The Help

The Help is a magnificent story about women in the 1960’s finding their place in society by trying to tackle racism through the publication of a book. In the movie, Skeeter (Emma Stone) writes a book based on the experiences of Aibileen (Viola Davis), Minny (Octavia Spencer), and many other women who serve as nannies for white families.

The film tackles two main issues during the 1960’s including black rights and women’s’ rights. It also confronts more theatrical issues within a family and between mother and daughter. I feel the director’s use of family conflict helps the audience relate more the characters’ struggles since most women do not have to deal with the same issues on a daily basis in present times. The actresses are flawless in performance and are very convincing as outstanding women in society. They are likable and that is always a plus for connecting to the audience and giving a great performance. I felt the sorrow that the characters expressed and the joy they experienced. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. Minny was my favorite character because of her addition of comedy into the film.

The setting of the film is also very relaxing. It is mainly shown in suburbs and in the fields. Something about a house out in the pastures is very relaxing to me. It opens the viewer up to inner emotions and releases tension. This feature has the same feeling as The Color Purple which is a film based in the south that centers on Celi (Whoopi Goldberg). She is basically in the same situation as Minny with an abusive husband. It also centers on hard times African American women faced in the past legally and at home. The same colors are also used for the DVD covers creating a visual connection between the movies. Since The Color Purple was a critically acclaimed movie, I am sure the instance was not on accident.

While conducting ethnography research, I closely notated the actions of others while watching The Help. All of those I came in contact with about the movie fully enjoyed it except for one of my roommates. The movie is mostly geared towards women and sensitive men. There are some slow points in the movie which caused the test subjects to flee to Facebook and other electronic devices. This could also just be the effect of society evolving to use technology all the time.

All groups of people should relate to the film because of racial discrimination that they may face still today. It shows how ignorant people are wrong when they act inappropriately according to social bias and fear of strange or different things. Also women should relate to the film because it is indeed about women.

I am quite pleased with the film and praise the cast and directors for their work and dedication to such a great story. Everyone has my full recommendation to see it. I would rate The Help five stars for bringing back the nostalgia of a classic type of movie. You do not see such films anymore and as an avid film viewer, it is great to see recent feel-good movie on the shelves. The Help is sure to be a classic!

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