Directed and written by Tate Taylor, The Help focuses on a young white girl who plans to write a story from her black maids’ point of view. The story takes place during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. The film was released in the US and the UAE.
The Help plot is based on Kathryn Stockett’s historical fictional novel with the same title. It is about the black maids who worked for the whites in the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi. The 146-minute long film, released on 10 August 2011, was made with $25 million and collected $216.6 million internationally.
The Help stars Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney, and Emma Stone. Some viewers consider it a typical Hollywood film with powerful villains and weak heroes. Meanwhile, some appreciate the tradition, appeal, and entertainment given by the film.
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The Help Filming Locations
Filming for The Help took place from July to October 2010. The co-producer, Brunson Green, wanted to film 95% of the film in Greenwood, Mississippi. The director and writer, Tate Taylor, went to Greenwood with his team and presented the pictures of potential filming locations at that place to the DreamWorks executives to convince them.
However, state tax was also considered before selecting Greenwood. The production team looked for minute details and built houses according to the characters. Mark Ricker could turn smaller rooms into larger ones by expanding the ceilings and walls.
Elizabeth’s House
Ahna O’Reilly played one of the villains, Elizabeth Leefolt, in The Help. The exterior of her house was filmed in Greenwood, Mississippi. The interior of the house shown in the film includes a formal living room, family room, and kitchen, which reflect Elizabeth’s character, showing no intelligence or imagination. The house was filmed at Perkins residence, 1101 Poplar St.
Aibileen’s House
Aibileen Clark is a saint-like and positive character in the film. This black woman has been working for white families since her childhood. She is kind-hearted and goes through all negativity with no complaints. Thus, her house is simple and welcoming according to her nature filmed at Tims’ residence, 203 Taft Ave.
Jackson, Mississippi
Many scenes in The Help were filmed in Jackson, Mississippi because the film portrays the struggle over Civil Rights in 1963 in Mississippi. Thus, the production team had to work on the shops to make them traditional.
Celia’s House
Celia Rae Foote is a lovely poor woman born in Sugar Ditch, Mississippi. She marries wealthy Johnny Foote, and the new social circle makes her uncomfortable. The film’s production designer, Mark Ricker, colored her house with pink, gold, and dusky colors to address wealth and tradition.
Thus, Mark and his team worked a lot on the house, including the curtains and the kitchen, to make it historical. It was filmed at Cotesworth, Old Grenada Road.
Hilly’s House
Hillary “Hilly” Walters Holbrook gets respected in society. Little do the people know how cruel she is from the inside. According to her, the blacks in Jackson do not work and invest their money wisely, which keeps them poor as usual. She does not wish to pay them with their regular salaries.
Thus, the walls are creamy, and the interior is perfect. Moreover, the pink bathroom, bubble gum tiles, and vintage wallpaper are in line with the movie. The real house is Johnson Residence, 413 Grand Blvd.
Old Pix/Capri Theater
Old Pix/Capri Theater, North State Street, was used for filming. The production team painted its exterior and added a name, Cleopatra, at the top of the whiteboard. Local people agreed to serve as extras for the film.
Skeeter’s House
Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan is the leading character, an aspiring journalist, and a twenty-three-year-old white woman. She decides to write a book according to her black maids’ perception. The book will also mention what partiality black people go through while working for white families.
Thus, Skeeter’s house is comfortable and has a pinch of tradition. It addresses her free spirit. Her kitchen has a turquoise table, and the floor is covered with a chessboard canvas. The exterior is filmed at 7300 County Road 518 (Money Road), Whittington Farm, and the interior at the Franklin Residence on 613 River Road.
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