Dakota Fanning movie blasted for her rape scene

[eve]

I have to disagree with the poster who stated that "sexual assault is the worst thing that can happen to a child". If that's your opinion, fine. But it's not mine, and it shouldn't be put out there as "fact".

Before you ask what "authority" I have, I can tell you that I know from experience. And it was NOT the "worst" thing that happened to me as a child. Why? Because I had supportive parents and counselors who assured me it was not my fault, that a bad man did a bad thing and would be punished for it. As a result, I learned at a young age that bad things happen to good people and those good people have two choices: A.) Live through it, learn and grow from it and succeed in spite of it or B.) Blame that incident for all of your problems for the rest of your life and wallow in misery. I chose the former.

Having said that - if Dakota Fanning's parents, Dakota herself, and the directors and counselors invloved in this picture feel that she was capable of doing it without sustaining any long term effects, so be it. None of us know her or the circumstances surrounding this scene.

And newsflash - this kind of thing goes on EVERY DAY. You see it in the news, in television, in the movies. Rape, murder, insest, drugs, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, on and on and on. This is happening in your childrens' schools, and they hear about it and see it all of the time. A movie is not going to teach them anything they don't already know. It really bothers me that just because "sex" is associated with this particular film people are all freaked out and saying how horrible it is. Yeah. Another newsflash, rape and pedophelia aren't about sex. They're about control, they're are both a crime, and children should know that. There are children out there HANGING THEMSELVES after watching a clip of Saddam Hussein's execution. We all said that hanging Saddam "fair and just" thing to do, right?

For those of you who choose not to allow your children to see a film like this, that's fine. But don't condem those of us who WILL let our children see the movie so they know that if anything like that EVER, EVER, EVER even comes close to happening to them that it is a CRIME. That they can come to me and tell me if something happens to them, to never be ashamed or afraid that they will be punished.

This type of movie, watched with a parent and discussed afterward, can absolutely be beneficial to children. It might even help some of the parents out there who still have their heads in the sand.

Great post, well-said. I think most thinking parents know what their children can handle and Dakota Fanning's parents probably do too. My opinion is influenced by seeing her on Oprah. I will say this - she was so grown up, it was almost scary. She said her mom really works on providing normalcy when she's not filming. I was amazed at how articulate and bright she is and pray Hollywood will not ruin her. But if it does, I don't think it will be becuase of this.

Not having seen the film or a clip, I really can't comment on t specifically, except to say, shielding kids from ugliness doesn't necessarily help them. I think it's ok for topics like this to be discussed and focused on in movies, with parental guidance. I don't mean dropping your kids off at the theatre and never mentioning it again. With something like this, it would involve watching it with them and having a meaningful discussion afterward.

Movies (and literature) can really help people. They trigger ideas to deal with problems as well as making people realize they are not alone. Also, I agree, most kids know way more than we think they do already, and obviously, a child's age/maturity would have to be taken into account.

Eve

 

[Hbgchick]

Thanks eve! I also saw Dakota on Oprah, and was very impressed. She was indeed very articulate, but I also was glad to see that she wasn't all dolled up in "adult" clothing and makeup, and she still has a child's giggle. I hope she remains as well grounded as she seems to be!!

 

[Jeana (DP)]

For those who say don't judge the movie until you see it - impossible. I won't be seeing it. I won't put a dime into the pockets of anyone making a movie with this in it. Its disgusting. Its inappropriate. Its repugnant. Whether they show the actual rape or not, its implied. This little girl shouldn't even know what rape is, much less be portraying it on the big screen.

 

[dark_shadows]

SUNDANCE WITH THE DEVIL

RAPE AND TORTURE RULE AT THE MOST SHOCKING FILM FESTIVAL EVER







SAMUEL L. Jackson chains a half-naked Christina Ricci to a radiator, a 12-year-old Dakota Fanning gets raped, Catherine Keener uses Ellen Page as a human ashtray, and worse - much worse. Yep, it's time for the Sundance Film Festival, which opens tonight with Robert Redford's celebration of indieworld serving an even greater than usual quota of tabloid-worthy shocking sex and human misery amid the snow and the swag emporiums of Park City, Utah.



Set in Alabama of the late 1950s, "Hounddog" features the star of "Charlotte's Web" as an Elvis-obsessed singer who is ravaged by an older boy who entices her with tickets to see the King in concert. She also reportedly forces two children to strip at gunpoint and embrace as she wraps a snake around them.

 

[dark_shadows]

Great post, well-said. I think most thinking parents know what their children can handle and Dakota Fanning's parents probably do too. My opinion is influenced by seeing her on Oprah. I will say this - she was so grown up, it was almost scary. She said her mom really works on providing normalcy when she's not filming. I was amazed at how articulate and bright she is and pray Hollywood will not ruin her. But if it does, I don't think it will be becuase of this.

Not having seen the film or a clip, I really can't comment on t specifically, except to say, shielding kids from ugliness doesn't necessarily help them. I think it's ok for topics like this to be discussed and focused on in movies, with parental guidance. I don't mean dropping your kids off at the theatre and never mentioning it again. With something like this, it would involve watching it with them and having a meaningful discussion afterward.

Movies (and literature) can really help people. They trigger ideas to deal with problems as well as making people realize they are not alone. Also, I agree, most kids know way more than we think they do already, and obviously, a child's age/maturity would have to be taken into account.

Eve

Hi Eve,

Apparently the movie is going to be released on january 22nd.

Respectfully,
dark_shadows

 

[southcitymom]

SUNDANCE WITH THE DEVIL

RAPE AND TORTURE RULE AT THE MOST SHOCKING FILM FESTIVAL EVER







SAMUEL L. Jackson chains a half-naked Christina Ricci to a radiator, a 12-year-old Dakota Fanning gets raped, Catherine Keener uses Ellen Page as a human ashtray, and worse - much worse. Yep, it's time for the Sundance Film Festival, which opens tonight with Robert Redford's celebration of indieworld serving an even greater than usual quota of tabloid-worthy shocking sex and human misery amid the snow and the swag emporiums of Park City, Utah.



Set in Alabama of the late 1950s, "Hounddog" features the star of "Charlotte's Web" as an Elvis-obsessed singer who is ravaged by an older boy who entices her with tickets to see the King in concert. She also reportedly forces two children to strip at gunpoint and embrace as she wraps a snake around them.

Thanks for the link, Dark Shadows. Looks like Houndog is not the only provocative film coming to Sundance this year.

 

[eve]

Hi Eve,

Apparently the movie is going to be released on january 22nd.

Respectfully,
dark_shadows

Hi Dark!

It sounds like a very intense movie from the description above. I would certainly want to view it before allowing my children to do so. I have relaxed my views on their movies quite a bit, but my kids are are 15, 17 and 20. My biggest objection these days is that the majority of movies they watch are so DUMB. I'd rather have something controversial or even provocative in some ways, to sharpen their minds, than the worthless drivel I often see on the screen. So much depends on the age and maturity of the viewer, and the related family communication, with any movie, IMO. Also when they're older they will see all kinds of stuff and you can't control it - I would rather see it with them so we can talk about it.

Luckily it is still a preogative to make those decisions on behalf of your family, as a parent. Right or wrong, Dakota Fanning's family is allowed to do that too. It would be interesting to see an interview w/ her and her family about this topic. They must expect to field some questions, allowing her to do it. Interesting to hear why she wanted to, as well. When I saw her she seemed very sensible and strong, but who knows? I hope it doesn't traumatize her or hurt her psychologically.

Eve

 

[dark_shadows]

In Dakota's words

Her precociousness was rumored to have possibly gotten ahead of her earlier this year when it was reported that her character in the upcoming film Hounddog (or, as officially noted in the current Sundance Film Festival lineup, The Untitled Dakota Fanning Project) is sexually abused; an abiding controversy erupted that Fanning blew off at Sunday's premiere.

"I don't think that anybody should be talking about it yet because nobody's seen it yet, you know?" she said cheerfully. "It's a wonderful film, and I'm really proud to be in it. I can't wait for people to see it."

I asked her if the film and its content are as tough as people have described it. Fanning lowered her chin, looked straight at me and shook her head.

"No," she said, then laughed. "No, it's not. It's really a beautiful film and it's great to be a part of it. That was all blown out of proportion, so... It's great."

 

[michelle]

In Dakota's words

Her precociousness was rumored to have possibly gotten ahead of her earlier this year when it was reported that her character in the upcoming film Hounddog (or, as officially noted in the current Sundance Film Festival lineup, The Untitled Dakota Fanning Project) is sexually abused; an abiding controversy erupted that Fanning blew off at Sunday's premiere.

"I don't think that anybody should be talking about it yet because nobody's seen it yet, you know?" she said cheerfully. "It's a wonderful film, and I'm really proud to be in it. I can't wait for people to see it."

I asked her if the film and its content are as tough as people have described it. Fanning lowered her chin, looked straight at me and shook her head.

"No," she said, then laughed. "No, it's not. It's really a beautiful film and it's great to be a part of it. That was all blown out of proportion, so... It's great."

Hmmmm, Beautiful film?? :waitasec: I don't know if what I have read so far is beautiful. I guess time will tell when it comes out.

 

[dark_shadows]

Hmmmm, Beautiful film?? :waitasec: I don't know if what I have read so far is beautiful. I guess time will tell when it comes out.

Hey there Michelle,
I was surprised when I read that!


Respectfully,
dark_shadows

 

[michelle]

Hey there Michelle,
I was surprised when I read that!


Respectfully,
dark_shadows

Hi dark_shadows. I am surprised to but she is only 12.

 

[shopper]

In Dakota's words

Her precociousness was rumored to have possibly gotten ahead of her earlier this year when it was reported that her character in the upcoming film Hounddog (or, as officially noted in the current Sundance Film Festival lineup, The Untitled Dakota Fanning Project) is sexually abused; an abiding controversy erupted that Fanning blew off at Sunday's premiere.

"I don't think that anybody should be talking about it yet because nobody's seen it yet, you know?" she said cheerfully. "It's a wonderful film, and I'm really proud to be in it. I can't wait for people to see it."

I asked her if the film and its content are as tough as people have described it. Fanning lowered her chin, looked straight at me and shook her head.

"No," she said, then laughed. "No, it's not. It's really a beautiful film and it's great to be a part of it. That was all blown out of proportion, so... It's great."

Major creep factor going on with that girl.

JMO

 

[southcitymom]

Some of the most beautiful films I have ever seen have tragedy at their core, so I don't find this to be an odd choice of words.

Fanning has actually seen the film in question, so her impressions are at least based on the actual movie that was made, while ours are mired in guesswork and speculation from snips of articles, interviews, reviews and gossip.
.

 

[Anngelique]

Some of the most beautiful films I have ever seen have tragedy at their core, so I don't find this to be an odd choice of words.

Fanning has actually seen the film in question, so her impressions are at least based on the actual movie that was made, while ours are mired in guesswork and speculation from snips of articles, interviews, reviews and gossip.
.

You keep saying that but the show I watched was REVIEWING the film and they actually SAW it!

 

[southcitymom]

You keep saying that but the show I watched was REVIEWING the film and they actually SAW it!

Well......dish! - what did the review say? Did they think it was a good movie - did they talk about the whole of the film or did it mainly focus on the Fanning rape scene element?

I haven't read or heard anything that talks too much about the whole film - Fanning did say she felt like there was a huge hopeful female empowerment element but that's all I've really heard.

ETA - I did read the script excerpts Juliana posted but that still doesn't give me a picture of what it's all about.

 

[julianne]

Some of the most beautiful films I have ever seen have tragedy at their core, so I don't find this to be an odd choice of words.

Fanning has actually seen the film in question, so her impressions are at least based on the actual movie that was made, while ours are mired in guesswork and speculation from snips of articles, interviews, reviews and gossip.
.

I think it's entirely plausible that her impressions are based on something much more shallow----This movie needs to be put in better light than it has been so that more people go see it, so that it makes more money, so that she becomes a contender for an Academy Award, which her mom is quoted as saying that's the reason she wanted Dakota to do the film. So far, this movie has been very controversial, investors and sponsors have pulled their funding, crew members walked out during filming and never looked back, and there is talk of charges being brought against everyone involved (except Dakota) because it is illegal to simulate a rape or sexual assault against a child and film it. I guess we'll see how it all plays out.

 

[southcitymom]

I think it's entirely plausible that her impressions are based on something much more shallow----This movie needs to be put in better light than it has been so that more people go see it, so that it makes more money, so that she becomes a contender for an Academy Award, which her mom is quoted as saying that's the reason she wanted Dakota to do the film. So far, this movie has been very controversial, investors and sponsors have pulled their funding, crew members walked out during filming and never looked back, and there is talk of charges being brought against everyone involved (except Dakota) because it is illegal to simulate a rape or sexual assault against a child and film it. I guess we'll see how it all plays out.

You may be very right about that! Fanning is certainly not naive about the way the industry works. It will be interesting to see if it gets picked up.

If it's against the law to simulate the sexual assault of a child and film it, why haven't other movies (The Prince of Tides, A Time to Kill are just two off the top of my head) had charges bought against their filmmakers? Do you know? Is it perhaps a new law? I had just never heard of it before this discussion.

 

[julianne]

I have to disagree with the poster who stated that "sexual assault is the worst thing that can happen to a child". If that's your opinion, fine. But it's not mine, and it shouldn't be put out there as "fact".

Before you ask what "authority" I have, I can tell you that I know from experience. And it was NOT the "worst" thing that happened to me as a child. Why? Because I had supportive parents and counselors who assured me it was not my fault, that a bad man did a bad thing and would be punished for it. As a result, I learned at a young age that bad things happen to good people and those good people have two choices: A.) Live through it, learn and grow from it and succeed in spite of it or B.) Blame that incident for all of your problems for the rest of your life and wallow in misery. I chose the former.

Having said that - if Dakota Fanning's parents, Dakota herself, and the directors and counselors invloved in this picture feel that she was capable of doing it without sustaining any long term effects, so be it. None of us know her or the circumstances surrounding this scene.

And newsflash - this kind of thing goes on EVERY DAY. You see it in the news, in television, in the movies. Rape, murder, insest, drugs, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, on and on and on. This is happening in your childrens' schools, and they hear about it and see it all of the time. A movie is not going to teach them anything they don't already know. It really bothers me that just because "sex" is associated with this particular film people are all freaked out and saying how horrible it is. Yeah. Another newsflash, rape and pedophelia aren't about sex. They're about control, they're are both a crime, and children should know that. There are children out there HANGING THEMSELVES after watching a clip of Saddam Hussein's execution. We all said that hanging Saddam "fair and just" thing to do, right?

For those of you who choose not to allow your children to see a film like this, that's fine. But don't condem those of us who WILL let our children see the movie so they know that if anything like that EVER, EVER, EVER even comes close to happening to them that it is a CRIME. That they can come to me and tell me if something happens to them, to never be ashamed or afraid that they will be punished.

This type of movie, watched with a parent and discussed afterward, can absolutely be beneficial to children. It might even help some of the parents out there who still have their heads in the sand.

So, in essence, what you are saying is that children are unable to learn negative, bad things from movies, but they can learn positive, good things from movies? That's a bit self serving for your own viewpoint on this, dontchya think? There's 2 sides to everything, so if you can proclaim that it can be good and beneficial for a child to view this, it can certainly go the opposite way.

What's right for some is not right for others. Nobody is condeming anyone here because they stated they would let their children watch it. In fact, I don't believe anyone here has made the statement that they know they would let their kids watch it (other than you) so I don't see how anyone condemned any poster for it???

I'm sorry to hear about your sexual abuse----it sounds like you had adults in your life who were supportive and did the right thing so that you could heal. That isn't the case in many instances of childhood sexual assault. It IS indeed the worst thing for many children. Many children are not as lucky as you to have received the support and counseling that is so needed. It's unfortunate, but it is a sad reality.

This thread has been more about a child being a victim in a violent rape scene, the focus hasn't really been about allowing children to see it. That being said, my kids won't watch it. It's not appropriate. I don't feel like my children need to see a little girl get violently raped to know that it is bad and that it is a crime. I am very open with my kids and don't "have my head in the sand" (your term, thank you) quite the opposite, LOL---my kids are knowledgeable and know all about good and bad. They don't need to have a crime played out on a television set to know that the crime is bad. Talking to ones children is indeed beneficial, but we shouldn't need a Hollywood movie to do that. I do, however, realize that oftentimes people need something to get the ball rolling & start the conversation.

We have to set limits for our kids. Some people set more limits than others. Some don't set any limits at all, LOL! For the most part, I think the vast majority of parents out there are trying their best at raising a mentally and emotionally healthy next generation, who are confident, secure, compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable about the world around them. I know I am, and part of that includes limiting their exposure to certain things that I don't think they need to see while they are forming who they are and their brains are growing so rapidly. There are many things they just are not mentally ready for and no amount of talking will speed up that process.

 

[julianne]

You may be very right about that! Fanning is certainly not naive about the way the industry works. It will be interesting to see if it gets picked up.

If it's against the law to simulate the sexual assault of a child and film it, why haven't other movies (The Prince of Tides, A Time to Kill are just two off the top of my head) had charges bought against their filmmakers? Do you know? Is it perhaps a new law? I had just never heard of it before this discussion.

I don't know, southcitymom. I will try to find a link specific to this film that talks about the charges--I read it yesterday. I don't know why it has never been applied to other movies either, but I also have never heard of investors/sponsors pulling funding or crew members walking out on other movies.

 

[julianne]

Here's a copy of part of the federal child law. In reading it, it's pretty clear that this could be considered a crime.

http://www.minorcon.org//dakota_fanning1.html

What culture can survive such an assault on what it means to be a child? By what tortured reasoning…even with Academy Award attention dangled as a lure…can a mother, an agent, an Industry and The State permit the capture on film of an underage actress simulating a violent sexual assault with commercial intent?​

Is it Art? Can a child be utilized in this fashion under the protections of our First Amendment? Does Freedom of Expression extend to writers and directors and producers who work in a collaborative medium? As an author of sixteen books who vigorously defends First Amendment issues, I require no lectures on the importance of an individual with an unpopular point of view being protected in the right to speak freely or put words to paper that may make some people squirm, or create hand-crafted images depicting even the most vile and hateful of images.​

But can you employ a Minor to act out your creative fantasies? Does paying a child make rape okay? Isn't there a difference between Nobokov's novel, "Lolita," which stands alone as the artist's expression, and graphically putting those images on film with the aid of paid professionals using a Minor who is paid for her performance?​

You bet there is a difference. The unadulterated fact is that a child cannot be used in this fashion, even simulating a sexual act, let alone doing so for commercial purposes. In California the Criminal Codes expressly state (CC: 311.4 if you need convincing) that a person or persons who engage in this behavior have indulged in an illegal act. Federal Codes are also explicit:​

Title 18 of the United States Code governs child . See Chapter 110, Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children. 18 U.S.C. § 2256 defines "Child " as: ​

"any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where - ​

• (A) the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
• (B) such visual depiction is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
• (C) such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or
• (D) such visual depiction is advertised, promoted, presented, described, or distributed in such a manner that conveys the impression that the material is or contains a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct . . ."

Next we will demonstrate why Hollywood Dollars cater to the hormonally driven appetites of adolescent boys, and why the decision-makers trundle off to states like North Carolina, a Right To Work (for less) State that actually brags about its absence of child labor laws. There is a reason films like " out of Carolina," (starring Jena Malone) "Firestarter" (starring nine year-old Drew Barrymore), and now "Hound Dog" (starring Dakota Fanning) choose Wilmington, NC as a production base.​

What message was the non-union crew sending when it walked off the set during Dakota's rape scene?​

End quote.​

Geez, I had to search for the term "child " to find this, and I am just now wondering if I am going to have LE knocking on my door!!!! Dang, I probably shouldn't have done that!!!!!!:doh: :doh: :doh:​

​