Call me Switzerland.  Call me a flip-flopper.  While I love Precious, I’ve been fascinated by the backlash and even appreciated the coverage.  Armond White’s front cover (!) slam in the New York Press is already somewhat legendary, and with White being the Pres of the NY Film Critics’ Circle, this will cost it some pre-Oscar award-gobbling.  The Times’ A.O. Scott compared Precious to The Blind Side, and while not a hatchet job, it only invokes negative comments from  his peers. Even Moviefone got in on the hate.  The backlash against Precious has been as swift as it comes. Opening weekend even.

I love White’s perceptive piece and Scott’s is just as compelling. Both prove that Precious is a film you react to.  In some cases you’re dared to.  Is it a film about the black experience for white people?  Does it enforce stereotypes?  Is the constant dread too thick?  It is a film that gets you talking and seeing it with an audience makes for a great moviegoing experience.

First there’s the required racial breakdown of the audience.  Mine was about 80% white, 20% black.  Reactions varied throughout the film and at the end I overheard priceless stuff.  “I thought I would I cry more,” complained half of the couple who were the only other end credit stayers.  Meanwhile, wailing emanated from the women’s room, as one audience member couldn’t pull it together.  Myself, I came out of the movie thinking about my own parenting and what my life’s achievements have been.  The power of the film definitely resonated for me.  It’s a movie that challenges audiences to think about race and to face ugliness.  Not just the violent, dismal portrayal of poverty, but also the ugliness of our cultural beliefs.  The use of fried chicken and McDonald’s, game show footage, Precious’ white-obsessed fantasies, all add up to an experience that can be uncomfortable and is sparking impassioned debate.  And the pitch of the film—typical for director Lee Daniels—is very, very high.  It crossed a few lines for me with certain clichés and choices, but it’s designed to push those buttons; not being numb to them is a good sign.

–Pops Corn