Oscar night is my favorite. A close friend and I make bets, print out ballots and each select winners. At the end, one of us walks away with a new Chanel lip-gloss, perfume, candle or something equally glamorous! But the one advantage I have over my friend -- is that I've seen almost every movie. This year, I'm casting my ballot for "Leading Actress" early and Eliza, if your reading this post, I get double points for my early selection! The Oscar goes to Mo'Nique for her role in Precious! And if any of you have not yet seen it, make it your weekend activity. You wont regret it.
I won't give away the whole movie but I will say that it is one of the most eye-opening films I have ever seen. It tells the story of Precious (played by Gabourey Sidibe), an overweight, illiterate African-American teenager who is constantly maligned by her mother (played by Mo'Nique) and sexually abused by her father. The hardest part about watching Precious is knowing that this level of abuse actually takes place in America. In poor communities where children are raised amongst violence, they grow up knowing no other way of life and don't have the resources it takes to get out. Afraid to speak their truth to a teacher, counselor or friend, so many children become mentally and emotionally discouraged and the abuse takes over their life. Precious brings us face to face with that mental struggle.
Mo'Nique, a stand-up comic by trade, took a reading for the film and was in shock when she got the role - but she found her character, "Mary" easy to get into because of the abuse she suffered as a child. Mo'Nique recently discussed her history of abuse on Oprah. She was abused by her older brother when she was a young child and he has since served 15 years for abusing another woman. Her performance as Precious' mother was honest, captivating and at times, very difficult to watch. Her brave portrayal of "Mary" is a window into her soul-- showing viewers just how important it was for her to get the message of abuse out and talked about.
For me, the film was a reminder-- to always demand respect and to be treated with love and kindness. And more importantly, to encourage my family and friends to demand it too. I hope that after YOU see the film,you are motivated to do the same. We all know someone or someone that knows someone who is suffering from abuse and they need spirited woman like us and Mo'Nique to see the light!
- Elaine La Personerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.
Comments