DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS

US, 2007, 100 minutes, Colour.

Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Tasha Smith, Louis Gossett Jr, Sierra Aylina McClain, China Anne McLain, Lauryn Elisa McClain.

Directed by Tyler Perry.

Daddy’s Little Girls is a film written and directed by Tyler Perry. Tyler Perry is a force in American cinema, especially in black American cinema, with his studios in Atlanta, his writing, direction, performances in his own films, performance in other films, for instance playing James Patterson’s detective, Alex Cross.

At this period he was also into theatrical satire with his character, Madaea, an opportunity for him for outlandish female impersonation. On the other hand, he made a great number of more serious films with social issues.

This means that this is a very straightforward film, like its title. Idris Elba portrays a mechanic who is left by his wife who becomes involved with a drug dealer. There is the issue of the custody of his three little daughters, played by three actual sisters in real life. He has served as a chauffeur for a rather uppity lawyer, played by Gabrielle Union, but asks for help for his case and an attraction develops between them.

We can see where this is going – but the important thing is getting to know the characters, empathise with them and see how they reach their expected destination and happy ending.

1. A satisfying story of marriage, breakup, romance, children’s custody – for the ordinary audience?
2. The work of Tyler Perry, writer, directors, satirist, his Madaea character, exploration of serious social themes, racial themes? This film as a very plain entry?
3. American city, a black neighbourhood, ordinary life, the good and the bad, workers and mechanics, drug dealers and drug Lords? The musical score?
4. Monty, ordinary citizen, mechanic, chauffeur to Julia, relationship with his wife, his three daughters, his wife’s behaviour, issues of custody, his protectiveness, employing Julia’s help, the initial reaction, different sides of the tracks, her attraction to him, the romance?
5. Julia, lawyer, successful, Monty her chauffeur, her attitude towards him, his asking her help, her agreeing, their work together, the attraction?
6. Monty’s wife, involvement with the drug dealer, treatment of Monty, walking out, wanting custody of the girls, her treatment of them? The court case and the proceedings?
7. The three girls, played by three actual sisters, age, devotion to their father, their experiences with their mother, the custody, living with her, need for their father, the proceedings?
8. The background characters, friends of the family, legal support, authentic atmosphere?
9. And happy resolution?