In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, director Lee Daniels discussed his current projects and critical reactions to his latest film The Paperboy.

"I think that you’ll find it very provocative. It’s definitely an unexpected choice after Precious. The reviews have been mixed. They’re the same as Precious, but I’m not here to please you as I did with Precious. With Paperboy, there’s some big stars in it [including Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey and Nicole Kidman] and they were surprised that I got them to do what I got Mo'Nique and Gabby [Gabourey Sidibe] to do. But I think die hard Lee Daniels fans will love the film and those who can’t stomach the truth will be appalled and call it disgusting."

He went on to discuss the perceived dark undertone in several of his films, referring to it as a therapeutic style:

"I’m addressing many of my demons in all of my films. Though I’m criticized often times for portraying African-Americans in a certain way, I love my people. But I also love telling the truth. I don’t hide behind the truth. I take a lot of heat for being honest with my cinema. Even with Monster’s Ball I didn’t know I was going to be attacked the way that I was attacked. A lot of African-Americans are disturbed by Halle Berry having sex with a white man, but I have to tell experiences that I know [from people that I know], otherwise what’s the point? And I think, oftentimes they’re not pretty. Often times, life isn’t pretty. "

Interestingly enough, Daniels indicated that his next film, The Butler, won't carry the same as much of the same dark tone. Based on the life of longtime White House butler Eugene Allen, the film has been rumored to have a bit of a Forest Gump feel. Said Daniels:

"I’m pleasing everybody with The Butler. I’m giving you PG-13 with just a splash of Lee Daniels." 

Find the full interview HERE.