Welcome to the first
Thursday Movie Picks of 2016 which is also my very first Thursday Movie Picks. If you are not familiar with this, it's a weekly series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves where you share three movies to fit the theme of the week each Thursday.
This week's topic
Downstairs People (in relation to
Downton Abbey/Upstairs Downstairs - movies about live in domestic workers) was a real challenge for me, but here's my picks:
The Help (2011) - Aibileen & Minny
A young woman decides to write a book about the black women who have spent their lives taking care of white families, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. The combination of Aibileen, a wise maid who has raised seven white children but has lost hers, and Minny, a frustrated waitress, will have you laughing one moment, and crying the next.
Gone with the Wind (1939) - Mammy
The tale revolves around Scarlett O'Hara, a selfish and stubborn Southern belle who doesn't want to admit her feelings about the man she loves, but the real star here is Mammy, the house servant full of heart and humanity who accompanies the characters and the story with her wisdom.
Batman Begins (2005) - Alfred
Batman alias Bruce Wayne begins his war on crime to free Gotham City from corruption. If usually behind every great man there's a great woman, behind this one there is a calm, loyal butler and friend who assists Wayne in both his lives.
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Good choices. I thought The Help was only middling but the performances were tremendous. Not much for the Batman films but Michael Caine does terrific work as Alfred. Love the inclusion of GWTW! Mammy may technically be a servant but she rules what ever house she's in and her back and forth with Scarlett is priceless.
ReplyDeleteYes Michael Caine did a wonderful job as Alfred and really elevated the character. And Mammy, well she rocks!
DeleteNice picks! Love seeing Batman Begins pop up a few places.
ReplyDeleteAlfred is at his best in Batman Begins
DeleteAlfred is so great, he should be on everyone's list. I'm not the biggest fan of GWTW, but fully understand why it's shown up a few times today. Nearly picked The Help myself. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I fully agree about Alfred. GWTW isn't everyone's cup of tea but the character is great, maybe a little stereotyped.
DeleteThe Help is so fun. Holds up really well on rewatch. My feelings on Gone With the Wind are complicated but there's no denying the power of Mammy. Love Alfred and it's a pity there isn't a Batman film from his perspective. Especially with Michael Caine in the role.
ReplyDeleteA Batman film from Alfred's perspective would be great. But it must have Caine and Nolan.
DeleteGood ole Alfred! Love him but love Alan Napier from the TV show also:) I picked The Help as well-I liked this film quite a bit and own it. GWTW is classic and mammy is one of my favourite characters especially when she shows Rhett that she is wearing the red petticoat.
ReplyDeleteNever seen the TV show, but I'm sure Alfred is great in there too!
DeleteI did really enjoy The Help. Thought it was great fun. Gone with the Wind I was a bit 'meh' on, I believe Hattie McDaniel was the first black person to win an Oscar.
ReplyDeleteShe was!
DeleteShe was, and really deserved it!
DeleteI'm glad you're jumping on board! I really liked The Help and Batman Begins. Gone With the Wind just isn't for me. At all. lol
ReplyDeleteI guess GWTW is one of those films you either love or hate. I don't think there's something in between.
DeleteAll great picks! Love them all. And they all crossed my mind when I was making my picks. Love your site, too. Now following your posts.
ReplyDelete