Beasts of the Southern Wild: a remarkable original
film. A number of people had told me I needed to see this film and
I was pleased to see upon returning from my vacation that it was still playing
at the Kahala theatre. The literal story line is about a six year
old girl named Hushpuppy. You are introduced to her at the start of
the film and slowly you learn physical location, offshore of New Orleans, and
details as to her life. The movie is shot in the bayous
of Louisiana and opens shortly before Katrina. Yes, it is a
Katrina story but not one you likely have seen before. Hushpuppy is
raised by her father, named Wink. He is more complex than his
initial presence would indicate and he is a carrying and loving father.
Her mother is discussed but is not around and you are never told exactly
why. Wink had told Hushpuppy that she had “swam away”.
My conclusion is that she died in child birth. This is a first time
acting performance by the performers playing Hushpuppy, Quvenzhane Wallis, and
Wink, Dwight Henry. Henry was cast after the crew had been
buying his pastries. This 93 minute movie is by a first time
director named Ben Zeitlin. I look forward to seeing what he does
next. A lot occurs over a short period of time and due to the
magnetism of Wallis, it all works including the animation. Why the
title? Hushpuppy and other children living on the island in the bayou
named Bathtub are taught that once upon a time there were giant creatures
called aurochs who would devour any living thing, including their parents, who
were not strong enough to stand up for themselves. There is a marvelous
scene with Hushpuppy and an auroch: it alone is worth the admission
price. The movie is about independence, survival and relationships
and one could draw an analogy as to this being a tale Mark Twain would tell
using modern technology. I’m pleased to report that this film
is still showing at Kahala. Do yourself a favor and view a film
that is quite different, imaginative and entertaining.
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