- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,416
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
I loved everything about Tate Taylor's The Help.
Possibly because I grew up in that era, and knew "the help" almost as family members, this was a film that rang true for me -- in both positive as well as negative attributes. From my experience "the help" could be treated as family, servants, or somewhere in between. I was fortunate enough to know these hard-working people in a positive light. And I'm not referring here to just black help, but help of any background.
The unfortunate situation, at least in the south, was that in the '60s, many families were still living in an earlier time.
I can still remember my earliest trips south with my parents and extended family, and wondering what the "white only" signage was all about. While the concept of "innocence is bliss" may have some value, the explanation of segregation was a shock to my insulated upbringing.
The Help, which to my mind is brilliant filmmaking, takes us inside the goings on, and sets the stage for great storytelling. Jessica Chastain, who wins the award for most appearances in a feature film in a single year (93), and a cast that is never less than superb -- Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, and the wonderful Cicely Tyson, without her old lady make-up. You will not believe how beautifully this cast works together.
The Blu-ray from Dreamworks / Touchstone is perfect. Shot on 35mm (3-perf) film, and taken through a 2k DI, the final resultant Blu-ray serves up an ample portion of The Help to perfection.
Have I mentioned that I loved this film? One of the top two or three of 2011. And please don't be misled by the title. This is not some "chick flick."
Great Blu-ray release, that happens to be open region.
Highly Recommended.
RAH
Possibly because I grew up in that era, and knew "the help" almost as family members, this was a film that rang true for me -- in both positive as well as negative attributes. From my experience "the help" could be treated as family, servants, or somewhere in between. I was fortunate enough to know these hard-working people in a positive light. And I'm not referring here to just black help, but help of any background.
The unfortunate situation, at least in the south, was that in the '60s, many families were still living in an earlier time.
I can still remember my earliest trips south with my parents and extended family, and wondering what the "white only" signage was all about. While the concept of "innocence is bliss" may have some value, the explanation of segregation was a shock to my insulated upbringing.
The Help, which to my mind is brilliant filmmaking, takes us inside the goings on, and sets the stage for great storytelling. Jessica Chastain, who wins the award for most appearances in a feature film in a single year (93), and a cast that is never less than superb -- Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, and the wonderful Cicely Tyson, without her old lady make-up. You will not believe how beautifully this cast works together.
The Blu-ray from Dreamworks / Touchstone is perfect. Shot on 35mm (3-perf) film, and taken through a 2k DI, the final resultant Blu-ray serves up an ample portion of The Help to perfection.
Have I mentioned that I loved this film? One of the top two or three of 2011. And please don't be misled by the title. This is not some "chick flick."
Great Blu-ray release, that happens to be open region.
Highly Recommended.
RAH
