DISQUS

Richard Brunton · 2 years ago

As I've been writing about in all my coverage of this over hyped controversy is the fact that the filmmakers stated that she was on her own during the scenes of rape, there was no one on top of her and she was clothed, editing did the rest.

As for the rest of it, it does sound a little off, but the main reason I won't watch it is that it just sounds too long and boring, not because pressure groups are going mad without ever having seen it.

Thanks for the review Vic, oh and I can't get email through to you by the way.

Smitty · 2 years ago

As a parent this hurts on so my levels, as a human being is scares me to death that a director would use such a small child in such a provocative way. It is so sad to think how the pervs will use this movie.

Vic · 2 years ago

Smitty, I hear you. I do believe the director had good intentions, but the film will end up appealing to the wrong crowd. I think it's really difficult to make a film that tries to draw attention to this subject without somehow conveying how horrific it is. I would have been more supportive of this if not for the decisions made that I describe towards the end of my interview.

Vic

Toni · 2 years ago

I have seen the movie. I don't think some of the posted comments are from people who have seen it. It is very respectful of Ms. Fanning and her talents as an actress. I saw her at the premeire showing at Sundance. She is obviously a VERY bright young girl and understands what she has been asked to do. I'm would think law would require a parent on the set during filming.
In response to Vic's review... imagine a girl who's father flaunts his sexuality in front of the girl. She has been exposed to women as sex objects. This is what she thinks is normal, therefore this is how she acts, therefore the confusion between being a girl & woman.

Vic · 2 years ago

Toni,

Point taken, but it would have been more effective in getting the director's point of view across better in my opinion if they didn't paint Fanning's character so "come hither", but instead had her act as a normal child her age.

I do understand what you're saying about *why* she might act that way and it does make sense.

Vic

Smitty · 2 years ago

I understand all that you guys/gals have had to say. I see the subjst from many points of veiw, as a "Modern Man", as a Father, as a artist. I grew up knowing there is a line that we all know we should never cross.......does anybody know where it is anymore??

Vic · 2 years ago

The reason the line keeps moving is moral relativism. That determines that there is no true, unmoving "line". Instead there is a fluid definition of what is right and wrong, or even worse the idea that what is wrong for me may be ok for you due to how you feel about some particular subject.

Vic

NURSE4DOUG4EVER · 2 years ago

I am a nurse. I work at a residential treatment facility for boys ages 12-18. We have approximately 60 beds. One half of these boys have been sexually and physically abused. Usually 9 times out of 10 that child goes from being a victim to the abuser. This is real people. I am not sure if I want to see the movie but if the producer was trying to make a statement about child abuse more power to her. What happens with sexually abused children is they are not able to tell the difference between just motherly/fatherly love and the kind of love you have for someone of the opposite and/or same sex.
Sometimes these children act in a manner that is very sexually to most because that is all they know and that is how they get their attention or love as some victims call it. For these children cannot always tell the difference between the types of love , we have to be careful with them they cannot be hugged and cuddled like the non-abused child. I see these kids suffer everyday of their lives. I see them cut themselves, fight other residents,having not nightmares, while sleeping in their beds the position looks as if they are bound (some were tormented like that),not taking showers, etc. Oh yes, not taking showers has prevented some victims from being abused because of the bad hygiene was a "turn off" to the abuser. The horror stories I know about these kids' lives will make you vomit.
I love my job but somedays it is so heartbreaking I just ask myself can I go on and keep doing this? I keep going back everyday as scheduled. Hoping to see a miracle. This kind of job isn't for everyone. Evidentally there is something in the producer's past life or that of a loved one that is so heavy she feels the need to make her statement. I do not doubt with all the wonderful advancements of our photography/film industry that the child was naked or a person was on top of her. The reason for the underwear scenes, well, that is her way of getting her attention, whether good or bad, because she doesn't know any better. By the way, I am from South Carolina and I understand the movie was made in North Carolina. So if you know of a chld that is being abused or you suspect one is being abuse, don't just sit there and do nothing, help that kid. Most of the abuse has come from family or close friends of the family. And for the wrong group wanting to see this movie, well, that is the said part because someone will enjoy this kind of pain. That part sickens me. I am not defending this movie as I have not seen it yet. I am just trying to give a few facts about abused children and why they act and react the way they do. Have a great day!! Bless the children. Nurse

NURSE4DOUG4EVER · 2 years ago

So sorry about my typos. Thought I could type without my glasses. Even with my typos, I am sure you will understand my point. Nurse :)

Vic · 2 years ago

Nurse,

First of all, you are AWESOME for doing the work you do. I hear what you're saying and I do give props to the director for trying to bring this into the spotlight. The problem I think lies in the fact that most people are not aware of the facts you presented above in regards to abused children's behavior and would most likely read it the way I did.

Thanks so much for contributing your thoughts here.

Vic

shellie parsons · 2 years ago

My kids have been wanting to watch this wounderful movie and i just havent been able to get it so they could i have read that it is a good movie for kids and parents and i really really rally would love to have this movie and surprise my kids please let me have this wounderfull movie

Vic · 2 years ago

Right... your KIDS have been wanting to watch it, because everything out there that talks about it makes it so appealing to them, right?

Come on, now.

Vic

tina · 2 years ago

is this movie coming on dvd?

Vic · 2 years ago

I don't know for sure but I can't imagine any movie from the 2007 Sundance Film Festival not getting picked up for at LEAST a DVD release.

Vic

Adriane · 2 years ago

hey have you got a date when it should be out on DVD ?????

Vic · 2 years ago

Sorry, I've looked around and can't find any info on a possible release date for a DVD.

Vic

wdkedk · 1 year ago

What everyone is missing is Dakota wanted to make a statement about teen rape and how it effects them and their lives,Joy Fanning would NEVER allow Dakota to be in any danger or harm her in ANY way.
Dakota wants the world and even the people who cause this pain to see the effects and how it ruins their lives and future!
Its a statement that needs made because laws and people will not change the rapists minds nor make the sentences more severe to punish these people.
You sentence a person to 20 years for molesting a child and the death sentence for raping a minor and watch what happens!

Craig Grandville · 1 year ago

It is about time this movie is released. Maybe this movie will bring more awareness to the terrible experiences children are forced to repress because of shame and false guilt. This issue must be addressed and confronted before children can begin the healing process. Craig Grandville MSW, MSED

Craig Grandville · 1 year ago

It is about time this movie is released. Childrens lives are ruined by incest all over this country. With greater awareness this problem can be confronted in ways that can help more children suffering from shame and false guilt, to begin the healing process. Craig Grandville aka Bobby Grandville

Craig Grandville · 1 year ago

Saw the movie and it was better than I originally thought it would be. Awesome, and I hope many people see it..It's nothing like what people say. Barely an R rating. Craig Grandville

John "Kahless" Taylor · 1 year ago

From what I read, this is a film I will never see. Informing the puplic of such heinous behavior is something that needs to be done but not soo graphic. I would rather see a film where NURSE4DOUG4EVER and the children she takes care of are interviewed and their life stories are told. That would be a Sundance film I would buy.

Dana · 1 year ago

I REALLY don't think the movie was boring at all
I wasn't sure if I should see it because of all the bad reviews it was getting but the movie is GREAT.
One of my favorite movies, I really think if you are not sure if you want to see it like I was, you should go see it because it was great and you will be pleasantly surprised.

SIN187UM · 1 year ago

I remember controversy over this last year. I highly doubt that with upwards to 50 people on the production crew that an of age actor would be on top of an underage actor/actress. Also there is a double standard here. People want to know about underage rape after the fact of the matter, but when it's brought to there faces as it happens people say shame on you and start saying someone is promoting pedophilia?? I think the problem is just Americans want to have hard truths prettied up so they wont be offended. But some things are just better gotten accross being the natural way it is.

Again not commenting on the movie because I havent seen it, but will rent it when it comes to DVD if ever. My commenting is based off of comments here and other places that have tried to scrutinize this flick.

Vic Holtreman · 1 year ago

Watch the movie, then come back and comment on my review.

Vic

Justin · 1 year ago

This is so rediculous, Again as I said before you people keep talking about how children should not knomw abnout this stuff. Heres a newsflas, They already kno, as young as 10 in most places, it is called Sex Ed. Ever heard of it? I mean seriously I think that kids would benifit from watching movies like this(not this exact one) but mabey one like it so that they know what to avoid. Think of it all kids watch are cartoons or movies about princesses and fairytales, sooner or later they are going to have to realize that although they can live their dreams, there is danger out there. I also want to say that Dakota fanning and kids her age and younger already know about this stuff. So stop already. I like the fact that some people are not touching the subject that there was a "rape" for have none of you heard of the movie "{Bastard out of CArolina" ANyways I dont ever think there should be a movie like "Pretty Baby" now that movie is gross. Thats my opinion.

Vic Holtreman · 1 year ago

@Justin

$20 bucks says you're not a parent.

Vic

gandhi77 · 1 year ago

Vagisil anyone? Opinions, opinions. It is a movie.... I'm sure the actors are well aware of what's going on... that's why there are parents for guidance. What, noone has faith in parenting anymore. We can't watch a movie. OOH rape scene, rape scene, I'm tired of people that have nothing better to do than to whine and people who just monkey see monkey do whines with the rest. Has anyone forgotten we all can think for ourselves. We have our own points of views. How can you protect someone (a child/anyone) when they don't know what dangers they should stay away from. If this movie helps one bit, that's great.