My Cinema - The Butler

Lee Daniels' The Butler.

I had been hearing a lot about this movie. A lot of good things. And since I love historical films, especially ones based on a true story, I knew I had to see this one.

I'm not sure I can truthfully say this was a fantastic movie, or one of the best I've seen. But it was good. And very, very interesting.

The premise of the film is the telling of the story of Cecil Gaines (convincingly played by Forest Whitaker). From a young black boy born as a slave in the turn of the century South to a prestigious position as a butler in the White House where he worked for 8 administrations. We watch as Cecil grows from a young sharecropper slave's son through the 1960's civil rights movement and on into the Reagan era of the 1980's. All the while, Cecil is a passive witness to history in the making from his point of view in the nation's capitol.

It's Time For the Oscars!!

Are you ready? Did you get the chance to see all the nominated films?

Me neither.

I've never been much of a movie goer, watcher, lover. And I'm pretty picky about what I will or won't see. I usually never let the critics' opinions influence me. I am what I am, and I likes what I likes.

But mostly, I just never had much time. Between raising kids, going to school, working, etc. there just wasn't a lot of empty space in my schedule to pencil in the cinema.

This year I want things to be different. I want to experience more. I don't want to be the one standing around the proverbial water cooler at work and not knowing anything about the films being discussed.  I want to participate. Join in.

So, first step. I watched the Golden Globes awards show.
Step two. I read the list of nominees for the upcoming Academy Awards.
Step three. I've googled info on the movies that piqued my interest.

And now for the biggest step of them all.....actually going to the movie theater.

2013 Presidential Inauguration

What a beautiful day in Washington, D.C. !
 

Photo Credit - Glyn Lowe Photoworks (Flickr)

 

I love pomp. And pageantry. I love the historical traditions of it all. From the day the inauguration is held to the oaths of office. It's one of those days when I feel my most proudest to be an American. Oh, how I wish I could have actually been there in person to experience it all firsthand, to feel the excitement in my bones.

Then again, its nice to be watching from home where I can absorb lots of background info from all the commentary by the media on every news channel. I feel like a sponge, soaking up every bit of data they throw my way. Like: which president had the shortest/longest inaugural speech; whose bible was used during the recital of the oath of office; whose ceremony was held indoors due to weather; what the first ladies wore and who designed their outfits. I need to know it all!

But most importantly, I am so proud of America for choosing a great man to be our leader. That he was chosen because of what he stands for. What he hopes to accomplish for the good of the American people. And that it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. He's an American. I'm an American. As he said so eloquently in his speech, "WE THE PEOPLE". We are all part of this nation....whatever our race, whatever our ethnicity, whatever our gender and whatever party affiliation we may have or who we voted for in the last election. We all care about this great country and want what's best for it.

Photo Credit - Egadapparel (Flickr)

 

And here we are 150 years from the term of perhaps one of our greatest presidents: Abraham Lincoln. From a time when a man of color could only dream of being free from slavery. To a time when a man of color can be elected to be the leader of the world's greatest country. And elected because of his beliefs, and not because of his race. Mr. Lincoln must surely be smiling from up above.

Most of all, I'm proud of us. We've come a long way baby!

 

Congratulations, Mr. President. And congratulations, my fellow Americans.