We love it when an actor isn’t precious about their own work — no matter how many awards it won!
In this case Bryce Dallas Howard isn’t just making it clear she’s aware of the flaws of The Help — she’s happy to take a big ol’ chocolate pie all over what was probably her most acclaimed film.
It was reported at the end of last week, during the now international wave of protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, the 2011 Oscar winner had somehow become Netflix‘s most-watched movie.
People were understandably upset as there were so many stronger movies, ones actually made by black filmmakers, which people could be watching to educate themselves on the history of police brutality and systemic racism. (We even made a list of some strong contenders!)
Video: Stream These Movies & TV Shows To Educate Yourself!
So how did Bryce respond? By defending herself and her choices and her movie? NOPE! She took to Instagram to write:
“I’ve heard that #TheHelp is the most viewed film on @netflix right now! I’m so grateful for the exquisite friendships that came from that film — our bond is something I treasure deeply and will last a lifetime. This being said, The Help is a fictional story told through the perspective of a white character and was created by predominantly white storytellers. We can all go further.”
Wow. Seriously classy move from the Rocketman actress. And of course she isn’t the first actress from The Help who has later shaded the seemingly progressive but ultimately insensitive and stereotype-filled flick. Viola Davis admitted in 2018 she regretted starring in it despite her Oscar nod!
Bryce did have some other suggestions of films, largely from Black creators. She continued:
“Stories are a gateway to radical empathy and the greatest ones are catalysts for action. If you are seeking ways to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, lynchings, segregation, Jim Crow, and all the ways in which those have an impact on us today, here are a handful of powerful, essential, masterful films and shows that center Black lives, stories, creators, and / or performers:
13th
Eyes on the Prize
I am Not Your Negro
Just Mercy
Malcom X
Say Her Name: The Life And Death Of Sandra Bland
Selma
Watchmen
When They See Us ”
Wow, great list!
We especially love the addition of Watchmen (the TV show, not the Zack Snyder movie). People tend to forget about the sci-fi/fantasy genre when discussing educational movies, but the HBO series probably informed more people about the shocking but all-too-real Black Wall Street Massacre than all the high school history classes put together. (Seriously, did YOURS ever bring it up??)
She added:
“This is not a comprehensive list so please add to it in the comments below!”
For more suggestions — and further conversation — check out the full IG post for yourself!
[Image via Disney/Netflix.]
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