In 2012, Lee Daniels took a bold creative leap with The Paperboy, a Southern Gothic tale that deviated sharply from his critically acclaimed Precious. Featuring an eclectic cast, including Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, and John Cusack, The Paperboy premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, setting the stage for what was expected to be another Daniels triumph. However, the film's reception was anything but smooth.
The plot revolves around a young man, played by Zac Efron, who becomes embroiled in a chaotic investigation to free a death row inmate, portrayed by John Cusack. Nicole Kidman delivers a fearless performance as a woman infatuated with Cusack's character, leading to some of the film's most memorable—and controversial—scenes. One such moment, which left audiences and critics in shock, involves Kidman urinating on Efron's character after a jellyfish sting. This scene alone became a symbol of the film's audacious, boundary-pushing nature.
Despite the star-studded cast and Daniels' directorial prowess, The Paperboy was met with mixed reactions. Critics were divided, with some calling it a misunderstood masterpiece and others dismissing it as an incoherent mess. IndieWire famously summed up the film with the line, “Kidman pisses on Efron,” underscoring the polarizing nature of the work. The film's reception at Cannes was equally dichotomous; while it garnered a 15-minute standing ovation, the press screening was marked by boos and walkouts.
Daniels has since reflected on the film's harsh criticism, revealing that it almost drove him to quit directing altogether. He felt pigeonholed by the industry, expressing frustration over being offered only projects centered around Black characters. “I'm a filmmaker, not just a Black filmmaker,” he stated, highlighting his desire to work across racial boundaries. Despite the backlash, Daniels continues to defend The Paperboy, considering it a personal favorite among his works.
Though The Paperboy didn't achieve commercial success or critical acclaim, it remains a fascinating piece of cinema. The film's narrative eccentricities and bold performances, particularly from Kidman and Efron, make it a unique entry in Daniels' oeuvre. The movie's legacy, albeit controversial, is a testament to Daniels' willingness to challenge cinematic norms.
In the years following The Paperboy, Daniels opted for more conventional projects. The Butler (2013), an Oscar-bait biopic, proved a box-office hit, while The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) garnered Andra Day an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. While these films achieved mainstream success, they lacked the daring spirit of The Paperboy, a film that will forever be remembered as a daring, divisive chapter in Daniels' career.
