THE BUTLER

Went to a screening last night and this is a must see film. I was captivated by the great acting. Coming out on August 16th is Lee Daniels’ The Butler, which tells the story of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family. Directed by Daniels, the film stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker as the butler and David Oyelowo as his son Louis. Playing the role Cecil’s wife, Gloria Gaines and in her first dramatic and acting role since 1998’s Beloved is Oprah Winfrey. Throughout her husband’s journey, Gloria battled with alcoholism, loneliness, depression, and family issues. Cecil Gaines works as a White House butler during eight presidential terms from 1952 to 1986. He witnesses — and becomes involved in — the political and social turmoil of the period.