About The Help

"The Help" is a 2011 period drama film written and directed by Tate Taylor and based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. The movie portrays the story of a young white woman and aspiring journalist Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan. The story focuses on her relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi. Skeeter is a woman who has spent her life outside the cultural norms of her community, and her friend's maids, who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Skeeter sets out to write a book detailing the African American maids' point of view on the white families they work for, which could have severe repercussions on their lives.

Making / Production

The film was produced by DreamWorks Studios and distributed by Touchstone Pictures. The film was shot in Mississippi, in towns including Greenwood, Jackson, and Clarksdale. Tate Taylor adapted the screenplay and directed the film.

Actors

• Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark: Davis brilliantly portrays Aibileen, a maid who serves as a de facto mother to the children she cares for.
• Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson: Spencer delivers an unforgettable performance as Minny, a maid who is far too outspoken for her own good.
• Emma Stone as Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan: Stone plays Skeeter, an idealistic young woman set on a controversial path.
• Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook: Howard portrays Hilly, a socially prominent woman and stereotype upholding the strict social hierarchy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Director Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends in Jackson, Mississippi.
• In the film, Minny baked a revenge pie for Hilly. In reality, the pie was made of a chocolate pudding-like substance.
• The film was released in 2011, just over 50 years after the events portrayed in the film took place.

Awards

"The Help" was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for four Oscars at the 84th Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Octavia Spencer won for Best Supporting Actress, and Viola Davis was nominated for Best Actress.

Quotes

• "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." - Aibileen Clark
• "Courage sometimes skips a generation." - Charlotte Phelan
• "Fried chicken just tend to make you feel better about life." - Minny Jackson

Music, Soundtrack

• "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" by Bob Dylan
• "The Living Proof" by Mary J. Blige
• "Hallelujah I Love Her So" by Ray Charles