Lee Daniels’The Butler is the fictional story of Cecil Gaines, a house butler who served tirelessly through seven White House administrations. A historical film by nature, The Butler profiles repression, conflict and protest from 1957 through to today’s Obama Presidency.
A view through one man’s eyes, the filmchronicles Cecil’s life through America’s Civil War, documented political unrest and presidential assassinations to illustrate the toll this took on the protagonist’s relationships with his wife and family. Judged solely as a houseman of colour, and somewhat lesser than his white counterparts, the film takes Cecil’s character and brings to life his loyalty to himself, his family, colleagues and an obvious love of his vocation.
Academy award winner Forest Whitaker makes this lead role look effortless. At times narrating his experiences, Whitaker’s performance allows us to witness human frailty, both emotional and physical. A stellar cast inclusive of Oprah Winfrey, Lenny Kravitz, John Cusack and Robin Williams, Daniels clearly has the support of a blue chip cast to pull this ambitious work off.
The Butler delights and amuses with humour – not something viewers wouldn’t expect from a film as emotionally affecting as this. Keeping viewers involved for two hours, the feature is a poignant account of one man’s amazing life – a life of violent beginnings and peaceful endings.
4/5 stars
BY LISA HAMILTON
The Butler hits cinemas on Thursday October 31.
