7 Actors Completely Transformed By A Lee Daniels Production
This weekend Lee Daniels’s highly anticipated historical drama Lee Daniels’ The Butler hits theaters, and moviegoers should brace themselves accordingly. Having directed and/or produced films like Monster’s Ball, Precious, and Shadowboxer, there are few productions from Daniels that haven’t shocked and awed audiences the world over. His unabashed and unapologetic depictions of sexuality and violence on-screen have been deemed by some to be downright offensive (it’s tempting to call him the Henry Miller of modern-day film). Still, others laud him as one of the most important storytellers of our generation, and with the excitement surrounding The Butler, it’s clear that the Academy Award-nominee has garnered much respect for his very particular vision and voice.
One little-known fact is that Daniels actually started out working in casting, having always had a keen eye for a specific kind of talent not easily visible to others. Where someone else might see a good, capable actor, one could argue that Daniels sees something greater—a willingness to be transformed on screen. He has been instrumental in helping actors like Halle Berry and Mo’Nique achieve Oscar dreams, while veterans like Nicole Kidman and Helen Mirren have earned themselves a bit of indie street credibility under his watch. As we gear up for yet another Lee Daniels production, Paste takes a look back at some of the most shocking transformations actors have undergone in his films.
1. Mo’Nique, Precious (2009)
Directed by Lee Daniels
The adaptation of Sapphire’s beloved, critically acclaimed novel Push was surely a daunting task. There was much to-do about casting for the lead role, and Gabourey Sidibe’s breakout performance as Precious Jones catapulted her into Hollywood and even garnered her an Oscar nomination. However, the most unforgettable performance of the film belonged to comedian Mo’Nique, who would go on to take home the 2010 Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role. As Mary, the physically, emotionally, and sexually abusive mother of Precious, Mo’Nique transformed into an absolute monster. And yet, somehow, by the end of the film she managed to bring out these subtle complexities in her character’s story—complexities from which audiences could not quite turn away. Whatever comfort we experienced in labeling Mary ‘monster’ was ultimately compromised, and—in delivering such a powerful character—Mo’Nique and Lee Daniels succeeded in transforming Sapphire’s tale in a way that longtime fans of the novel were able to wholeheartedly appreciate.
2. Helen Mirren, Shadowboxer (2005)
Directed by Lee Daniels
Just one year prior to playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (for which she received an Oscar), Helen Mirren shocked audiences everywhere when she took on the role of Rose in Shadowboxer. In a single film and in just one role she played an assassin, a savior, and the terminally-ill lover/stepmother of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character. The celebrated actress gave an intense performance (to say the least), and brought new understanding to the very notions of eros and thanatos. In her final scene Rose shockingly embraces both the life and death drive, and Mirren further enhanced her position in the acting world.