Oscar special: Viola Davis in 'The Help' better than Meryl Streep

The Help has everything to please Academy members: racial discrimination theme, period setting, moving story et al. The real triumph for the film, though, lies in the fact that it encapsulates all those things, but does so in a smart manner, not once playing to the gallery. It is full of warm, genuine moments that tug at your heartstrings, but without having to resort to hyperbole.

Director Tate Taylor is unhurried in his telling of the story, the film unraveling at a pace akin to a lazy Sunday afternoon. It has a running time of almost 150 minutes but never lags, not a scene seeming out of place. A solid script by Taylor (adapted from the Kathryn Stockett novel of the same name and, surprisingly, not nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay award) holds the film together beautifully.

After taking his time to establish some really complex, conflicted characters (most of whom are women), Taylor gets down to narrating the central story of Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan, a 20-something white girl who has returned home after graduating from university in the early 1960s, and aspires to write a book on the lives of the domestic helps working in many upper class American homes in Mississippi.

The Civil Rights era acts as a backdrop, and the film relies on its well-fleshed-out characters to capture the angst of that period. Many scenes leave you moist-eyed; subtle humour helps ease the tension every now and then, before an explosive finale that leaves you introspective and moved.

The big take-away from The Help is the work of a well put-together and talented ensemble. Emma Stone as Skeeter puts in a fine performance, her warmth and friendliness contrasting with the bitchy, negative vibes emanating from Bryce Dallas Howard, who plays a crusader against rights for the black community. Three of the film’s nominations include Best Actress In A Supporting Role for Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer, and Best Actress for Viola Davis, who delivers the film’s standout performance.

Davis got a Best Actress In A Supporting Role award for her 11 minute role in Doubt three years ago, and she sparkles in every scene in The Help, delivering a performance that will be revered for years to come. Meryl Streep may be tipped to pick the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, but frankly, Viola Davis’ is the performance of the year among female actors. Just for her, The Help is a must-watch.

Nominated for:
Best Picture
Best Actress
Best Actress in a Supporting role