Precious (based on the novel by Push)

So recently Precious has been shrouded by praise and publicity and recognised for its outstanding performances (and interesting cameos). Therefore, its fair to say that I went in watching the film with a certain level of expectation that sadly was not met. It seems that the film prides itself on grittyness, and the story is clearly an emotionally tortured one. However, sheer grittyness alone cannot justify the shoddy and disjointed direction combined with the feeling that the film never settled, as up until the end I was still waiting for it to properly begin. This is most notibly highlighted in Precious' dream sequences when she escapes the turmoil of her abuse. As much as the relief is needed in the film, such additions felt uneasy and uncomfortable in a production that didn't know where it wanted to end up. It never found its stride and was saved only by the stand out performance of Precious' mother (Mo'Nique) which was portrayed to a hauntingly real degree, with an intent and hidousness that crossed all boundaries. Silmialry, as much as I would like to criticise the concept of celbrity casting, the cameos delivered by Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz were a surpisingly refreshing addition. Luckily the film itself has a strong enough cast to support its juvenile downfalls and it seems a shame that a film with such a powerful message became overshadowed by a dissapointing execution.


H xx