Viola the great.

To be filed in ‘It is about time’, Viola Davis has landed roles in Focus Features’ "It’s Kind of a Funny Story," opposite Zach Galifianakis, and the David Schwimmer-helmed (yes…. I know) drama "Trust" for Millennium Films.

Although not the lead, it could give those unfamiliar with her amazing talent a stronger impression that could lead to the lead role she so clearly deserves.

"Funny Story" centers on a clinically depressed 15-year-old who checks himself into an adult psychiatric ward where he gains a new lease on life. Viola will play the psychiatrist who is assigned to him and helps him understand himself and provides the foundations for recovery - could be juicy and I am sure she knows how to work her way around a weak script.

‘Trust’ seems to be more of the same. It is the story of a young teenager who is sexually abused by and adult who gained her trust on the web – kind of Hard Candy like, but without the castration. The main focus revolves around the family (Clive Owen and Catherine Keener ) who must deal with the ramifications after their 14-year-old daughter is victimized by an adult who gained her trust posing as a teenager on a chat room. Again Davis will don a white coat to play the counselor assigned to the girl’s case.
Not sure how large either role will be, but it would be good to see Viola offered other roles then scientists and doctors.

I recently watched ‘State of Play (very enjoyable) and loved Davis’s cameo but could not help but wonder how brilliant she would have been in the Helen Mirren role – oh hindsight, you bitter tasting devil.

As much as I would love to see Viola working in bigger roles, there are some actors who thrive being the support, and I think she may be one of those. Not to say she doesn’t have the chops for a lead role, but this is Hollywood. How many films are made with strong lead roles for black women?
Please keep her in mind when making an Obama film. She would do a wonderful Michelle.

In the mean time Viola, you go and steal every scene you are in. WIPE THE FLOOR WITH THEM!

P.S. Cannot wait to see what you do in season two of ‘The United States of Tara’.