Precious

This movie is being talked up loudly for Oscars, even though it won't be out until November. This story of an obese, illiterate black teenager who is abused in every way and is struggling to survive is based on the novel Push by Sapphire, a writer who taught teens in Harlem for many years. The role of the social worker who helps Precious was originally supposed to go to Oscar winner Helen Mirren, but when she couldn't commit, director Lee Daniels amazingly gave the role to Mariah Carey. He trusted her acting skills but told her to leave her divaliciousness at home - it is said that if she showed up with an entourage or even with makeup on, he had a backup actress ready to go. She apparently complied.

This will be a painful movie to watch, no doubt, but to paraphrase Oprah - how many times have we seen this girl walk down the street, or passed by her at Walgreens? How many times have I not noticed a girl like this, carrying so much pain?


NPR story on "Precious" - read or listen