“Driving Miss Daisy” (1989) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Journey of Friendship, Race, and Change

Driving Miss Daisy (1989), directed by Bruce Beresford, is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the unlikely friendship between an elderly Jewish woman, Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy), and her African American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman). Set in the American South, the film tackles themes of race, social change, and the passage of time, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally resonant story about the deep connection that can form across social and racial divides.

Adapted from Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Driving Miss Daisy is a gentle yet deeply moving narrative that examines the complexities of human relationships, prejudices, and personal growth. It’s a film that explores how individuals change over time, and how relationships—though slow to form—can be transformative, both for the individuals involved and for the society they inhabit.

Plot Overview

The story begins in 1948, when Daisy Werthan, a widowed Jewish matriarch living in Atlanta, is no longer able to drive herself due to her advanced age. Her son, Boolie (Dan Aykroyd), decides to hire a chauffeur for her, much to her dismay. The man he hires is Hoke Colburn, a dignified but outspoken African American who is initially met with Daisy’s resistance and reluctance. She is reluctant not only because she feels uncomfortable with the idea of needing help, but also because of her inherent racial prejudices.

At first, Daisy refuses to allow Hoke to drive her, and the relationship between them is strained. However, over the years, as Hoke continues to drive Daisy and patiently endures her sharp tongue and unrelenting stubbornness, they begin to develop a deep, genuine friendship. Throughout the film, we watch Daisy’s views on race, aging, and dependence evolve, and we witness the gradual development of mutual respect and affection between the two characters.

The film spans a period of 25 years, from 1948 to the early 1970s, and covers major historical moments, including the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting how societal shifts impact Daisy and Hoke’s relationship. As Daisy grows older and increasingly dependent on Hoke, their interactions become more intimate and emotionally complex, moving beyond mere employer and employee to a deep, familial bond.

Themes of Race, Change, and Personal Growth

The central theme of Driving Miss Daisy is the evolving relationship between Daisy and Hoke, which serves as a reflection of broader societal changes, particularly the racial dynamics of the American South. The film subtly examines how entrenched prejudices can be challenged and dismantled, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Daisy’s initial discomfort with Hoke stems from her deep-seated racial biases, shaped by the societal norms of her time. However, over the course of the film, she begins to see Hoke not as a chauffeur, but as a person deserving of respect and companionship.

The film also deals with the theme of change—both societal and personal. Daisy’s transformation over the course of the film is gradual but profound. Initially a woman set in her ways, Daisy’s views shift, largely through her relationship with Hoke. Similarly, Hoke’s character evolves from a figure of subservience into one who commands respect, showing dignity and patience in the face of Daisy’s prejudices. Their friendship becomes a metaphor for the changing racial attitudes of the time, particularly in the context of the Civil Rights Movement, which is reflected in the background of the film’s narrative.

The passage of time is another key theme. The film spans a quarter-century, and in that time, both Daisy and Hoke experience aging, loss, and change. While Daisy struggles with the inevitable decline that comes with age, Hoke remains steadfast and grounded, offering care and understanding. The film poignantly explores the themes of mortality and dependence, showing how both characters navigate the challenges of growing older and becoming reliant on others.

Character Development and Performances

Jessica Tandy’s portrayal of Daisy Werthan is a standout, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Tandy captures Daisy’s sharpness, pride, and vulnerability with grace and depth. Daisy’s character is complex—she’s prickly and stubborn, yet there is a warmth beneath her exterior that Tandy brings to life beautifully. As the film progresses, Daisy’s character softens, and Tandy’s performance skillfully navigates this transformation, making Daisy both endearing and tragic in her unwillingness to change.

Morgan Freeman, in one of his most iconic roles, delivers a performance that is both understated and powerful. Hoke Colburn is a man of great dignity and patience, and Freeman’s portrayal of him is full of warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength. Hoke is the emotional center of the film, and Freeman brings a profound humanity to the character. His performance is full of subtle emotional depth, allowing Hoke to be a source of both support and quiet resistance to the injustices he faces.

Dan Aykroyd plays Boolie, Daisy’s son, who is caught between his mother’s stubbornness and the realities of his own family life. Aykroyd’s performance is solid, though his character is less fully developed than those of Daisy and Hoke. Boolie’s role serves to highlight the generational divide between him and his mother, and his evolution from frustration to acceptance mirrors the broader shifts in societal attitudes.

Humor and Emotional Resonance

While Driving Miss Daisy deals with serious themes of race, aging, and societal change, it also includes moments of humor and lightness. The dynamic between Daisy and Hoke is often humorous, particularly in the early stages of their relationship when Daisy’s stubbornness clashes with Hoke’s calm demeanor. The humor in the film arises not only from the characters’ interactions but also from the subtle ways in which they each challenge each other’s worldview, leading to both comic and poignant moments.

The emotional depth of the film is what lingers long after it ends. The story’s slow, steady pacing allows the audience to become deeply invested in the characters’ lives, making the moments of connection between Daisy and Hoke all the more moving. The final scenes of the film, which highlight the lasting bond between them, are both heart-wrenching and uplifting, providing a sense of closure and resolution.

Direction and Cinematography

Bruce Beresford’s direction is understated but effective. He allows the emotional nuances of the story to unfold slowly, with a focus on character interactions and personal growth. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for quiet moments of reflection and development. The cinematography, by Barry Peterson, is simple but beautiful, capturing the period and the Southern setting without drawing attention away from the characters’ emotional journeys.

The film’s use of music is subtle but evocative, with the soundtrack enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes. The score reinforces the film’s themes of time, change, and the deep emotional bonds between its characters.

Final Thoughts

Driving Miss Daisy (1989) is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores themes of race, aging, and the transformative power of human connection. With exceptional performances from Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, the film beautifully portrays the unlikely friendship between an elderly woman and her chauffeur, offering a touching commentary on the complexities of life and the possibility of change.

The film’s emotional resonance, combined with its humor and social commentary, makes it a timeless classic. While it touches on the painful realities of prejudice and segregation, it also offers hope in the form of compassion, empathy, and personal growth. Driving Miss Daisy is a film that lingers with the viewer, offering a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness and understanding can have in overcoming barriers and bringing people together.