At your service
The Butler (PG13) – starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and John Cusack, directed by Lee Daniels
Lee Daniels’ The Butler is the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents.
The movie is loosely based on the real-life events of Eugene Allen, who worked in the White House for three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that took place in America during that time period, beginning in the 1920’s when black workers were mistreated and poorly paid.
In opening scenes a young boy, Cecil Gaines, is working in the cotton fields when he witnesses his father being shot dead by the racist plantation owner. In an act of kindness that changes the course of Gaines’ life, Annabeth Westfall (Vanessa Redgrave) takes him in to work in the house. Gaines learns to work efficiently and invisibly.
Later when the White House employs Gaines (Whitaker), he follows the mantra, “You hear nothing, you see nothing, you only serve,” not only in his professional life but also in his personal life, much to the annoyance of his son.
Well-known actors portray five of the US presidents; none of them stand out from the crowd, except for Cusack for being an odd choice as Nixon. Three presidents don’t even have actors stand in for them – Truman isn’t mentioned at all and Ford and Carter are briefly seen in old news clips.
Thankfully Gaines’ turbulent home life acts as a dramatic contrast to the portrayal of the American presidents, which falls flat.
The Butler is in cinemas on Thursday, 10th October.
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