Last Wednesday I was able to go to a private screening of one of the most anticipated movies of the summer titled, The Butler. It’s an all-star cast and based on a true story. It’s a powerful movie and very touching! I won’t say much more about it because I really want you guys to go check it out. When the movie opens August 16th, I plan on going back to the theaters but this time with my family. Come inside to read more about the press conference held here yesterday in Atlanta with the director of the film, Lee Daniels and the lead actor Forest Whitaker.
Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker
We weren’t allowed to take any photos from the press conference, not sure why because both gentleman were very nice. Members of the media threw out a slew of questions for both men and they had plenty to say. This hit home for me because my grandmother Nellie was born in Macon, Ga and she did “Day Work” as she liked to call it when she was very young. My granny only went to the 6th grade before dropping out of elementary school to work as a housekeeper for Caucasians at age 10. In one scene in the movie, they show the town of Macon,Ga. My grandmother went on to educate herself and became a nurse. She died a wealthy lady from investments etc. Some of the most memorable things from the discussion are provided below but again please check out the movie, it hits theaters next Friday!
Daniels talked about not really knowing till the last minute that they had changed the title of his movie. He really was uncomfortable having to add his name to the film.
Daniels talked about growing up as a black man, being bullied and called names for being gay at an early age. He learned to overcome those barriers and he said that it made him the man he is today.
Daniels talked about the Trayvon Martin case. When they made this movie 2 years ago, this was not happening. He said he was in a cacoon and was not aware of anything happening in the outside world. When he makes films he doesn’t bathe, talk to family or friends. So it was funny how timing played a huge part with that story and The Butler movie.
It got very intense and emotional on set, especially when the actors had to reenact the ‘Freedom Riders’ parts on the bridge & in a restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Actors cried a lot.
They made the movie with a 25 million dollar budget. Actors took the bare minimum for pay.
Oprah Winfrey turned down the project three times.
Whitaker talked about growing up and constantly being harassed in his neighborhood and having cops flash lights on him and questioning him daily as a young boy.
Whitaker talked about studying acting and loving his craft. His new film Fruitvale Station.
Whitaker also shared his own experience with having to tell his son to be careful and mindful of wearing hoodies.
