The Butler....Serving up a disturbing look into historical injustice

Lee Daniels, The Butler

Synopsis: Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) works under eight presidents at the White House, enduring stomach-turning acts of the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and ongoing family controversies. His life exemplifies the historical rawness of white domination, while quietly yearning for acceptance, and equality.  

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Mariah Carey, Cuba Gooding Jr.,  Robin Williams, Liev Schreiber,  Jane Fonda, and David Oyelowo

Directed by; Lee Daniels

Written by: Danny Strong, Will Haygood (news article)
Released: August 2013
Genre: Biography, Drama



Trailer

The Butler evolves into an educational overview, opening with a violent episode in the cotton fields where Cecil is working as a child slave, alongside his mother and father.

 

 He is moved sypathetically from the fields by the matriarch landowner, (Vanessa Redgrave) into the main house and is trained to be a servant.

 

The unexpected celebrity cameos are highlights of the film, in addition to some refreshing comedic elements, each adding spice to what could have been an otherwise bland historical account.  For example, what a surprise to see Mariah Carey in the role of Cecil's mother displaying one of the numerous ugly sides of society during that period. As a teenager, he leaves that home,  to discover a  new life for himself landing a job at a distinguished hotel in Washington, D.C.

Injustices are portrayed within the movie's vivid, disturbing, scenes. From spitting at, pouring hot coffee on and beating up black teenagers—there definately are no attempts fo conceal  the gruesome realities here.  

Although Cecil is the central character of the film, his son, Louis (David Oyelowo) triumphs the true meaning of hands-on committment to change, and the hurtful pitfalls that go along with it. Louis, to the dismay of his parents, decides to join forces with the Freedom Riders, a radical group actively protesting the blatant discrimination of coloured citizens.  Soon afterwards he assists with the establishment of the Black Panthers, also a  rebel group.  He steadfastly follows the agendas, violence pending in the wings.

The fascinating plot highlights the contrast beween Cecil's ability to be remain complacent, gracious and humble in his prized butler position, while as a father, internally struggling to cope with his own son's visible involvement in the events of the civil rights conflicts.

Forest Whitaker is emotionally skilled, in his passionate delivery of Cecil, most likely delivering the role of a lifetime for him. His performance is worthy of a Oscar nomination, as is also warranted for Oprah.  The horror displayed in this film is successfully capped by the heroism, reaffirming the United States as the interesting, conflicting, appalling yet glorious land that we have come to know.