While big-studio releases like A Christmas Carol and The Fourth Kind topped the box office chart this weekend, all OscarWatchers’ eyes were on Precious. After dominating this year’s film-festival prizes, the indie drama opened on Friday to very strong reviews, resulting in an 85 grade from Rotten Tomatoes. EW’s Owen Gleiberman rated the film an A, while the New York Times‘ A.O. Scott said that lead actress Gabourey Sidibe was “extraordinarily poised.” But the critics weren’t the only ones going crazy over the film. Playing in just 18 theaters, Precious grossed a phenomenal $1.8 million, according to studio estimates. If those numbers hold, Precious will become only the third live-action film to score a per-theater average of over $100,000, following in the heels of multiple Oscar nominees Dreamgirls and Brokeback Mountain. Considering all of this was accomplished by a film by a relatively new director with no big movie stars in it, it’s an amazing achievement. It was well on its way to becoming a Best Picture nominee already, but now Precious is seeming more and more like a front-runner. The question now: Can it distinguish itself from Dreamgirls (which missed out on a Best Picture nod) and Brokeback Mountain (which lost to Crash) and actually win? Between Invictus, The Hurt Locker, The Lovely Bones, Up in the Air, and Nine, it certainly seems to have some stiff competition.
Did any of you see Precious this weekend (or before it opened)? Do you think it deserves its front-runner status?
Photo credit: Anne Marie Fox
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i saw it
it was interesting and i was pleasantly surprised considering i was taken to it against my will.
its no slumdog millionaire or dreamgirls but it definitely deserves a best picture nod
completely agree with you, except about dreamgirls (i hate musicals). it definitely lived up to the hype, but it didn’t evoke the kind of feeling slumdog left me with last year. maybe because all i’ve been hearing since january is, PRECIOUS=OSCAR, and when i saw slumdog there wasn’t that buzz yet. i would still recommend this movie to anyone, just try to block out everything you’ve heard about this movie since january.
Not trying to play devil’s advocate or anything, but I think you’re exaggerating about the buzz surrounding Precious. I don’t think anyone knew about the film since January other than the film’s producers. I would maybe believe since June, but not much longer than that.
Slumdog was overrated.
I really want to see Up in the Air and The Lovely Bones and kinda hope they win something because they seem like awesome movies.
Ugh. I’m sorry, but these sorts of comments irk me. How in the world can you hope that a movie you haven’t seen wins an Oscar simply because it SEEMS like an awesome movie? I don’t get it.
What great news! I only hope that mainstream Hollywood will not hold any prejudice against a talented director who happens to be Black and Gay.
Are we thinking about the same mainstream Hollywood. If anything Hollywood will be prejudice for a talented director who happens to be black and gay.
Name me the last black or openly gay director who won and Oscar?
When was the last time one had a film nominated?
Yeah. Because black and openly gay directors are so over-represented among Oscar winners.
Are you really that ignorant, or are you just being a jerk?
The guy who directed this movie also directed Monster’s Ball. Hallie Berry one the Oscar for best actress for her role in that movie.
Lee Daniels produced Monster’s Ball, Marc Forster directed it.
This is the same Hollywood that is always trying to be hip and cool, on the cusp of being the utmost in liberal, that has played an INTEGRAL role in the NOH8 campaign? Please, if Precious is as good as it looks, Daniels will not be overlooked in nominations because he is Black and gay.
IF anything, that would just make him a better story. Now whether he wins, thats another story. Esp. if Clint Eastwood is in the mix, lol
Pedro Almodovar has won an Oscar and he is openly gay… so are his movies…
Admittedly, I am neither black nor gay, but it seems a little paranoid to think this determines votes. In fact, I, too, could see how it could work for a film. Hollywood likes to break new ground.
i don’t think it’s showing in tampa bay yet . .. saw lee daniels’ “shadowboxwer”, can’t wait 2 see this
It’s images of poverty, abuse, and illiteracy in America are more in your face than in any other prior film — this is the power of this movie. There is an ebb and flow in the intensity of its dramatic arc that is logical and artistic at the same time. While the film feels somewhat overly edited, the pacing propels you through the film smoothly. Performances are superior all-around. Although the ending is satisfying, I wanted it to reach a slightly higher dramatic level. All in all, the film left me with unforgettable images in my mind and made me re-think all my assumptions about that milieu and the Americans who struggle to emerge from it.
–It’s images of poverty, abuse, and illiteracy in America–
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Why do you have an apostrophe in the word its?
OK, there was a typographical error, clearly. But, seriously, why are you picking on comments that have minor typographical errors when it otherwise is as intelligent and well thought out as this one was? Come on, now.
why do you have to nitpick intelligent, considered comments? surely content is more important than grammar.
Thank you. Contrary to the other posters, I agree with you. It’s not nitpicking – it completely changes the medium of the sentence. Once I realized that the first word should have been “its” and not “it’s,” I had to reread the sentence to get the proper meaning.
I just hate that the dumbing down of the internet has made it so that people who insist on correct usage are the ones who are viewed as having something wrong with them.
Oops. Meant to say “completely changes the meaning of the sentence.” I guess I should proofread more before I hit “Post Comment.”
I’m sorry I didn’t realize this was high school English class Mr. Perfect. Get over yourself.
Brilliant in every way. A new classic. And on a completely superficial side note — if Paula Patton isn’t the most beautiful woman in film today, I don’t know who is.
Agree on Paula Patton. Good lord, she’s gorgeous.
She’s stunning and a fantastic actress. I hate when people call her the “next Halle Berry”. She’s the next big thing PERIOD.
Robin Thicke is one lucky guy. I love them together!
Wow. The acting in this movie was phenomenal. I agree with Godfather up there that the movie never really quite got me as emotionally as it should have. The fantasy sequences took me out of the moment a little bit, though maybe they were necessary because with out them the subject matter would’ve been too, too heavy.
I really want to see this movie. I’m anxiously awaiting its release in my theater!
I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie which made me laugh, cry and gasp in horror throughout the entire film. The acting was tremendous and I hope to see multiple nominations come Oscar time.
I came out of the movie thinking Oscar – for movie, for Moni’que and Gabourey. The story powerfully touched on so many issues between abuse (physical and sexual), illiteracy, welfare system, obesity, HIV, sex and young people…….. and to be able to add a little humor in the midst. I felt that the enormous movie prices are worth it for this one!
before i saw the film i thought gaby would be the only reason to see the movie. she was, undeniably, the shining star, however, if moni’que does not get an academy award someone’s gonna get hurt. that was the gripping role of a lifetime. raw and emotional, bravo
I loved Precious…it was an adventure to see it, driving all around LA looking for a showing that wasn’t sold out. Ended up in one of the most impoverished areas of LA and it really added to the experience.
Mo’Nique was so scary…and well deserving of a Best Supporting nod, along with Gabourey Sidibe who should be holding the gold for Best Actress come February. As for best picture, I’m not quite sure yet. Not in a bad way, I’m just curious to see what happens, especially with Nine. With the recession being such a forefront, maybe the academy will go for something more uplifting than Precious. Even though she rises a bit…if you’ve seen it you know what I mean. But you just know…she’ll never get as far as she wants.
The Three Rivers Film Festival in Pittsburgh was showing it, but it was sold out days in advance. This movie really seems like it could actually make some money with mainstream audiences too. I’m very curious to see what happens upon full release.
Have not seen the movie but the trailer is awesome. I am excited to see it and others tht offer entertainment for a change.
I saw Precious Saturday morning in a packed theater. I was deeply moved by the film, but feel it borders on melodrama. Nonetheless, I hope it not only receives lots of nominations this awards season, but wins many as well.
What about A Serious Man? Saw that this weekend. Best Picture nominee for sure
Or Untitled?
Dave, those of us who have seen “Nine” know that it is very little competition at all. You’ll probably rethink that quote once you get a chance to. As far as Precious goes, it’s a great film, haunting and bleak, but ultimately uplifting. Sidibe is so naturalistic I’m not sure that she will be up for any acting awards (Oscar does not reward naturalism and subtlety), but Mo’Nique will be hard to ignore. I also felt that Paula Patton was excellent and Mariah Carey was strong as well.
ARGH! RLS, you had me until you called Sidibe’s acting “naturalistic”. Have you heard her in interviews? She is absolutely nothing like her character, nor does she come from a background anything like Precious. That WAS acting, man!
Jen Jen, naturalism doesn’t mean that the actor is like her character. “Naturalistic” just means the performance is unaffected and quiet and subtle, rather than screaming “ACTING TECHNIQUE!” And yeah, the big awards to reward showier performances rather than quieter ones, in general.
Mo’Nique was amazing from the moment she appears. I can’t imagine another supporting actress pulling off such an amazing performance. Mariah Carey was also a surprise, delivering a nuanced performance — won’t get her a nom, but could certainly be the first step in her actually having a successful acting career. The movie was hilarious and frightening… it either had me laughing out loud or gasping in horror. I see multiple nominations and multiple wins — hands down, best picture, best supporting actress, and best director.
In other words, the actresses carried the movie?
Precious was one of the most disturbing and gut wrenching films I have ever seen. You feel exhausted after viewing and probably wouldn’t want to see it again any time soon after the emotional journey. Having said that, all the praise is absolutely warranted, for the overall film and performances, especially for Gabby Sidibe as the lead. Highly recommended!!!
I’m going the earliest I can – Houston has a screening as part of its film festival! Can’t wait!
Marshall
http://marshallandthemovies.com
I read this story about 13 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter and I was appalled, scared, frustrated because the dialouge was so hard to read and disgusted and so sad at the same time. Scared at the thought of any mother allowing her child to suffer the way she did. My niece gave me the pages, because that’s all it was a bunch of printed paper not properly binded that fell apart and the name of the story was “PUSH”. I cannot watch this movie ever but I hope Sapphire gets all the accolades and awards for an amazing piece of literature that finally made its way to the big screen.
I saw it. The performances were amazing.The Academy needs to just give awards to Gabby and Monique right now.Paula Patton has come a long way since Idlewild and proved herself as a talent to watch. The only thing I did not like is the ending. All in all though a must see.
I can’t wait to see this movie!
Its ashame we get such degrading movies about blacks all the time.
I agree.What happended to movies like The Wood, The Best Man, The Brothers, Two Can Play That Game, Soul Food. We need to have movies that showcases the other side of black life sometimes.
Why did you both have to go there. We are here all heaping praise on this amazing film, and noone even mentions race at all until you two “Debbie Downers” have to come along and play “the card” like an ace in the hole. Nothing is degrading unless you allow it to be. All I’ve read on these posts is that this movie shows how a downtrodden emotionally, physically, psychologically, and sexually abused teenager rise above her environment. What is degrading about that?
When I walked out of the theatre after seeing it I was speechless. This film shows us how many people in America are living and how nobody is really doing anything at all to stop it. Sure there are those few people like the teacher in the movie, but come on we can do better. That is what I walked away with, that my problems are so trivial and that we owe these kids better.
Loved it!!!!!!!
I’m really looking forward to seeing it cuz I loved the book. Unfortunately, it’s not playing here in Vancouver, which is strange for a big city. Guess there’s not enought black people here
Ms. Magee, I don’t think Precious is a degrading film about black people AT ALL. What’s degrading? It’s showing the harsh reality of many people….not just black. This is an important film. As a survivor of sexual and emotional abuse, I can attest to the accuracy of this film. Abuse in any form, can be a vicious cycle, until (hopefully) someone comes along to show the victim that there’s a way out, or the victim finds the strength within themselves to seek help. I am thankful that Mr. Daniels, Ms. Winfrey, Mr. Perry, and the SUPERB cast of Precious made the film, and hope it will continue to enlighten and educate. If I’ve got my statistics correct, 1 in 4 people have been sexually abused in some form.
As for the comment about the fantasy sequences….I believe that they are an integral part of this film. When someone, (especially young people) has experienced trauma, ie (rape, sexual, physical, emotional) it is very common to dissociate, or escape into fantasy, as a survival mechanism or simply, a way to cope. Many survivors of this kind of abuse suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Dissociate Features.
I think in showing the fantasy sequences, the film adds even more accuracy…on a psychological level.
Kudos to all involved with this film. God Bless.
Wow, thanks for sharing your enlightening view points. To be honest, I was kind of nervous to see this movie but now I look forward to see it.
i completely agree. i did not go through these horrors, so i only speak of what i know from others. i totally got those sequences as precious’ escape from terror. i think the movie is one of the best i’ve seen in years.
Important message aside, this film didn’t work for me. Precious stole the show she felt real in all her scenes, especially her silence. Mo’nique had some good acting moments but they were mostly overreactions that didn’t seem realistically triggered. Overall the film dragged on and was boring when it could have been exciting. Lastly, this wasn’t a Tyler Perry movie. It was directed by someone else. Shame for lying to us.
Who ever said Tyler Perry directed this movie? He, like Oprah Winfrey, is an executive producer.
Dave, it didn’t work for me emotionally. I expected to cry throughout, and didn’t. So it didn’t pull at the heart strings…sort of like his last one Monster’s Ball….more like watching a bunch of dysfunctional people “cope”….it was on the level of a Lifetime/Hallmark movie, in my opinion…but kudos to Daniels for giving black actresses a platform to show their talent.
This film just shows the vast differences we experience growing up black in America.
There is the black America in “Precious” which shows the poverty, violence, abuse, and general hopelessness that many black Americans feel. However, for some reason it almost feels like it’s a taboo subject, even among the black community. It almost seems to me as a young black man, that our culture is embarrassed to be associated with this black America, even though many of us struggle to escape.
Instead, we end up with the “popular” black male America which emphasizes being a pro-athlete or rapper, getting lots of money and women, being violent, and generally being a thug. Personally, I can’t stand being associated with that black America as people don’t think of me as being a potential doctor or lawyer, but see me as a potential basketball player or even worse, being a “hip hop thug”.
I feel you man. I’d hate to be associated with the Chris Brown/Kanye/Weezy/Ray J/Diddy/50cent/T-Pain/TI’s of this womanizing blingy a$$ violent thug culture. The Jay-Zs and Commons are few and far between despite a black president.
i am a 35 year old white male who has had a pretty good life. i want more movies like “precious”. hopefully, they make EVERYONE see all sides of life and maybe want to do something to make this world better. tyson, it is great to hear your kind of comments. i look around at the next generation of ALL races, sexes, etc. and wonder how will we make it through. luckily, there are a few kids out there who want to improve the world not see how much money they can get or how much sex they can have. there’s more to life than that. thank you tyson.
I saw the movie this afternoon with a packed crowd of racially and generationally diverse people. The audience erupted in applause when the movie was finished and it was certainly deserved. This movie is astounding. The performances are some of the most powerful I’ve seen in years. It’s just such a devastating and beautiful film.