This post comes a little late but just in time for awards season.

I was first introduced to the story over a year ago through a coworker.  I didn’t really think much of reading the book but she seemed very enthusiastic about the work.  It wasn’t because it was well written…it was because she could relate.  She is a white woman who grew up in the South with a black maid.  I checked out the book knowing a very general concept, “a look inside the life of being a maid.”

As I read an annoyance came over me and thought to myself  ’OK, what’s so special about this book?’  I didn’t finish and still don’t care to while it did address some issues like “passing” I simply wasn’t interested.  To my surprise it was turned into a film with one of my favorite actresses Viola Davis.  Part of me hoped that I would like the movie better because of Viola, but I walked out because it was drawn out and didn’t hold my interest.   I thought the film would be one of those “feel good” movies that would get tossed to the wayside.   I was wrong…

Golden Globe winning movie and nominated for Oscars.  I still do not see what’s special about this movie, but then it dawned on me.  The films that get recognized are the ones a majority can relate to and/or be moved by *coughs Precious coughs*

This makes me think back to last year when “For Colored Girls…” came out.  I thought the film adaptation was well done and very pleased with the use of the monologues.   It was because of  the slightly abstract approach in the storyline I thought it would be a shoe-in for awards season.  Wrong again.  I was disappointed when it wasn’t nominated for an Oscar.  So let’s get back to this majority thing.  The majority was NOT moved by this film perhaps they were unfamiliar with the play and even the fact of they cannot relate.

I can be mad all I want to but unless there is some down and out poor black girl getting soothed by Paula Patton and Mariah Carey then the majority probably can’t relate.  That was a low-blow and I’d like to think everyone would be more open (hey I was open to “The Help”), but that’s not the case.

Damn Oscars…who the hell has seen “My Week with Marilyn?!”