Comments on: Sundance Sensation ‘Beasts Of The Southern Wild’ Arrives On June 29th

By: Bakunin

Bakunin — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

Is a trailer for this out?

By: Philip Lawrence

Philip Lawrence — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

I played Dr. Maloney in the film. The performances – and in partiuclar those of the two leads – were genuine and powerful, in large part because Benh gave the actors so much leeway in developing their characters, even if some of the performances may seem – especially to those who haven't spent much time in the deep south – stereotypical. Bravo to Benh and everyone who made this a successful film!

By: Carl

Carl — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

I apologize for the implication that Lucy Alibar is not southern, I was referring to Benh Zeitlin specifically and the remark was meant to clarify the issue of how the performances might be perceived as racist stereotypes, despite the actors themselves being black. I do mean to suggest that they are or are not racist, but with the question of "how" could they be seen that way, it seemed worth mentioning.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

Mike, I don't know exactly where your bitterness comes from. You miss the point of the movie. It is about the end of the world: The overwhelming feeling that it is the end of the world when a parent dies; the end of the world as global warming wreaks its havoc; the end of the world in the Bayou as the water continues to rise. For example, there is a road out to Homa that is barely above the water. As for your racist stereotypes: Benh Zeitlin explained at the first premier, the fact that the main character and her father are black is merely because they were far and away the best who auditioned for the parts. Sincerely, Lucy Alibar's mother; and yes she is born and raised Southern

By: Peter D. Wolf

Peter D. Wolf — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

I saw the film at Sundance and thought it was beautiful, i can't really see why anyone would say that there are racist stereotyping in the movie. Where Mike S, where? Do you even know what you're talking about? If yes, than explain yourself please.

By: Carl

Carl — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

To be fair, the writer/director of Beasts is neither southern nor black.

By: hank

hank — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

seriously, everything is California's fault.

By: Mary Louise Song

Mary Louise Song — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

Mike S (would that be Mike S Ryan by any chance?? since he called the film racist before i'm assuming is you). Clearly you had your own agenda when watching a film like Beasts, this film is the most unique film to come out of Sundance since TAKE SHELTER or WINTER'S BONE, even though those films are way more conservative in style. The brilliant script and amazing visuals alone would blow anyone away. Quit being a sour man.

By: alan

alan — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

mike,

you really think black actors gave a performance that was racist? or, perhaps, they gave a naturalistic performance–playing themselves, really–and your lack of experience in the real world (or your progressivism) mistakes this as a "racist stereotype". how about you get back to WHITEY world? where rich white people dictate your morality?

seriously. go fuck yourself. you and california.

sincerely,
a man who just so happens to be black.

By: Mike S.

Mike S. — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:56:08 +0000

Absolutely one of the most overrated films to premiere at Sundance this year. It's definitely an original vision, and it has its moments, but ultimately it feels patched together and the acting (especially the father and others) veers so much towards racist stereotypes that it baffles me this is being celebrated. Either way, it won't have the impact of Tree of Life, either culturally, or in its Box Office.