Saturday, February 27, 2010

Precious (2009) (2nd time)

In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction. [imdb]

Nominated for 6 Oscars:

Best Picture
Best Director: Lee Daniels
Best Actress: Gabourey Sidibe
Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique (WINNER)
Best Adapted Screenplay (WINNER)
Best Editing

I was so happy this movie felt just as good the second time I saw it. My eyes were on Gaby and it truly is a fabulous first-performance; it's not perfect, but she impressed me with her acting instinct and how well she teamed up with Mo'Nique. Lee Daniels is a great director, he often does a bit too much to a scene (we all know the weakest are the fantasy scenes), but boy does he know how to get the best from his actors. Precious really has one of the best ensembles 2009 had seen.
Nobody loves a terrificly-written supporting character like I do. And Mo'Nique's performance is easily one of the memorable this Oscar category's ever seen. She gives us the best acting of the film and probably the best performance of the year, in my opinion. Her volcanic screen presence works perfectly with Gaby's calm, internalized acting.
My rating for the film: 8.5/10. The most moving picture 2009 had to offer. And thumbs up for Mariah and Paula Patton; great work.

2 comments:

  1. I agree as well. I think that the big fantasy scenes were a little too much, but the small fantasy scenes (Like the mirror scene) worked well. I also don't think they should have edited back and forth during the big confrontation scene between Sidibe and Monique. But great performances and a great screenplay! I hope Sidibe wins. But I'd be happy with a win for Mulligan as well.

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  2. Such an understatement to say that I disagree. So strange though that we're so differing on this and Nine. Oh well.

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