Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with alcoholism and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way.
Cecil Gaines, a wise and stoic African-American butler, serves faithfully in the White House through eight presidential administrations. As the Civil Rights Movement gains momentum, Cecil finds himself increasingly drawn into the political and social changes unfolding around him, forcing him to confront his own past and his relationship with his activist son. The film explores the intersection of personal life and national history through the eyes of those who witnessed pivotal moments firsthand.
The Butler received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its acting, particularly Forest Whitaker's performance, and its emotional impact. While some critics found the narrative slightly conventional or too broad in its historical scope, the film was widely commended for its powerful portrayal of the Civil Rights era and its exploration of race relations in America through the unique lens of White House service.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's compelling story, strong acting, and its ability to evoke emotional responses. Viewers appreciated the historical context and the character development, finding it both educational and inspiring.
Nominated for multiple awards including a Golden Globe for Best Actor for Forest Whitaker and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Oprah Winfrey.
The film's original title was simply 'The Butler,' but it was changed to 'Lee Daniels' The Butler' after a lawsuit was filed by a documentary filmmaker who had previously released a film titled 'The Butler'.
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