Viewed in
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Based on a book, Emma Stone plays a 1960's aspiring writer who chronicles the lives of black maids (Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer) in Jim Crow-plagued south.
Liked
Strong performances, memorable characters, good balance of humor, sweetness and sadness.
Thoughts
Overall, it was very enjoyable.
My favorite part was the cast's charming performances. Viola Davis was a force of nature, full of sympathy and strength, well-deserving of her best actress nomination. Octavia Spencer evoked many laughs from me, from her big moments to her little moments. As the lead, Emma Stone was very good, choosing to be more toned-down. It might seem boring and unglamorous, but you can't have everyone in the ensemble trying to grab the spotlight, you need balance of energies.
This might be the first Bryce Dallas Howard role that I really liked, which was ironic because she played a despicable character. But the (white) lady that stole the show was Jessica Chastain. As the local white outcast, she effortlessly channeled Julia Roberts (circa Steel Magnolias) while creating something unique. It was fascinating comparing this to her amazing performance in Zero Dark Thirty, just a testament to Chastain's versatility.
The tone of the film was somber and painful at times, but held together by earnest sweetness. Ebert best described it as a fable. The racism wasn't over-the-top, but with realistic subtlety, the more hurtful kind. I was fascinated by the contrast of "proper" Southern belles saying very ignorant and harmful things (with a smile) that just cuts through like a knife, compared to faceless, hooded KKK burning crosses.
I liked the touch of putting historic context, such JFK and Medgar Evers, into the story to give the story some scope. For me, the racial injustice and civil rights context was respectful, not preachy, and the emotional impact was deserved. As for the controversy that it was condescending because two white women were "saving" the black folk, I disagree with that. All the characters had well-defined arcs and changed during their journeys.
My biggest issue was the resolution of Stone's family's maid. The way they played up the subplot, I wanted to see Stone actually visit her fired maid and have closure.
I've probably focused too much on the civil rights struggles and sadness inherent in The Help. It was a really enjoyable and uplifting film, full of distinct, strong characters, humor. In the end, the story was much like the cinematography of suburban Mississippi: full of sunny, hopeful disposition.
