Review: THE BUTLER

Another firm candidate for every major film award of the year has finally made it to our Mexican theaters. It is close to coming out on DVD in the U.S. This is our review of 'LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER'.

By Staff

Based on a true story, this film tells us about the life of 'Cecil Gaines', a butler who served for over 30 years and many administrations in the White House. That is pretty much the premise, but the movie goes much further than that offering us a history class on African American activists fighting against racism in America.

Analysis:

Lee Daniels (Precious 2009) is making some really well produced films. He is one of those called "actors director" because we knows how to get the best out of every one of his cast members in order to achieve his vision. This film has a huge cast and not one interpretation is less important than the next, except Forest Whitaker's in the mail roll. He could very well be on his way for another Academy Award.

The editing is the film's best technical quality; it doesn't mess around and tells you enough about each historic phase without leaving important parts out or telling you unnecessary details.

Danny Strong's screenplay, the guy behind 2008's 'Recount', is almost perfect. The dialogues and the growth the characters go through (even though they are based on real people) are superb and help the audience understand the film from beginning to end.

Opinion:

There were a few moments when we thought we were watching 2014's version of 'Argo'. This production has all the necessary elements to fight for the big prize in March. There are many films still left to come out in theaters but we think this could be the race's dark horse.