Robin Wright Penn, Dakota Fanning in Deborah Kampmeier's Hounddog
"You know, I'm an actress. It's what I want to do, it's what I've been so lucky to have done for almost seven years now. And I am getting older. February 23 is my birthday, I'll be 13 years old. And I will be playing different kinds of roles. I won't be able to do the things I did when I was 6 years old when I'm 14. And that's what I look forward to - getting to play new roles that aren't too old for me and aren't too young for me, that are just at the right time."
That's Dakota Fanning (above and below, with Robin Wright Penn), whose latest movie, Hounddog, described in the Sundance schedule as "a southern Gothic tale about a girl finding strength to overcome debilitating obstacles," will be screened at the festival this evening. The film, in which Fanning's 12-year-old character gets raped, has caused a furor among those whose grip on reality is based on what takes place in movies and television shows.
Some have called for the head of director-writer Deborah Kampmeier (right), have demanded that the film be banned, and have accused Fanning's mother of exploiting her child. Needless to say, had Fanning's mother allowed her daughter to play the part of a girl who, with a shoulder missile, brings down a passenger plane killing all aboard, or one beaten to a pulp — and then decapitated — by her meanie stepmother there would have been absolutely no controversy.
Millions of children (and teenagers) around the globe are abused every day, working long hours in unsafe and unsanitary conditions; dying of preventable diseases — or just plain malnutrition; being physically assaulted by their parents and guardians; being ethically, intellectually, and emotionally debased by deranged religiosity; and being indoctrinated into the arts of tribalism, nationalism, and warfare.
None of that matters — in fact, some of those horrors are not only accepted but also welcomed by those spending sleepless nights worrying about an instance of simulated movie rape. As long as the real-life minors don't get fondled by any adults, who cares?
Fanning's quote, by the way, was taken from David M. Halbfinger's New York Times article "Furor Over 12-Year-Old Actress's Rape Scene." Halbfinger's article is neither very thoughtful nor very illuminating in regard to the reasons for the hysteria surrounding Hounddog, but Fanning's remarkably mature quotes (was she rehearsed, or is she really wiser than most adults out there?) are well worth a read.
Also in the Hounddog cast are David Morse and three-time Academy Award-nominee Piper Laurie.
People bitch to much
personally i haven't seen da movie yet but i plan to jus to see what da fuss is all bout. I am a Christian. And any true follower of Christ would never turn a blind eye. I have a firm and strong stance against Child abuse in all its forms. but you make it sound like christians are da ones who flared dis controversy up. when in reality it was da secular critics and news.
Did I see you down in a young girl's "town" with your mother in so much pain? Dakota Fanning will continue to astound as long as she is in front of the camera. She, her mother, and her sister Elle are not fools. But those who criticize them are. But, you have rights, so go ahead and crit. I remember the stink when Alice Cooper came out with a song "Dead Babies" and everyone went boo hoo. Turns out it was a poison control ad. So get real, get a life, and go see "The Runaways".
God I'm going to hell
Ok so before i saw the movie i remember hearing something about dakota fanning this or that but i didn't really remember. Yes dakota fanning is a brilliant actor she was brilliant in the role. But that scene was too real i am sorry they could of done it with more tact. The things the boy was saying I'm sorry but in order for that boy to say those words and basically act like he was getting off. I can't imagine who was coaching him in the room. To be honest i kind of blocked out dakota's part a little it was too much for me to handle. And no offense but the director saying oh we need to make people aware of the abuse and the pain that people go through i'm sorry but that is a poor excuse. She could of done that without being graphic. and let me say there are many ways one can be graphic. I have personally been a victim of child sexual abuse and let me tell you something i don't feel better after watching that film i don't walk away thinking "Oh thank God every body knows my pain now" In fact i was repulsed by it.
I dont think there was any offensive material. i think dakota fanning did a brilliant job. she is a great actress and clearly one of the most talented kids i have ever seen.
I am so disturbed at the lack of intelligence…no I take that back. These people have to be intelligent to create and pull off such a fuss- so I'll say I am disturbed at the misuse of society's intelligence over this movie. Didn't this happen once or twice before? I'm thinking Jodie Foster, Brooke Shields territory? Is it easier to get enraged over a PRETEND rape in a STORY? Dakota Fanning is precocious, wise, and nurtured. She is a child star for her generation- a generation that prides itself on its highly evolved attitude towards children and their influence and importance in the world. And "Christians" are pissed off about possible questionable treatment of this privileged, pampered, sheltered, warm, clean, fed child with a loving family and more money and security than the average bear? GIVE ME A STINKIN BREAK. In many countries (this one included) little girls have to prostitute themselves in order to eat. In many homes, little girls grow up thinking what is happening to them is normal… these little girls grow up broken and unable to fit into normal society. No self righteous do-gooder can call themselves a follower of Christ while turning a blind eye to the tragedies that are happening every minute while attacking a happy kid's mom about what stupid movie she lets her kid act in. Did Dakota feel she was violated in any way? No. End of story. Oh my gosh can we please all just chill?
Otto, thanks for writing.
You gotta give it to those guys at Fox "News." They do know how to create the type of circus that'll keep their viewers enthralled.
As people being to actually see this movie, those who chose to condemn the makers of Hounddog before seeing it for themselves and getting all the facts are being shown for the idiots they truly are, continuing to live in denial of the facts.
Sean Hannity is perhaps the best example, as last night he interviewed someone who saw the movie at its premiere at Sundance. I forget the lady's name, but I believe she is a conservative District Attorney, so Hannity was a bit surprised when she revealed that all the negative claims about Dakota's infamous rape scene simply aren't true. According to her, all we see is Dakota from her shoulders on up and the guy's arm. There is no touching, and the rape is actually achieved through editing tricks, and not on the set.
But Hannity was not satisfied, claiming that what she saw was a "sanitized" version, and that he wanted to see everything that was left on the cutting room floor. Um, right, Sean. You haven't see the movie, you weren't involved in the editing process, you weren't involved in the production whatsoever, yet you somehow know what "really" went on. What a jackass.