right now, and about this particular young woman. I read the book when it first came our, and it was one of the most powerful things I have ever read. So I just want to know if the story got *told* It deserves a good telling, that’s for sure.