Although the role of those historical events in the film is very obvious, the film has always been very interesting and moving-most importantly, it is never boring. ——The "Hollywood Reporter"
film is no longer like a movie on the cultural level, but is more like an encyclopedia. ——The
behind-the-scenes production of the New York version of "Time Out" is
adapted from a real
story. This story with some sketches of American modern and contemporary history and the feeling of "Forrest Gump" is not a personal invention and creation of screenwriter Danny Strong. This story is adapted from " A non-fiction literary work by The Washington Post: "A Butler Well Served by This Election". In that article, the author Will Howard described the life experience of a man named Eugene Allen in the White House.
Eugene Allen was born on July 14, 1919 and died on March 21, 2010. He once worked in the White House for 34 years, and finally retired as the chief steward of the White House. Allen entered the White House as a miscellaneous employee in 1952. Later, because of his outstanding work and hard work, he became the chief butler. Allen retired from the White House in 1986. After retirement, Allen has been in poor health. In 2010, died of kidney failure. Allen's wife, Helen and Allen have been married for 65 years and never leave. In 2008, Helen planned to vote for Obama on November 4, Presidential Election Day. Unfortunately, the day before, on November 3, Helen passed away.
There is a documentary about the life and work of Eugene Allen. This is "Workers at the White House" released on DVD in 2009, directed by director Marjorie Hunt. The whole film is only 32 minutes long. Allen's story is actually another epitome of modern and contemporary American history. He has served eight presidents and witnessed major events such as the Cold War, sexual liberation, the assassination of the president, Watergate, racial issues, the liberation of South Africa and so on-this is a huge postgraduate entrance examination for screenwriters. Danny Strong, the screenwriter of the film, said: "This is indeed a huge test. It is the biggest test I have encountered so far. Because it is necessary to install 35 years of historical events in two hours. Difficult things. Therefore, we can only show the development of history in a glimpse. And the main line of the story is still Gaines’ work in the White House and his life. In fact, Eugene’s diary and those working in the White House back then The interviews with the staff have given me immense help. Some White House staff wrote memoirs, from which I found the entrance to the story and smoothed the main line of the whole movie. "The
acting school gathers to
shoot such a movie." "See the big from the small", "One Flower, One World" movies require a strong team. Therefore, the director found a very strong cast. Forest Whitaker plays the role of the butler. Robin Williams played Eisenhower, James Maisden played Kennedy, John Cusack played Nixon, and Allen Rickman played Reagan; in addition, Nell Hill Ellis played Martin Lu De King.
With such a magnificent lineup, director Lee Daniels is very satisfied, because he understands that this movie is built on acting skills. He said: "Actors are the biggest problem of this movie, and it is also the biggest problem. Because of this kind of story structure and so many historical events, the actors' acting skills are very tested. Different historical periods and different presidents have their own The most unique charm and governing method. The reason why I need such a cast is because only such actors can present history-or the real appearance. I admire the script of the film, and also care about people’s history Interpretation. So, I don’t really want this movie to have too strong entertainment effects. Of course, I don’t want to call this movie a historical science and education film. Between this orthodox, serious and relaxed entertainment, I A balance needs to be found. Forest Whitaker is the most important actor in this movie. He needs to use him to show a person's changes from mature to old age, both physically and mentally. In order to show off his acting skills. Moreover, Eugene is a black man, so Martin Luther King’s assassination is the focus of his emotional drama. Fortunately, these actors are very good, and they convinced them with their performances. I also show history. I am very proud of myself having such a cast. Because such a cast is considered to be one of the most powerful actors in Hollywood at present. "
Flower Xu
·Because Warner Pictures used to be in A movie called "The Butler" was released in 1916, with the same name as the film. Therefore, the Weinstein Company applied to the MPAA to add the name of director Lee Daniels to the title of the film. The MPAA agreed to Weinstein's request. So, the name of the movie we see now is Lee Daniels' The Butler.
Robin Williams played President Eisenhower in the film. This is the second time he has played the president of the United States on the silver screen. Melissa Leo played Mami Eisenhower, but her part was cut out in the release version of the film.
Oprah Winfrey played a role in the film. This is the first time she has played a role other than her on the screen since "True Love" in 1998.
·A picture of Oprah Winfrey when she was a child appeared in the film, which was hung in the bedroom of her character in the film.
·This film is the last film made by female producer Laura Zeskin, who died on June 12, 2011.
·A total of 41 producers participated in the production of this film, setting the highest number of producers in a single film.
Spike Lee used to be the director of the film, but he quit at the last minute. Taylor Perry was also the candidate to succeed Spike Lee.
Mila Kunis, Matthew McConaughey, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Zac Efron were all cast candidates for the film .
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