Trailer: Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Ever since his criminally underrated feature Shadowboxer – we have been singing the praises of visionary filmmaker Lee Daniels. After his harrowing Precious and trashy Southern noir, The Paperboy, Daniels is a director who continues to wow us. His latest feature The Butler, proves that he has pulled out all the stops to impress those that are not so enthusiastic about his work.

The Butler is based on the life of Eugene Allan, a White House butler who served for over three decades and nearly a dozen Presidents. Daniels’ feature tackles his work within the White House and his relationships with countless powerful figures, whilst also showcasing his home life.

Daniels has assembled an outrageously talented cast, featuring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Alex Pettyfer, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Liev Schreiber, Alan Rickman, Jane Fonda, Mariah Carey, Melissa Leo, James Marsden, Terrence Howard, Minka Kelly, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Redgrave, David Oyelowo, and Lenny Kravitz. Bloody hell.

The Butler hits US cinemas on October 18th, with other dates to follow.

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