"Hounddog" Stirs Debate At Sundance

Director Says Child Rape Scene Is Important, Because Issue Is "So Silenced In Our Society"

(CBS/AP)  At a festival that features several films with sexual content, including full male nudity and a documentary about bestiality, a southern Gothic tale that includes the rape of a young girl is causing the biggest stir.

"Hounddog" is the story of Lewellen, a girl played by 12-year-old Dakota Fanning, who is growing up in the 1960s South. She is a free-spirit obsessed with Elvis Presley and has little supervision by her abusive father and alcoholic grandmother.

Even before the first screening of "Hounddog" at the Sundance Film Festival this week, a Christian film critic, citing Fanning's age, decried the movie as child abuse, and Roman Catholic activist Bill Donohue called for a boycott.

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Photos: Sundance Opens

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Chatter about the film made it to the hot topics segment of "The View" on Tuesday. "I think it's her parents' decision," said show guest Tatum O'Neal, who got her start as a child actress. "She's a real actress. I think she's very smart and probably looked at the script and said she felt it was ok for her to do."

Fanning is defending her work as well as the movie, and so is the head of Sundance, who said it was courageous for director Deborah Kampmeier to tackle "challenging material." "Hounddog" is entered in the festival's dramatic category.

"It's not a rape movie," Fanning said Tuesday. "That's not even the point of the film."

2The disturbing scene lasts a few minutes but is not graphic. There is no nudity, the scene is very darkly lit and only Fanning's face and hand are shown.

Kampmeier said it took her a decade to get the film made, largely because of the rape scene, but cutting it was a compromise she was unwilling to make.

"This issue is so silenced in our society. There are a lot of women who are alone with this story," she said.

"When you're shooting a film, it's the images you line up next to each other that create a story," Kampmeier said. "If you have a hand hitting the ground, Dakota screaming 'stop' and you see a zipper unzip - that creates a rape."

Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission and publisher of the Web site movieguide.org, claims "Hounddog" breaks federal child-pornography law. He said the law covers material that "appears" to show minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

"Even if they're not actually performing the explicit act, we are dealing with a legal issue here," he said.

Baehr said Fanning is being exploited in the film, and that it should be considered an outrage.

"Children at twelve do not have the ability to make the types of decisions that we're talking about here," he said. "If we're offended by some comedian's racial slur, why aren't we offended by somebody taking advantage of a 12-year-old child?"

Two other children perform in the film. Cody Hanford plays Buddy, and Isabelle Fuhrman plays a girl nicknamed "Grasshopper."

Kampmeier said she talked with the children and their parents but didn't go into great detail with the young actors about the content.

"I didn't have to articulate to Cody and Isabelle the psychological elements that were going on in this film," she said. "I used images to tell the story. I didn't manipulate these children or explain to these children what was going on."

Fanning said she and Kampmeier talked for months before the film was shot and spent a day painting pottery together and discussing the story.

"It's not really happening," said Fanning, talking about a rape scene in the film. "It's a movie, and it's called acting. I'm not going through anything. Cody and Isabelle aren't going through anything, their characters are.

"And for me, when it's done it's done," she said. "I don't even think about it anymore."

Sundance director Geoffrey Gilmore said independent filmmakers should pursue sensitive subject matter.

"I feel the mission and very nature of what Sundance is about is to provide a platform for that," he said.

[jayyen157]

Has anyone seen the movie "A Time to Kill"? This movie centered around a father who took vengeance in his own hands after his 9-10 year African American daughter was beaten, raped and urinated on. Why is it so much more appalling in the eyes of Bill Donahue, Roman Catholic activist and Ted Baehr, Chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission that Dakota Fanning act in a rape scene in "Hounddog" than it was for this little African American girl to act in a rape scene that by all accounts was way more grapic. Obviously, I have not seen "Hounddog"; however, from the description of the rape scene, it is not as nearly as grapic as the scene involving Dakota Fanning. What the message here?

[ecuadoriana]

abigail4476, you asked how I would present rape with an "object lesson" using produce. To coin a phrase, that's "comparing apples & oranges".

But your question deserves an answer. My daughter & I lived as a single parent household & I was lucky enough to be able to work from home. Because she was w/me all day, every day, I was always aware of who she came in contact with, not having to rely on day care providers or relatives. When we traveled through the city she saw up close homeless, different races & "lifestyles". She wasn't sheltered from reality out in the suburbs. When we passed strip clubs we talked about the women who work there, that they felt themselves not worthy enough (usually the result of childhood abuse) & that the men who go to these places don't repect them. This led into age appropriate discussions on s-x, abuse, rape, molestation, procreation, homos-xuality, etc. Some people like to hurt others & there are different ways they do that. They know it's wrong & that's why they'll tell you to keep it a "secret." Many people are good & caring but it takes time to find out who is honest & who isn't.

Talking openly, non-judgementally & honestly really helps. Allowing your child, as appropriate for the age & maturity level, to see (obviously through a "filter") the world for what it really is- a mixed bag of nuts- while sharing your moral values really helps them understand what is expected of them & what they deserve to expect from others.

[bjmontana]

ABUSE IS ALLOWED TO FLOURISH WHEN WE INSIST ON "PROTECTING" OUR CHILDREN FROM INFORMATION. i understand the sense of horror at the idea of a 12 year old actress participating in a rape scene. i just wish the horror was foused on the fact that this does happen, and to children much younger than 12. i don't believe that viewing a movie about child sexual abuse causes disturbed people to abuse, any more than watching a movie about bank robbery makes dishonest people rob banks. if viewing this movie prompts a conversation between a parent and child, it may help prevent an abuse. adults must talk to children about what things other PEOPLE (not just other adults) should NOT be allowed to make them do. WE HAVE TO BE SURE THEY KNOW that it is safe to tell, no matter what their abuser threatens. and they WILL threaten. is this young actress going to be harmed in any way by participaing in this film? i honestly don't know. there are way too many variables, known and unknown, for virtually anyone to be able to answer this question. i leave it to the significant adults in her life to make and live with this decision. and the decision has been made. if she does ultimately experience harm, at least let's not let it be for nothing. let's talk to our kids.
thanks for considering my opinions - i personally am very fond of them!!
bn

[bjmontana]

ABUSE IS ALLOWED TO FLOURISH WHEN WE INSIST ON "PROTECTING" OUR CHILDREN FROM INFORMATION. i understand the sense of horror at the idea of a 12 year old actress participating in a rape scene. i just wish the horror was foused on the fact that this does happen, and to children much younger than 12. i don't believe that viewing a movie about child sexual abuse causes disturbed people to abuse, any more than watching a movie about bank robbery makes dishonest people rob banks. if viewing this movie prompts a conversation between a parent and child, it may help prevent an abuse. adults must talk to children about what things other PEOPLE (not just other adults) should NOT be allowed to make them do. WE HAVE TO BE SURE THEY KNOW that it is safe to tell, no matter what their abuser threatens. and they WILL threaten. is this young actress going to be harmed in any way by participaing in this film? i honestly don't know. there are way too many variables, known and unknown, for virtually anyone to be able to answer this question. i leave it to the significant adults in her life to make and live with this decision. and the decision has been made. if she does ultimately experience harm, at least let's not let it be for nothing. let's talk to our kids.
thanks for considering my opinions - i personally am very fond of them!!
bn

[bjmontana]

ABUSE IS ALLOWED TO FLOURISH WHEN WE INSIST ON "PROTECTING" OUR CHILDREN FROM INFORMATION. i understand the sense of horror at the idea of a 12 year old actress participating in a rape scene. i just wish the horror was foused on the fact that this does happen, and to children much younger than 12. i don't believe that viewing a movie about child sexual abuse causes disturbed people to abuse, any more than watching a movie about bank robbery makes dishonest people rob banks. if viewing this movie prompts a conversation between a parent and child, it may help prevent an abuse. adults must talk to children about what things other PEOPLE (not just other adults) should NOT be allowed to make them do. WE HAVE TO BE SURE THEY KNOW that it is safe to tell, no matter what their abuser threatens. and they WILL threaten. is this young actress going to be harmed in any way by participaing in this film? i honestly don't know. there are way too many variables, known and unknown, for virtually anyone to be able to answer this question. i leave it to the significant adults in her life to make and live with this decision. and the decision has been made. if she does ultimately experience harm, at least let's not let it be for nothing. let's talk to our kids.
thanks for considering my opinions - i personally am very fond of them!!
bn

[simba827]

THE YOUNG LADY HAD NO PROBLEM PLAYING THIS ROLE. WHAT GIVES OTHER PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE. IT WAS THE OLD DAYS THINKING THAT THINGS SHOULD NOT BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN. PEOPLE HAVE COMMENTED ABOUT HOW IT STUPID TO DISCUSS OR EXPOSE CHILDREN TO THIS TOPIC. WHAT IS THE CORRECT AGE? IF YOU DON'T DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR CHILDREN, THEY WILL LEARN IT FROM OTHER PEOPLE. IT IS YOUR JOB TO EXPOSE YOUR CHILDREN TO THE GOOD AND HORRIBLE THINGS IN LIFE. EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT AND WILL NEED TO LEARN ABOUT THESE THINGS AT DIFFERENT AGES. ALSO, IT IS THE MOTHER AND FATHER WHO CHOOSES WHEN THERE CHILD IS READY TO LEARN ABOUT THE HORRIBLE THINGS SUCH AS RAPE. CLEARLY HER MOTHER THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS READY, SHE DID'T DISAPPROVE, SO NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO QUESTION IT. YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE CHILD AND FAMILY PERSONALLY BEFORE ANY JUDGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.

[simba827]

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE WAS THESE DEBATES WHEN MOVIES DISPLAYED OTHER CHILDREN IN A RAPE SCENE? WHERE WERE THE DEBATES WHEN BLACK CHILDREN WERE RAPED IN MOVIES? WHY NOW? WHY NOT BACK THEN? IT SEEMS THAT THE ONLY THING BEING DEBATE IS THE YOUNG LADY OF CHOICE. PEOPLE WHO DID NOT MAKE SUCH A FUSS WHEN IT WAS OTHER YOUNG LADIES PLAYING THE ROLE, SHOULDN'T BE ALLOW TO FUSS NOW.

[Jasonian18]

the issue here is the longe term problem that this girl is going to have just like the stupidity of telling 6 year olds about *** in kindergarten that is just stupid they don't know what to think about it and try some of the things they learn that is a natural law! this is wrong they should have found a women who looks like a twelve year old rather then an actual twelve year old if they didn't explain what actually went into the movie that would be better understood.

[Jasonian18]

the issue here is the longe term problem that this girl is going to have just like the stupidity of telling 6 year olds about *** in kindergarten that is just stupid they don't know what to think about it and try some of the things they learn that is a natural law! this is wrong they should have found a women who looks like a twelve year old rather then an actual twelve year old if they didn't explain what actually went into the movie that would be better understood.

[Jasonian18]

the issue here is the longe term problem that this girl is going to have just like the stupidity of telling 6 year olds about *** in kindergarten that is just stupid they don't know what to think about it and try some of the things they learn that is a natural law! this is wrong they should have found a women who looks like a twelve year old rather then an actual twelve year old if they didn't explain what actually went into the movie that would be better understood.

[migrainegram]

Watch the 1997 version of Lolita.

[kristle01]

Doesn't anyone remember "*** out of Carolina" with Jena Malone? In that movie, Malone is REPEATELY molested, and it was made in the early 90's. I believe Fanning had ONE disturbing scene in the entire movie

[abigail4476]

So I'm only allowed to make one point? LOL. I have more than one question about this film and whether it is appropriate or not, and whether it is shedding light on an issue or compounding the problem.

In my opinion, it is a multi-faceted problem. The most important issue is whether a child actor/actress should participate in an adult film, and specifically a scene with an adult theme. But that doesn't mean there aren't other questions and points worth addressing. :-)

I think you (r_bayless) and jimibear have raised the most compelling arguments. I remain unconvinced, but I respect your opinions.

Those who get online and just scream about Christian conservatives, as if they are the only group who would have objections are showing their ignorance.

If the actress portraying the scene were an adult, I would have much less to object to. (If anything.)

[gigimama28]

ticket sales? come on folks-Ms. Kampmeier most likely did not spend 10 years of her life w/the main objective being ticket sales! Instead should we not be looking at the importance of bringing child rape more to the surface? It happens every day in the life of a child somewhere.
I applaud Ms. Kampmeier, the cast and the festival for their bravery of realism to make more and more known that so many children are truly living lives similar to what is said to be portrayed in this story.
As an adult woman who suffered child abuse and wathced my siblings suffer child abuse-story's of this nature validate the life long scars that remain long after the physical act. This story does not bring back pain, instead it reminds me that we survived and must continually push to eliminate by edcuating this horrific abuse.
It is not only pedophiles, clergy, or others that we see in the news-it is often the adults we have to trust to feed us that violate us!
Thank Ms. Kampmeier for your efforts!

[rluhlman]

Just another example of America's slow decay into decadence...can the gladiators and lions be far behind?

[aa36042]

nikosk1

The other guy was right, that was a lame dijointed point. the issue is relevant and needs to be discussed. the fact that a 12 year old girl is being exploited for ticket revenue "to bring it to light" is the main point to be concerned with. not the fact that it is being delivered, but how it is being delievered. think!

[abigail4476]

nikosk1,

Who's being hypocritical and how? Your points aren't very clear....

[abigail4476]

ecuadoriana,

Please don't call me honey child. Yuck. But you do make some good points.

You're right...pedophiles probably don't care whether the child is naked or clothed, in a rape scene or in a scene walking their dog. There must not be any demand for smutty content, and that's why child pornographers are going broke. *rolls eyes*

No, really...you make good points. But I still don't see how that supports a child being in an adult film with adult themes and adult content.

As for the eggs and tomatoes...gross. Probably effective, though. Kids do well with object lessons. So can you come up with an "object lesson" for kids about rape, similar to your eggs/tomatoes? How would you present that with produce?

[ecuadoriana]

jimibear, thanks for the sugar, honey!

[ecuadoriana]

abigail4476, honey child, a pedophole doesn't need to see a serious movie to visualise your daughter (or any one's child). That pedophile is sitting next to you on the bus visualising a child. He's in line behind you at the supermarket, down the pew from you in church, shaking hands with you after a business lunch, teaching at your child's school. He may be the cousin who plays a little too rough with the kids at holiday gatherings. He may even be sleeping next to you every night while you are wishing he didn't snore so loud.

Pedophiles will find any & all means to be near or see children. This movie isn't going to send any of them over a frantic s**xual frezied edge any more than looking at a baby magazine in the doctor's waiting room. It's all the same to them.