2008 Woodie Awards
Women question controversial film
Natalia Musatova
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Arts
The American South, snakes, rape, Jesus, and Elvis are all very significant themes in the film "Hounddog" (Deergen Films, 2007). The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and was released in select cities, including Boston. The film attracted a lot of attention because of the rape scene involving its main character Lewellen, played by Dakota Fanning.
The film was written, directed and produced by Deborah Kampmeier, who has made "Virgin" (Full Moon Film, 2003), another controversial film about the dichotomy of religion and lifestyle and teenage puberty, sexuality and consequential confusion.
"Hounddog" begins by showing a snake crawling through what looks like a jungle, but is the scenic American South.
The viewer can see the abandoned cars, the untrimmed yards, the rundown houses, the little girl running around in the same torn dress day in and day out. It depicts wisdom, religion, spirituality and the power of snakes.
One of the supporting characters, Charles, a black neighbor played by Afemo Omilami, teaches Lewellen about snakes, spirits, and music from the heart. It is the strength and nobility of one's character that calls for help of the snakes' spirit in the times of trouble, Charles explains. Only then, could one overcome any troubles, fear and pain.
Fanning was widely acclaimed for her role in "Hounddog" at the Sundance Film Festival. Despite her good acting skills and a very believable performance, many religious groups were concerned about the actress. Fanning was only 12 years old when she filmed the rape scene. The director only focused on her face during the rape, her screams and then her subsequent turmoil shown in he second half of the film.
The director brings up the issue of Elvis' music and the source of his lyrics. Lewellen sings Presley's song "Hound Dog" throughout the film. "Hound Dog" was originally performed by Willie Mae "Big Mamma" Thornton. The filmmaker subtly suggests that Presley stole the song from the true performer of blues, putting the emphasis on the power of whites and the unfair treatment of blacks at the time.
"Hounddog's" characters are filled with piety, doubt and fear. Lewellen's 'Grammy' played by Piper Laurie, a Christian fanatic, teaches her granddaughter about sin. When Lewellen's father was struck by lightning while working in the corn field, Grammy claims he was struck by God for his sins.
The director is a genius and her film is a masterpiece of controversy. One will never forget it. Kampmeier manages to indirectly touch upon almost every significant issue relevant to anyone's life. "Hounddog" is filled with depth, sadness, wisdom and even optimism.
The film was written, directed and produced by Deborah Kampmeier, who has made "Virgin" (Full Moon Film, 2003), another controversial film about the dichotomy of religion and lifestyle and teenage puberty, sexuality and consequential confusion.
"Hounddog" begins by showing a snake crawling through what looks like a jungle, but is the scenic American South.
The viewer can see the abandoned cars, the untrimmed yards, the rundown houses, the little girl running around in the same torn dress day in and day out. It depicts wisdom, religion, spirituality and the power of snakes.
One of the supporting characters, Charles, a black neighbor played by Afemo Omilami, teaches Lewellen about snakes, spirits, and music from the heart. It is the strength and nobility of one's character that calls for help of the snakes' spirit in the times of trouble, Charles explains. Only then, could one overcome any troubles, fear and pain.
Fanning was widely acclaimed for her role in "Hounddog" at the Sundance Film Festival. Despite her good acting skills and a very believable performance, many religious groups were concerned about the actress. Fanning was only 12 years old when she filmed the rape scene. The director only focused on her face during the rape, her screams and then her subsequent turmoil shown in he second half of the film.
The director brings up the issue of Elvis' music and the source of his lyrics. Lewellen sings Presley's song "Hound Dog" throughout the film. "Hound Dog" was originally performed by Willie Mae "Big Mamma" Thornton. The filmmaker subtly suggests that Presley stole the song from the true performer of blues, putting the emphasis on the power of whites and the unfair treatment of blacks at the time.
"Hounddog's" characters are filled with piety, doubt and fear. Lewellen's 'Grammy' played by Piper Laurie, a Christian fanatic, teaches her granddaughter about sin. When Lewellen's father was struck by lightning while working in the corn field, Grammy claims he was struck by God for his sins.
The director is a genius and her film is a masterpiece of controversy. One will never forget it. Kampmeier manages to indirectly touch upon almost every significant issue relevant to anyone's life. "Hounddog" is filled with depth, sadness, wisdom and even optimism.
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