Driving Miss Daisy (1989) Film Review
Driving Miss Daisy – A Touching Story of Friendship
This is a screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play, ‘Driving Miss Daisy,’ by Alfred Uhry. It is the story of an unlikely friendship between a stubborn old Jewish woman and an equally strong-willed Black driver. Set in the turbulent times of racial tension, this film, without being critical, mildly highlights racial discrimination.
Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy), an elderly Jewish widow, lives alone in her posh ancestral house. When Daisy crashes a car, her son, Boolie (Dan Aykroyd), a wealthy businessman, hires a Black driver, Hoke (Morgan Freeman). In the fear of losing her independence, Daisy opposes the idea of admitting any new person into her place. But, the equally tough-minded Hoke is in no mood to give up the job and he knows that managing Daisy is not all that easy. Over a period, Daisy finds that Hoke is really a gentle and friendly man, having admirable qualities. A warm friendship blossoms between the two. The friendship, built upon tender human feelings and true understanding, lasts over 25 years and it seems that it will continue forever...
Nominated for 9 categories, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ took away 4 Oscars. It also won 3 Golden Globe Awards.
Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman – the legendary lead artistes’ flawless performances set the drama apart. Jessica Tandy became the oldest winner of a competitive Oscar, at nearly 81, surpassing the achievement of George Burns. Jessica had a $100 bet with her agent that she wouldn't win the Oscar. When she paid up on Oscar night, she told him that it was the best bet she had ever lost!
Author Alfred Uhry based the story of Daisy and Hoke on his own grandmother, Lena Fox, and her chauffeur, Will Coleman.
The story is carefully constructed to assert the true value of a meaningful relationship and its everlasting impact on one’s life.
Laced with several pleasant scenes, this simple story and its believable characters will linger in our minds forever.
By
Srini