Candace Chambers
Staff Writer
“Everything you are… and everything you have… is because of that butler,” said Oprah Winfrey starring as Gloria Gaines, wife of the butler.
Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” takes audiences on an emotional, educational, and historical journey through time. The movie traces the life of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler, who serves eight presidents during his tenure.
Rooted from the cotton fields of Georgia, he learns to serve. Although he becomes employed in an esteemed place, he still endures unequal treatment, which over time molds his thoughts and views on life.
According to imbd.com, “The Butler” earned $24,637,312 its opening weekend and has been #1 at the box office for three weeks. As of Aug. 25, the film has earned $51,760,625. Daniels’ other works include, “Precious” and “Monster’s Ball.”
Forest Whitaker stars as Cecil Gaines, whose life story is loosely based on Eugene Allen, an African-American White House butler for 34 years.
The relationship of Cecil and Gloria represent the supportive love and compassion of African-American families. Cecil is also the father of two boys and works diligently to provide and support them.
The film explores race relations over years of American history. From the Civil Rights Movement to Vietnam, Gaines is in position to positively interact with presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan, as they make decisions on moving the nation forward.
Wearing a tuxedo is only a covering of the despair Gaines experiences as many African-Americans did during that time of low wages, inequality, and little respect. Gaines’ older son is involvement in the Movement and represents the vast youth involvement in Sit-Ins and protests of the time and the loud voice of change.
Other actors include Robin Williams (Dwight Eisenhower) and “X-Men’s” James Marsden (John. F. Kennedy).
Some JSU students enjoyed the movie’s themes and overall plot.
Mary Thompson, a junior English major from Jackson, Miss. appreciated the themes of love and family portrayed by the characters.
“I loved it [the movie]. It made me cry and when Oprah stood up for her butler-husband, I was especially proud to see that type of respect within a black relationship.”
Henry Goss, a sophomore mass communications major from Jackson, Miss. shared similar views.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Lee Daniels did a good job of portraying the various time periods, especially during the civil rights era. All in all, it was a good movie. I’d definitely recommend it to a friend.”
Karen Knox-Brady, a junior English education major from Jackson, Miss. said, “The Butler was a really interesting movie. The storyline moved across years of American history. I found Cecil’s life to be really inspiring because he played the role of a subservient butler, but as a butler he quietly broke racial stereotypes.”
I enjoyed the film, especially the vivid, historical portrayal of events. The story line was engaging and the characters were personable and represented viewpoints of the time. With the anniversary of key Civil Rights’ events, this movie could not have been more timely.
“The Butler” is a great movie for all ages to enjoy and learn more about the struggles of African-Americans.
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