News: Directed and written by Tate Taylor, “The Help” from 2011 is a moving portrayal set during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. The film delves into the life of a young white woman who aspires to write a book capturing the perspectives of her black maids. Running for an impressive 146 minutes, the film garnered international acclaim, grossing over $216.6 million globally.
Storyline and Characters
Based on Kathryn Stockett’s historical fiction novel, “The Help” delves into the experiences of black maids working for white families in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney, and Emma Stone. While some view it as a typical Hollywood narrative with clear-cut villains and heroes, others appreciate its nuanced depiction of culture, charm, and humor.
Filming Locations
Filming for “The Help” took place mainly in Greenwood, Mississippi, between July and October 2010. Brunson Green, the co-producer, was determined to shoot a significant 95% of the film in Greenwood. His commitment to this vision was evident when he persuaded DreamWorks executives with a tour of prospective filming sites in the area. The decision to choose Greenwood as the central filming spot was further incentivized by state tax benefits. Great care was taken in production details, with houses constructed to accurately reflect the characters’ histories and personalities.
Elizabeth’s House
In the film, Ahna O’Reilly portrays Elizabeth Leefolt, a character often seen as one of the primary antagonists. The movie used exterior shots of a house in Greenwood, Mississippi, to represent Elizabeth’s residence. The interior scenes, however, were meticulously designed to reflect Elizabeth’s character traits, emphasizing her perceived lack of wisdom and creativity. Interestingly, the house used for Elizabeth’s home in the film is actually the Perkins residence, situated at 1101 Poplar St.
Aibileen’s House
Viola Davis, a renowned actor, embodies the role of Aibileen Clark in the film. Aibileen is portrayed as a benevolent and almost angelic character. Having worked for white families since her youth, she emerges as a figure of immense heart and remarkable resilience. In alignment with her character, her home is depicted as modest yet welcoming. For the film, the location chosen to represent Aibileen’s house was the Tims’ residence, located at 203 Taft Ave.
Jackson, Mississippi
“The Help” features multiple scenes set in Jackson, Mississippi. As Jackson was a pivotal location for the Civil Rights Movement in 1963, the production crew faced the challenge of recreating the ambiance of that time. To authentically represent the period, various shops and districts within Jackson were retrofitted to align with the film’s historical context.
Celia’s House
Jessica Chastain brings to life the character of Celia Rae Foote in “The Help.” Portrayed as a woman from a modest background who finds herself married into affluence, Celia struggles to adapt to her newfound social standing. Mark Ricker, the production designer, carefully incorporated elements of opulence and tradition into the design of Celia’s home. With a palette dominated by shades of pink, gold, and muted tones, every detail was meticulously crafted, from the drapes to the kitchen interiors. The film’s scenes featuring Celia’s residence were shot at Cotesworth, situated on Old Grenada Road.
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Hilly’s House
Bryce Dallas Howard portrays the character of Hillary “Hilly” Walters Holbrook in “The Help,” embodying a rigid societal figure with a malevolent disposition. Hilly’s deeply ingrained racist beliefs and her unwillingness to pay black employees fair wages contrast sharply with her outwardly amiable demeanor. The design of her house mirrors this duality. Cream-colored walls juxtaposed with a pink bathroom, bubble gum tiles, and vintage wallpaper contribute to the ambiance of superficial charm masking underlying cruelty. In reality, the house representing Hilly’s abode in the film is the Johnson Residence, situated at 413 Grand Blvd.
The Old Pix/Capri Theater
“The Help” also utilized the Old Pix/Capri Theater on North State Street for its filming locations. The exterior of the theater was transformed by the production team, with the name “Cleopatra” prominently displayed above the whiteboard. A noteworthy tidbit is that local residents were incorporated into the shoot, taking on roles as extras in the movie.
Skeeter’s House
Emma Stone brings to life Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, the pivotal character in “The Help.” An ambitious journalist, Skeeter takes on the task of narrating the experiences of black maids, underscoring the discrimination they endure while working for white families. Her home mirrors her independent and free-spirited nature. The interior, especially the kitchen, stands out with a vibrant turquoise table and a checkered floor design. For the exterior shots, the production team chose the Whittington Farm at 7300 County Road 518 (Money Road). Conversely, the interior scenes were set at the Franklin Residence, located at 613 River Road.
“The Help” stands out for its poignant exploration of themes related to race and equality during the tumultuous 1960s. With a gripping storyline and a stellar cast, the film has cemented its place as a significant classic. Greenwood, Mississippi served as the primary filming locale, with additional scenes captured in Jackson. The production team’s painstaking attention to detail, from the historical period to the intricacies of each character’s life, enhanced the movie’s authenticity. Every location, from Elizabeth’s residence to Skeeter’s home, played a pivotal role in ensuring the film’s genuine representation of the era.
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