Can't find your blog. Heard the director interviewed on NPR yesterday. He was an interesting man who was badly physically abused by his father. He talked about finding the girl who plays "Precious". It was difficult finding the right 350 pound African American teenager who could play this difficult part. The subject of incest and sexual and physical abuse is hard to watch. I don't know if I want to see this film. Probably not.
Thanks for the heads up. I will add this to my netflix queue.
Hi Lafingpenny. Just click on the link. If you don't deal in hardcore reality, you shouldn't. Because it is really hardcore reality.
I finally found your link. Good review. Sorry now that I jumped to the conclusion that this was a film too painful to see. If it comes here, I'll go...good acting is so scarce these days.
The director interviewed by Terry Gross on "Fresh Air" said he had been beaten by his policeman father. His father was afraid that his son was going to grow up to be gay. This movie is about physical and sexual abuse in the family and he did it to expunge his terrible childhood. Thanks for the review, did you write it? I liked it.
Hi LA,
Yes, I did. Thanks. The film will move you.
I plan to see this. Why would anyone shy away from a movie because it is too painful to watch? I know a lot of people just consider movies as entertainment but don't you feel they can serve other purposes as well? Most of us can't travel and have to spend our time more or less isolated in a small area. Movies can open up new experiences, other realities. My life hasn't been pain free, emotional or physical. I don't want to think of anyone ever suffering, especially at the hands of relatives. However, it puts my experiences in perspective. I can find solace in knowing that although I have had it harder than some, I have also had it easier than a lot.
Why would anyone shy away from a movie because it is too painful to watch?
posted by sandysuz
I cannot watch a simple movie like Marley and Me because I have a fourteen year old dog that I love so much--I know his days are numbered and could never watch the movie. One day I walked in the TV room and my husband was watching a movie about dogs. I asked him which one? He said, "You don't want to know..." It was Marley.
Perhaps someone who was sexually abused would have a hard time with Precious.
Crest, My mother had Alzheimers. Her last years were so so painful to our family, especially for me her caregiver. I cannot watch a movie about this subject because it brings back such sad memories. Even if someone makes a movie that wins numerous awards, the reviews are outstanding, etc. It's too personal a subject to relive.
Surprising, someone wrote an anonymous post to my blog and they had a similar experience as the movie Precious. I believe that this person felt that based on what I wrote, they could open up about it and feel comfortable.
I am one watching who watches everything. Some of us do have trouble watching certain things that "hit home"...But I think it is the commonality of a story or an understand and compassion for another person's story that brings people together.
The only movie that really disturbed me was "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" (Diane Keaton, Richard Gere). It started on a low and got lower and lower... Anyone remember that one?
RealSchool, I remember Mr. Goodbar, the book by Judith Rossner. I did not see the movie because the last scene in the book was so horrendous, so shocking, that once was enough. Diane Keaton was nominated for a Golden Globe that year, but won it for "Annie Hall". I think Mr. Goodbar was the last serious part she ever played.
