A gritty film about incest is not something generally embraced by America’s movie-going public, who tend to prefer their movies sugarcoated. But the success of Precious: Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire is testimony to the film’s bold authenticity and powerful performances. It also helps that amongst its exhaustive list of producers is a certain Oprah Winfrey, a woman who wields such influence that her endorsement is almost certain to guarantee success, be it a book, a presidential candidate or a film. That Tyler Perry is also amongst the producers didn’t harm it, with Perry proving to possess the Midas touch, particularly with African American audiences.
Based on the 1996 novel by the poet Sapphire, Precious is set in Harlem in 1987 and tells the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a 16-year black girl. Morbidly obese, illiterate and pregnant with the second child by her absent father, Precious lives with her physically and emotionally abusive mother Mary (Mo’Nique), on whom she waits hand and foot. Even at her tender age, Precious is exhausted by life. The only light that enters her dark world is via her imagination as she dreams of stardom and finding a “light skinned man.”
When an opportunity for Precious to attend an experimental school for troubled kids arises, she sees it as her last chance to prevent her life spiraling towards oblivion. But her mother, who wants her daughter to quit school so she can claim welfare, does everything to stop her. At the school, Precious comes under the wing of the nurturing Ms. Rain (Paula Patton). The teacher is the first person to show belief in Precious, who responds by slowly gaining self-confidence while also finally learning to read and write.
Director Lee Daniels has resisted softening the book’s edges too much. Via Geoffrey Fletcher’s screenplay, he allows the exuberance of Precious’ classmates to introduce some welcome respite into proceedings. Precious’ fantasy scenes of becoming a celebrity also offer fleeting moments of escape, but he never allows us to forget the harshness of Precious’ life. Mo’Nique provides a combustible intensity with her chilling portrayal of Precious’ mother. Filled with hatred for a daughter who is a daily reminder of her own failings, Mary spends her days on the couch watching tv. The only energy she expends is lashing out at Precious.
In Precious’ world, dreams don’t come true, but she does come to recognize that even small accomplishments represent hope. With the birth of her daughter and her determination to reunite with her mentally handicapped son, Precious strives for independence and an end to the cycle of abuse. Sidibe is courageous in her performance, laying herself open in her depiction of the tough, but vulnerable Precious. The film is a graphic and unsentimental glimpse into the harshness of life, one incomprehensible to most, but given understanding here.
Kevin Murphy
