Mariah will write/sing "Precious" theme
Mariah Carey is so good in Lee Daniels's "Precious" in a small pivotal role of a social worker. But her involvement in this extradordinary independent film won't stop there. She told me yesterday at a lunch in Cannes that she and Jermaine Dupri are recording a theme song called "100 Percent" to be adde to the final print. Expect to see and hear Miss Mariah at the Oscars next March.
Indeed, expect to see all the folks from "Precious" at lots of awards shows next winter. "Precious" is this year's "Slumdog Millionaire" or "Juno". It's a passionate, breathtaking offbeat drama that if handled properly - and that's questionable at this point since Lions Gate is not Fox Searchlight - could upset everyone's apple carts.
"Precious" is not in competition at Cannes because it was already shown at Sundance. Nevertheless, if it were part of the main race here, it would win hands down. It's just that good. Lee Daniels has taken the work of African American cult writer Sapphire and wrought a deeply honest, affecting, and indelible portrait of a young woman's triumph out of abuse.
Clareece Precious Jones is a 16 year old, morbidly obese and pregnant for the second time. She's an incest victim, and she's physically and mentally abused by her mother. This horror of a human being is played by comedian Mo'Nique in a performance that is guaranteed Best Supporting Actress in every award show. You've never seen anything like it: I cannot wait for the first Oscar nominee with an apostrophe in her name.
Precious is played by newcomer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, who got the part after one audition. Like Ellen Page in Juno, Gaby is going to startle audiences who may think that she is Precious. She is not. She is simply a gifted, natural actress who has an amazing presence. The 26 year old New Yorker is going to be an actual overnight sensation.
Daniels, who produced "Monster's Ball", fills out the rest of "Precious" with a talented supporting cast. Paula Patton, a striking beauty, is Precious's astute, involved teacher. Mariah and Lenny Kravitz are each excellent in their supporting roles. Carey is a revelation as the social worker who must bring the movie to its climactic moment toward the end. She does everything right as Mo'Nique and Gaby play out the film's incendiary truths.
One thing "Precious" does need, however: better back end credits. I'm sure whoever designed them thought they were clever, but the actors' names are hard to read and disappear too quickly. Trust me, everyone's going to want to sit and see who's who when this film comes to an end. The producers should make it easier.
If you don't know already, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry saw "Precious" and decided to "present" it to the public this fall. I hope they can get some others on the bandwagon, like Ellen Degeneres and Anderson Cooper. "Precious" has got to be a film that is not missed - by adults and teens, too. And PS, there's great older tracks from LaBelle on the soundtrack and a couple from Lenny Kravitz, too. (Showbizz 411)
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