Viola Davis Reveals She Regrets Starring in 'The Help' | THR News

Viola Davis revealed that she regrets starring in the 2011 film The Help. While answering readers' questions as part of a story for The New York Times published on Tuesday, the actress said that the film is included on a list of projects she wishes she never did.

[RS-tkyo]

I can see why some might say that it’s a white savior story; but you have to remember this movie was set in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 60’s where blacks weren’t allowed to have a voice (ex. Abilene’s cousin having her car caught on fire just because she went to vote; Medgar Evers’ assasination; etc.) Skeeter’s book was their only outlet to speak out; and even that was risky. It’s sad, but it is historically accurate. Maybe instead of seeing it as a white woman being the savior for a group of black women; maybe see it as a kind hearted woman helping other kind hearted women; women that she loved, she saw as equals, and who’s voices needed to be heard.

[fordad]

I am a black male and I just watched this movie. It is one of the most powerful and moving pictures I’ve ever seen. Please don’t allow the current climate to negate the message of this movie. I don’t view it as a white savior movie—that’s where the power was at that time. Abilene’s story and that of the other help would not have otherwise been told because they didn’t have the power—the means; so the character of Skeeter was the necessary device. We must not use present day sensibilities to discount what happened in the past. Thank you everyone connected with this project.

[roberttrepagnier]

She may regret the role but it is one of the finest performances I have ever seen

[tracypolselli]

I don’t know why she should be ashamed. She and the movie were unforgettable.

[rah]

The movie spoke loudly and clearly. Her role was impeccable and she should not feel that way. She was superb and conveyed how things were back then. Younger generations need to see this film to appreciate how things

[marioimolina]

you is kind
you is smart
you is important

[cherylreinell]

I sill love this movie. Don’t have regrets. You portrayed a great window of what black maids went through. There can always be another film that goes a step farther. Be proud.

[JustMe-ogcb]

Im black and I did not see Skeeter as a savior at all. Who did she save? Jackson was still the same. The heroes were the women themselves - the maids, Skeeter, Celia and her husband, for being who they were during a time like that.

[VioletOwlz]

I mean, it's honestly understandable. This is a white savior story, even if it's better than many white savior stories. I completely understand why she said that. You have to be able to understand a movie's faults, even if you still like it.

[kimayapanash]

allison..oscar
emma..oscar
octavia..oscar
viola..oscar
now wonder i love the movie

[steevenhyde]

Did she really say that? The Help is one of my favorite movies of all times and Viola is one of my favorite actress. I hope I had never seen this clip.

[CAK-mq]

How on earth can we learn from these times if we avoid seeing them. This is a fantastic film that is of a story of its time. Don’t let the current times dictate what we can and cannot learn from.

[MsBrendalina]

I hate that she's been guilted into renouncing one of her finest performances

[murphypaschal]

When will we stop over analaysing everything? It is killing the art of storytelling. The film is a narrative. We don't need to be lectured on what we should or shouldn't see or feel. We can make up our own minds! It's a concerning trend that many actresses who rise to the top of their profession by appearing in a certain role, very often rubbish that role afterwards. How ungrateful can they be? Maggie Smith is one such actor who turned snooty about "Downtown Abbey", a much loved TV series and film. She certainly earned fame and fortune from it. The irony is that she played the part of 80% of her former characters; the aristocratic, acerbic lady. Her subsequent film, "The Van", where she played a homeless woman living in a van, was rubbish from start to finish: a boring flop! A little graciousness would not go amiss amid these over-indulged actors.

[yolandaperez]

Humble YOURSELF be grateful, whoever made the shit pie should have got an Oscar.

[kittybxoxo]

She’s absolutely right and this is one of the reasons I love her

[mdlifer]

She shouldn't regret that movie. She acted awesomely in it. It is a shame that she 'regretted' it.

[percyweasley]

Is it because of Skeeter? It was REALISTIC. They needed OUTSIDE HELP to publish a book about their experiences in that climate... 🙄

[monicacharbonneau]

This was a wonderful movie that helped white people know what it felt like to be a maid. That was the point of the movie. It is part of our history, good and bad, right or wrong.

[liorasitelman]

OMG her acting in this movie was spectacular!