Hounddog

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 25 Jul 2006, 10:32

I must say I was disturbed when I read this... I know Dominique Swain was only 14 appearing in Lolita but...

KP International wrote:Hounddog sounds like an innocent enough title but apparently the film shows 12-year-old Dakota Fanning in her most disturbing role yet.

The dark film features such themes as violence, abuse and the music of Elvis Presley. Filming brought new challenges for Fanning, who will apparently appear nude for the first time and also had to film a rape scene.

"The two taboos in Hollywood are child abuse and the killing of animals. In this movie, both things happen," said a source to the New York Daily News. "The subject matter is very tough," said Lawrence Robins, an entertainment entrepreneur who had to search for investors once money fell through due to the controversial content. "I was attracted to it because in the end it's a story about human understanding, about a little girl who's dealt a very bad deck of cards, but finds solace in the music of Elvis and survives."

But controversy often sparks Oscar buzz, which is what Fanning's mother, Joy, and agent, Cindy Osbrink, are supposedly hoping for. "It's not just the rape scene the whole story is challenging Dakota as an actress," Osbrink said. "And I've never been so proud of her in my life. I've seen the dailies, and in every scene she gets better and better."

Bloody hell - this takes the biscuit IMO. A 12 year old girl getting raped WTF?! :shock:
I know Mena Suvari was topless in American Beauty but she was at least 17/18 (I think), this is just plain disturbing. Surely a body double would be used??
Nice to see her parents are "proud" and are OK with her being exploited

thelostdragon · Post by **thelostdragon** » 25 Jul 2006, 10:39

She is NOT being exploited. It is a movie and a role she is being paid for. I wouldn't agree to let my daughter do this (wouldn't even if she was 18 or above). But it is hardly exploitation.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 25 Jul 2006, 10:40

If you had a daughter would you be happy about her appearing in a role like this LD? If she was a bit older OK but she's only 12 FFS!

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 25 Jul 2006, 11:10

The movie isnt an expoitation movie, issit? It's a realistic drama, and to have the movie have it maximum effect, a child actor is more suited then casting an young-looking 18 year iold in the role of a 12 year old.

Obviously it's shocking, cause we dont wanna think about naked 12 year olds being molested and raped. But they wont be actually raping Dakota Fanning, it's make belief. She's a smart girl and she's probaby well prepared for the very taxing role. I'm sure everyone around her will make sure this wont damage her...

The only think that I thought was disturbing when I read about this movie, was this:
But controversy often sparks Oscar buzz, which is what Fanning's mother, Joy, and agent, Cindy Osbrink, are supposedly hoping for.

I'm affraid that THEY picked this project for dakota Fanning and talked her into it, because they feel it will get her an oscar. Perhaps Fanning herself wouldnt otherwise have taken the role...
I hope I'm wrong and Fanning decided by and for herself to take this part, but if she was talked into it by her mom and manager because they're oscar-hungry, then obviously that's a bad thing ...

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 25 Jul 2006, 11:16

I agree. Its like they didnt make sure she was comfortable with it

I know its only a movie Yi-Long

but the subject matter and the stuff about her appearing naked is pretty creepy.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 25 Jul 2006, 12:40

Well... it's a drama. We're not used to seeing naked kids in movies anymore, and certainly not used to seeing kids being raped in movies. Hell, even Jet Li's kid being smashed through a glass table in My Father is a Hero had me go 'wow' when i first saw it. We've really been shielded off from any stuff involving kids and violence.

However, in many other countries actors and actresses still get undressed regularly and even have sex-scenes. Also younger actors and actresses often get naked in those coming-of-age movies (France, Germany, Holland, Spain I guess etc)

If everyone involved with the movies makes sure Fanning is OK with it, and she isnt a rookie actress so she should realize it's all make belief etc, plus she seems smart enough to realize what sex is, and rape, and all that, then I dont have a problem with this movie.

If it turns out to be a shite movie, THEN I'll have a problem with it. Cause for all we know this whole shocking stuff can just be a gimmick to hide a mediocre story.

edit: btw... I personally, if I would have been the director, wouldnt have shown the sex/rape scenes. I would have shown the movie from the eyes of an adult, and made it into a bit of a 6th sense kinda way. That you get to see that the girl starts getting silent, disturbed, etc etc... and in the end you see all the times that she got back from her raper, and you connect the dits yourself, as in 'Ow my gawd, she must have just been raped before that scene!'
So a bit in the same way as a real parent would suddenly start discovering when his/her kid has been a victim of sexual abuse, and you start thinking back about all the times she's been alone with 'grandpa/dad/nephew/whoever' ...

I think that would be extremely powerfull, if done right.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 25 Jul 2006, 13:05

Holy fucking hell. As Yi said, it's highly likely an Oscar grab.

thelostdragon · Post by **thelostdragon** » 25 Jul 2006, 13:39

grim_tales wrote:If you had a daughter would you be happy about her appearing in a role like this LD? If she was a bit older OK but she's only 12 FFS!

I guess you didn't read my post then. LOL!

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 25 Jul 2006, 14:14

thelostdragon wrote: I guess you didn't read my post then. LOL!

He's Dutch, so he's stoned on the legalised marijuana most of the time.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 25 Jul 2006, 14:19

Grim's Dutch? Wow... never knew that about the guy.

Hey grim, ouwe rukker! Alles goed man?

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 25 Jul 2006, 14:21

Yi-Long wrote:Grim's Dutch? Wow... never knew that about the guy.

Hey grim, ouwe rukker! Alles goed man?

I thought that he was quoting to you. ZOMFG LULZ I'M PWNED.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 25 Jul 2006, 14:38

Too much hobbit-licking, ey!?

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 25 Jul 2006, 15:39

OK its a role she's being paid for. But I still think its creepy. Its not someone playing a 12 year old. It IS a 12 year old (or younger).

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 25 Jul 2006, 19:13

She'll probably lose fans but make new ones.

I say this: she's very brave at such a young age to even consider it and if her parents are happy with it who know all the facts (we don't) then cool with it.

It all depends how the scene(s) are handled at the end of the day. If she wasn't oddly famous we wouldn't even be having this discussion or rather it would cause a lot less publicity.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 25 Jul 2006, 19:18

True. They know the facts better than anyone but that article says "her mother and agent are hoping for Oscar buzz" and if they want her to be in the movie for just that than I'd be worried. Its as if they don't care about their daughter's welfare. But if Dakota is OK with it then cool, you're right it is indeed brave.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 25 Jul 2006, 19:50

if they want her to be in the movie for just that than I'd be worried

I seriously doubt as parents that's the only reason but sure why not want your kid to do well. In America/the world what better trophy can you get.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 26 Jul 2006, 09:31

Yeah but she is being thrown in at the deep end, as it were. I find it hard to stomach a 12 year old being ready for a rape scene, no? I know its' her job (ie as an actress) to take roles on, but still. No mention in that article about anyone talking the role through with Dakota. But kudos if shes OK with it

I know I'd want her to do well if she was my kid but I wouldn't want her to maybe sacrifice her integrity.dignity just to get some silly statue

Maybe we need more information about the film.
Another thing that disturbs me is an animal being harmed or killed for the film. Wouldn't this be banned in the UK? (killing animals. under 16 sexualized nudity).