One of the likely Oscar contenders for this year’s race is the Lee Daniels (Precious) biopic The Butler, an adaptation of Will Haywood’s Washington Post article about the White House butler Eugene Allen who served eight presidents over three decades (1952-1986-Truman to Reagan). Adapted by both Daniels and Danny Strong, this man’s life could easily be an eight hour mini-series but alas, they have decided to craft a feature film out it, one that will likely run 150 minutes in duration.
With some much content to cover like dealing with segregation, wars, assassinations and more, it’s going to be real interesting to see how Lee Daniels manages all the tonal and political changes because that’s what’s really going to make or break this film. Besides the unknown and most likely fascinating story, the acting will also be the reason this makes the Oscar cut with acting powerhouses like Forest Whitaker, David Oyelowo, Robin Williams, John Cusack, Alan Rickman, Vanessa Redgrave, Melissa Leo, Liev Schreiber, Terrence Howard, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Oprah Winfrey each having important roles.
Take a look at the trailer for The Butler below and become familiar with it as come awards season I’m sure you’ll see this film everywhere so long as Lee Daniels doesn’t royally screw it up.
A look at the life of Eugene Allen, who served eight presidents as the White House’s head butler from 1952 to 1986, and had a unique front-row seat as political and racial history was made.
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