The Help
I have recently read the book The
Help written by Kathryn Stockett and thought it was amazing so decided to watch
the movie released in 2011, directed by Tate Taylor.
The Story within the book and movie is presented quite differently. In the book the story is equally divided into three main persons narratives: Skeetar, Aibileen Clark, and Minny Jackson. Whereas the movie clearly portrays Skeetar (Emma Stone) as the main character and her journey of growth and understanding segregation issues.
The Story is set in the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, which was once Americas, most segregated state. The story details how Skeetar a young woman returning from completing her university degree begins to notice the difference in the way white and black workers are treated and begins to dive deeper into the segregation issues and laws. Minny (Octavia Spencer) and Aibileen (Viola Davis) are both maids working in Jackson who come forward to detail their experiences of working in white households, the book provides a more detailed account compared to the movie.
I personally believe there should have been less of a focus on Skeetars journey and more focus on Minny and Aiblieen who were the women facing the repercussions of racism and segregation and how they bravely came forward in a time where they feared simple day-to-day activities such as walking down the street.
The Book is an informative masterpiece that details the struggles of segregation and the relationships that bloom between black maids and the white children they practically raise. It is a timeless story that showcases three strong women who are determined to start a movement and make a change in society and how their decision to do so affected their town forever.
The Story within the book and movie is presented quite differently. In the book the story is equally divided into three main persons narratives: Skeetar, Aibileen Clark, and Minny Jackson. Whereas the movie clearly portrays Skeetar (Emma Stone) as the main character and her journey of growth and understanding segregation issues.
The Story is set in the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, which was once Americas, most segregated state. The story details how Skeetar a young woman returning from completing her university degree begins to notice the difference in the way white and black workers are treated and begins to dive deeper into the segregation issues and laws. Minny (Octavia Spencer) and Aibileen (Viola Davis) are both maids working in Jackson who come forward to detail their experiences of working in white households, the book provides a more detailed account compared to the movie.
I personally believe there should have been less of a focus on Skeetars journey and more focus on Minny and Aiblieen who were the women facing the repercussions of racism and segregation and how they bravely came forward in a time where they feared simple day-to-day activities such as walking down the street.
The Book is an informative masterpiece that details the struggles of segregation and the relationships that bloom between black maids and the white children they practically raise. It is a timeless story that showcases three strong women who are determined to start a movement and make a change in society and how their decision to do so affected their town forever.
Below a video showcasing the loving relationship between Aibileen and Mae Mobley:
I really agree with this… great point about the shift perspective from the book to the film
ReplyDeleteTruly interesting point about the focus on Skeetar’s journey in the film as opposed to Minnie and Abileen’s. I agree it would have strengthened the film :)
ReplyDelete