Gabourey Sidibe - Photo courtesy of BV.com
October 2007 Uptownflavor posted a casting notice for a period piece set in the ’80s. The movie was based on the provocative novel Push. The director was Lee Daniels. The casting for extras took place right here in Harlem at the historic YMCA on 135th Street.
A few weeks later we received word that the film had started production with stars like Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Sherri Shepherd camping out on 123rd and Lenox.
Fast forward a little over a year and we catch wind that Push is making its debut at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival this week. The title role of Precious is played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and the role of her abusive mother is played by Mo’Nique.
Patton describes her role in the film:
“I play the schoolteacher, Ms. Rain. The story revolves around a young girl that grew up in Harlem that has faced unimaginable abuse and she is severely overweight and has a second child coming on the way; and the world has forgotten her. She’s been left behind. Somehow she got through the eighth grade and still doesn’t know how to read. She’s befriended by this schoolteacher and together we forge a friendship.”
Sounds both heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. I plan to check out the book before the movie wraps at the festival on the 25th.
What do you think? Is this going to be one worth checking out?
narmer
January 30, 2009
I saw a Trailer for a movie called “Push” that is a “science fiction” film.
How could two films have the exact same release title?
Charece
January 14, 2009
OMG, I read that book years ago, and to this day I’ll catch my students reading it both male and female. It’s an amazing book and I think it’ll be an amazing movie as well! I’m so excited!
SDG
January 13, 2009
I have mixed feelings. It sounds like an amazing story. I guess I’m weary of Black sadness. I’m ready for some joy. I look forward to your review.