Review of The Help (2011) by Gregory G — 16 Aug 2014

Superior acting helps compensate for the cliches in this civil rights melodrama about the lives of black women working as domestic servants for white socialite families in 1960s Mississippi. Emma Stone is the educated white writer who returns home and decides to write a book about the lives of black maids and how they are mistreated by the white families they work for.

Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, its emotionally stirring to see a story told with empathy for the struggles of these women. This is a socially-conscious woman's picture where the filmmakers congratulate themselves on their noble intentions by softening the sociological racism so as not to offend anyone.

These white women are presented as caricatures; either too noble or too callous. The men are mostly offscreen. It comes dangerously close to being a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, particularly with a period setting that has an inappropriate nostalgia.

Viola Davis is extraordinarily subtle and deeply affecting as Aibilene. She conveys the strength and intelligence, along with the heartbreak, of her character with great empathy. Octavia Spencer brings needed humor to the role of the forceful and feisty Minny.

Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, and Sissy Spacek all give performances that rise above the conventional. Its great to see Cicely Tyson in her brief role. Won Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer).

With Mary Steenburgen, Ahna O'Reilly, Anna Camp. Written and directed by Tate Taylor.