Interesting take on the effect of Katrina through the eyes of a creative 6-year old child. Beasts of the Southern Wild is nothing like I expected. It had magical realism in it, but more on the realistic side than magical. Quvenzhané Wallis who has been nominated for an Oscar is probably the most magical part of the movie. Her voice-over as the character Hushpuppy sounds light-years away from a 6 year-old’s interpretation of life. But the camera constantly reminds us she is truly as small and naive as one might imagine a little girl living in the Bayou’s desolate conditions. Dwight Henry also makes his film debut as Hushpuppy’s Dad, Wink. When the ice caps melt and the ancient aurochs appear, you wonder are they a metaphor? I hate to say this, but Beasts didn’t grab me like I’d hoped it would. I enjoyed it and there are many beautiful moments in the film, but it’s not a film I care to watch a second time, nor is it something I need to own. It’s probably best described as a fable, but it simply made me hunger for season 3 of Treme. Guess I’m more of a realist these days. Favorite line from the film: ”Because nobody like a pity-party-having-ass woman.” A 3.5 out of 5 if I could.
For a more gushing review of Beasts of the Southern Wild, read Uncle Barb‘s take on it. She sees it as “art being born.”
January 14, 2013 at 5:54 am |
I have the same feeling about it. It was good, but a little too unrealistic and strange for me. The actors were wonderful though.
January 14, 2013 at 9:12 am |
Christina normally I like strange or unique movies for the most part. For some reason, the combined parts of this film didn’t work for me. I kept sitting there thinking “I’m watching a film” instead of being absorbed in it.
January 16, 2013 at 6:57 am
Same here, but the acting was very good. I love little Hushpuppy. She is suppose to be playing in 12 Years a Slave. Looking forward to that.
January 14, 2013 at 7:46 am |
I’m disappointed that our opinions about Beast of the Southern Wild are so radically different. I was simply blown away. Completely different from any other film ever, I found it to shine a bit brighter than anything I’ve seen in a long time. And yes, Quvenshane Wallis was excellent, but with an actor that young, one has to credit the director for illiciting such a great performance. This mythical, magical film ranks high in my list of best films.
January 14, 2013 at 9:11 am |
Agree it was unique and I appreciate the work the director did to illicit that performance from Quvenshane. It just didn’t speak to me as I hoped it would after reading your review. The beauty of the film industry. There’s something out there for everyone.