Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his "Precious"
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Asia Pacific
World
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his "Precious"
Reuters - Friday, November 27
Send
IM Story
Print
By Zorianna Kit
LOS ANGELES - "Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire," directed by Lee Daniels, is generating a large amount of Oscar buzz this season and getting a push from executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.
Prior to this film, Daniels was best known for producing "Monster's Ball" in which he cast Halle Berry in the role of a downtrodden, small town waitress that saw her make history when she became the first black woman to win a best actress Oscar.
Similarly, "Precious" is earning plaudits for performances by Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, and newcomer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe in the central role of an obese, abused teenager.
Daniels talkED with Reuters about making the movie, it's strong reception at the Sundance, Cannes and Toronto film festivals throughout 2009, and Oscar odds.
Q: Are you surprised at the success of "Precious," so far.
A: "Honest to God, I originally thought this movie was going straight to DVD. I did not make it for mainstream America. It wasn't until I was at Sundance and this Chinese lady in her 60s started crying in my arms outside a did I realize this was a universal story. That was an epiphany."
Q: What about being in the international arena at Cannes?
A: "I was walking the red carpet and looked over my shoulder and there was Gabby, posing, surrounded by photographers. It was like an extended version of that first fantasy sequence in the movie. At that point, I felt the movie was not just a movie anymore. It was a life force. I knew that this entire process had changed this girls' life and I was a part of it."
Q: Clear up the rumors about Mo'Nique not wanting to promote the film unless she was paid cash for her appearances.
A: "Let me tell you something. Mo'Nique does two shows a day on BET. She gives everything she has to her work and her family. She wanted to be treated and flown a specific way and it was misconstrued that she wanted money."
Q: So it was blown out of proportion?
A: "I understand her logic. If I'm on a tour promoting this movie, going from city to city, I'm not technically 'working,' but I'm working. So I think, 'Who is paying my babysitters while I'm doing this?' She didn't make an actual cash demand, but she wanted to be taken care of and I don't blame her."
Q: 'Precious' is your second directing effort. Your first, 'Shadowboxer,' was not well received by critics.
A: I had critical success with the first two films I produced, 'Monster's Ball' and 'The Woodsman.' I got confident and cocky. I knew not of anything but good reviews. I expected the same from 'Shadowboxer' as a director, and I was in for a lovely surprise! It was a humbling experience. I read every review from 'Shadowboxer' and it pained me deeply. That was the lowest point in my career. I haven't read reviews since then."
Q: Not even for 'Precious'?
A: "Never. Except the one my mother sent me through e-mail. Why does she find the one bad thing to send me? And of course, I read it because when it's an e-mail from your mother, you're gonna open it!"
Q: There's lots of Oscar talk with 'Precious.' Thoughts?
A: "They said the same thing about Kevin Bacon with 'The Woodsman' and that didn't happen, so I can't pay attention to that. That's not just some line. That's me protecting myself. The minute I embrace that talk, the more my heart will split open if it doesn't come true."
Q: You've cast hip-hop stars and other musicians in your movies, and they've all played against type -- Diddy, Mos Def, Eve, Macy Gray and now Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz in "Precious." Anyone else you want to get your hands on?
A: "I'm interested in seeing what Christina Aguilera can do. I'm interested in Robin Thicke and seeing what he's all about."
Q: What are your future goals?
A: "The ultimate goal is to teach. I'd like to open a school for underprivileged teenagers who want to learn how to direct and act. My immediate dreams are to get a TV show going, get my next movie off the ground and to make enough money to send my kids to private school.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes Reuters - Friday, November 27
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his "Precious" Reuters - Friday, November 27
Taiwan social drama tipped to win Chinese-language 'Oscars' AFP - Friday, November 27
'Superior Donuts' to fold up shop on Broadway AP - Friday, November 27
Hollywood's mansion of magic celebrates 100 years Reuters - Friday, November 27
News Search
Top Stories
Sarkozy hails US, Chinese climate proposals
Spain's Repsol to invest $1.5 million in Bolivian gas
Dubai debt move 'carefully planned': top official
Dubai debt fears hit world stock markets
Euro slips
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Couple crashed White House state dinner
Dubai debt fears hit world stock markets
Dubai debt default fears spill into world markets
Fed's zero rate policy sparking growing complaints
Dubai debt move 'carefully planned': top official
More Most Viewed »
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Friday, 27 November 2009 Berlusconi estranged wife eyes $65 mln a year
Iraqi PM: Election dispute poses risks to security
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem
Dubai debt fears hit world stock markets
French national kidnapped in Mali: officials
IAEA chief: Iran investigation at 'dead end'
Two million Muslims prepare to stone devil at haj
Dubai debt default fears spill into world markets
New spy charge against jailed Iranian-American
Israel awaits response to settlement offer
Greek ship Ariana's owners deny pirate release
| International
|
IAEA to vote on demand Iran freeze new nuclear site
ElBaradei slams Iran at his last IAEA meeting
Deal near on Iraq vote law, 2nd veto less likely
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem
Second Sony Ericsson phone has software problem
| Technology
|
Philippines prepares to charge suspect in massacre
Soldiers in Afghanistan enjoy turkeys they raised
Americans come together on holiday to give thanks
Thai PM cancels trip to north amid fears of unrest
Seniors suffer in troubled California subdivision
Philippine massacre suspect to face murder charges
Obama telephones thanks to 10 US service members
Immigration reform activists diversifying ranks
AP NewsAlert
Philippines seeks release of fishermen in Myanmar
Palin spends Thanksgiving with family in Richland
Contractor's helicopter missing in Afghanistan
Project promotes talking, not shopping, on Friday
Indian court warns Pakistani suspect's lawyer
Touched by NC girl's death, Shaq pays for funeral
UN agency warns of amphetamine threat in Asia
Ex-soccer standout gets 33 years for killing dad
Lawyers: government misconduct in Blackwater case
Hollywood's mansion of magic celebrates 100 years
Euro business leaders urge yuan revaluation
Group: Chinese overinvestment could strain trade
Dollar hits 14-year low against yen
Japan's Kyodo forms tie-up with Mainichi newspaper
Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes
| Entertainment
|
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his Precious
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Heavy drinkers 'exercise to burn off alcohol'
Hollywood's mansion of magic celebrates 100 years
ElBaradei slams Iran at his last IAEA meeting
Sarkozy hails US, Chinese climate proposals
Half of Euro online travel purchases legally unsafe: EU
Husband of Philippine massacre victim files candidacy
| International
|
Spain's Repsol to invest $1.5 million in Bolivian gas
Hong Kong police track Facebook suicide group: report
USSR meets YouTube in Russian web nostalgia project
German military chief quits over deadly Afghan strike
EU presses Turkey on trade pact linked to Cyprus
Dubai debt move 'carefully planned': top official
Honduras to vote for new president amid coup crisis
| International
|
Putin in France to further energy and military goals
US-TECH Summary
Euro slips
Israel soldier swap talks on hold till Tuesday: Palestinian
Cuba begins war games with U.S. invasion in mind
| International
|
Black Caribs honor endangered culture in Guatemala
| International
|
China executes 2 men for abducting, selling children
| International
|
ElBaradei says Iran blocking of atom plan disappointing
UN atomic watchdog chief 'disappointed' by Iran
France says 21 drowned trying to reach Mayotte
| International
|
China AIDS sufferers face widespread discrimination: U.N.
| International
|
Boat capsizes in Malaysia; woman dead, 11 missing
UNICEF staffer killed in southern Philippines
Australian opposition splits over climate bill
Cambodian ex-prison chief pleads for release
Khmer Rouge prison chief requests release
Some Calleja performances
AP NewsAlert
Acer says Windows 7 good for sales
| Technology
|
Man who died in Utah mishap was experienced caver
China mine blast kills 9 as coal carnage continues
Australia carbon cuts hit by opposition revolt
UFO-obsessed Briton loses bid to block US extradition
China to launch second lunar probe: state media
Turkey fryer catches fire, burning Ohio house
Failed Rescue Leads To Death Of Spelunker Trapped In Utah Cave
S.Korean man fined for racial slurs in key case
Philippine Pearl, World's Second Largest, In Gems Auction
Forest Service acquires scenic land in Calif.
Obama To Attend Copenhagen Climate Summit; China Unveils Emissions Target
Nev. teen accused in son's murder going to trial
Wikileaks Releases Half Million Text Messages Sent On 9/11
Colorado governor's lawn draped in toilet paper
Happy Thanksgiving Day To All
Amid Firestorm Of Criticism, Blog Removes Offensive Photo Of First Lady Michelle Obama
Car insurance scofflaws raise health mandate doubt
Macy's 83rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade Has New Route And 4 New Giant Balloons
INSIDE WASHINGTON: Stream of WH health care visits
Four Found Dead In Suburban Illinois
2 Million Cribs Recalled In U.S. And Canada
In First Thanksgiving Message, Obama Assures A Stronger Economy Next Holiday
S.Korea apartment prices resume months-long rally
Seoul shares hit lowest in more than 3 months
S.Korean bond futures soar on safety flight
Asia markets slide on Dubai debt fears
Taiwan fin shares slide after revealing Dubai link
Japan worries yen surge will hurt budding recovery
S.Korea to invest $259 mln in rare metals by 2018
4-month high for S.Korea's current account surplus
NZ household borrowing up in October
Korea Hot Stocks
Top French chefs take bluefin tuna off the menu
Argentine couple ready for region's first same-sex marriage
France regains top world wine producer spot
Japan seeks baby boom to defuse population timebomb
Australia opts not to quash gay 'marriages' in surprise move
Bob Dylan brings Christmas cheer to those without homes
A Minute With: Director Lee Daniels on his "Precious"
Taiwan social drama tipped to win Chinese-language 'Oscars'
'Superior Donuts' to fold up shop on Broadway
Philippine Pearl, World's Second Largest, In Gems Auction
Massive Ice Chunks Spotted Near New Zealand Coast; Global Warming To Blame
FL Owner Shocked After Dog Consumes More Than 100 Nails And Survives
City Closes Coffee Stand Drive-Thru Window Due To Complaints About Bikini Clad Baristas
Teen Dodges Scolding; Lives On Subway For 11 Days
Man Robs California Bank With Tears In His Eyes
Judge Ito Gives Up On Constantly Replacing Nameplate
Middle School Kids Suspended For 'Kicking Jews'
Canadian Food Manufacturers Blame Consumer Demand For Salt For Excess Sodium Content
Paralyzed Car Crash Victim Misdiagnosed As Fully Comatose For 23 Years
IAEA votes to censure Iran over nuclear cover-up
| International
|
Thyssenkrupp to axe 20,000 jobs
iPhone set for tough test in South Korea launch
Polanski to spend one more weekend in jail
UN atomic watchdog censures Iran: diplomats
Videogames find ways to help real CSI solve crimes
No Challenge To Roman Polanski's Bail Ruling
Iran 'seizes Ebadi's Nobel medal': colleague
Britney Spears' Equipment Bus Crashes In Australia
U.S. followed own timetable on Iraq war: UK envoy
| International
|
Rocker Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Cancer
Bomb kills Pakistan anti-Taliban leader: official
Pakistani forces kill 15 militants in Khyber region
| International
|
World Premiere Video Of Billy Ray Cyrus's New Song On Hallmark Channel
Israel targets Gaza militants in air strike
| International
|
Tyler Perry Sued For Alleged Copyright Infringement
Israel army says it foiled suspected bomb attack
India says troubled by China-Pakistan military ties
| International
|
John Mayer Beats Out Norah Jones, 50 Cent For #1 Debut On Billboard Albums Chart
Suicide attacks down, extortion up in Iraq's Mosul
| International
|
Swiss Court Agrees To Plea Deal Releasing Polanski On Bail
Khmer Rouge chief torturer seeks acquittal
| International
|
Roman Polanski Granted Bail By Swiss Court
Honduras to vote for new president amid coup crisis
| International
|
50 Cent And Taco Bell Reach Lawsuit Settlement
China, Japan plan first joint military exercise
| International
|
Candy Spelling Settles Ex-Maid Wrongful Termination Suit
Videogames find ways to help real CSI solve crimes
| Technology
|
Cambodia cancels $41.2 million loan from Thailand
Khmer Rouge jail chief in shock acquittal plea
4 relatives shot dead at Fla. Thanksgiving party
Key anti-Taliban figure assassinated in Pakistan
Yao Ming joins HIV campaign in China: UN
Russia, U.S. to sign nuclear arms pact this year
Khmer Rouge chief torturer seeks acquittal
Elderly Couple Dies In Staten Island Hit-And-Run
Off the mound, Pirates pitcher pursues farm policy
First Family Welcomes First White House Christmas Tree Friday
Sri Lankan helicopter crashes; 4 feared dead
Canadian Troops In Afghanistan To Focus On Rebuilding
Japan, China defense heads agree on more exchanges
The nation's weather
U.K. Won't Block Extradition Of Autistic Hacker To U.S. For Trial
Philippine army chiefs 'stand down' over massacre
Food banks go high-tech to feed the hungry
China to relocate 1,400 families in lead poisoning
NY apple growers leaving more fruit on trees
Secret Service: Crashers posed no danger to Obama
After 400 years, Va. snubs out smoking in eateries
Solemn Obama pays tribute to troops on Thanksgiving
Banks in firing line of Dubai debt rout
Japan's top banks exposed to Dubai World: reports
China shares fall on Dubai World fears
Japan's global auto production mixed in October
Swiss will not release Polanski before Monday
| Entertainment
|
Indonesia rejects Bali plan for turtle sacrifices
BASIS POINT-Standard Bank, ANZ arrange $421mln Cambodia M&A loan
Swiss will not release Polanski before Monday
Deflation, surging yen threaten Japan's recovery
Chinese learn the 'slow game' fast
S.Korea won sets biggest daily pct loss since July
Iraq's postmen put their lives in God's hands
Paris celebrates Ballets Russes, still young at 100
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights