Precious

There is a great myth that directing is 90% casting. The implication is that simply by casting a great actor, you get a great movie. Really. This, I guarantee you, was a lie first told by an actor. So let's try this one on for size. Great roles are written. Great performances are directed. Great actors serve the story.
Here's the line up for "Precious":
Gabourey Sidibe- Novice actor in pivotal lead role
Mo'Nique- goofy comedienne in pivotal supporting role
Paula Patton- handful of credits in pivotal supporting role
Lenny Kravitz-rock star
Mariah Carey- rock star Diva and unrecognizable in this role
Sherri Sheppard- Talk show host, sit-com star and oh yeah she can act with the best of 'em.

This is the cast of the years most powerful and affecting drama. So much for the 90% rule. How do you pull it off? Two words-Lee Daniels. Daniels takes this raw material and guides it with such a sure hand that it is hard to think of this film as a work of fiction. His direction is bold and nearly flawless. This is a film that presents a director with real challenges. How do you portray Precious, a character who is so emotionally stunted that she can barely express herself, and still offer an audience a chance to empathize? How do you do this with an actress who has never acted before? This is skillful direction.
Add to this the fact that "Precious" is a period piece, set in 1987, a very different world from today. The welfare state that provides the films backdrop doesn't even exist today. Doesn't matter. The context is just window dressing. "Precious" is really a story of personal struggle. It is as disturbing a film as it is uplifting.
Finally, a word about Mo'Nique. I've been hearing about this performance since, oh January. I'm really skeptical about hype. Especially when it involves a comedienne without a track record. This performance surpasses hype. It is every bit as powerful and nuanced as has been reported. Provide an actor with a well written character, give that actor clear guidance and stand back. Mo'Nique should be proud. She should also buy a glass case for all the hardware coming her way soon. Deservedly so.
See this film.