Friday, August 3, 2012

Beasts of the Southern Wild


Beasts of the Southern Wild is that rare American film in which we’re shown things from a fresh perspective. The film is familiar, yet new. Bold, yet restrained. It knows precisely when to roar, when to lay dormant, and, most importantly, when to wow. It’s a compelling breath of fresh air amidst the bombast of summer action blockbusters. It’s also one of the best films of the year so far. Here’s why.

The film tells the story of a little girl known only as Hushpuppy (played to perfection by newcomer Quvenzhané Wallis, who was all of six years old when the film was shot). Hushpuppy and her ill father, Wink (an equally good, unhinged Dwight Henry) live poor, dirty and happy in a forgotten area of America known as The Bathtub, a tiny community in the Delta of Louisiana. And when I say poor, I mean it. Hushpuppy and Wink search for food by coasting the waters in an abandoned bed of a pick-up truck, they live in shacks, eat their pets (if need be), never change their clothes, and, well, you get the picture.

Describing the film’s plot will get us nowhere, as it has not a shred of one. This is a character study of a girl and her vivid imagination. Part of her creative resourcefulness is manifested with frequent bouts of daydreaming. She talks to herself, imagines oft run-ins with giant beasts, and even converses with a mother she’s never met. The beauty of the film is that first time director Benh Zeitlin never lets things grow boring or inefficient. Zeitlin accurately puts us in the mind of a six year old, which, in trying to consistently retain the adult audience’s attention, is never an easy feat.
Moreover from encapsulating Hushpuppy’s imagination, Beasts of the Southern Wild is as much about where it is as who it is. Following Hurricane Katrina, we’ve seen an influx of stories aiming to capture the struggle of southern Louisiana. David Simon’s HBO drama Treme is currently the most engaging, but Beasts of the Southern Wild may be the most unique. The area it chronicles is a place I’ve never seen, but, through Zeitlin’s lens, was delighted to discover. In short, this movie is a worthy ode to the region it depicts.

Wallis deserves more recognition than a buried sentence, so I’m gonna give it to her. If you need a reason to see this movie (and believe me, there are plenty), see it for the wonder that is Quvenzhané Wallis. After a grueling casting search, Zeitlin had the good fortune of finding this young slice of life, who, in one 90 minute movie, has a greater command of the screen then most of the actors I’ve seen in movies so far this year. Beasts of the Southern Wild is tough on her. She’s forced to convey damn near every conceivable emotion, which she does, and convincingly at that. She makes the movie worth it, but like I said, she’s only one reason I suggest you let this marvel unfold before you. A-

20 comments:

  1. Good review Alex. This flick really touched me mainly because of the imaginary story and heartfelt performances from the unknown cast. Not the one flick that would change your life this year, but it's still a very magical flick that takes you into places, that you never thought were imaginable before.

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    1. Thanks Dan! And I'd agree with everything you said. No, it isn't life changing by any means, but it is imaginative and new. And bold. I thoroughly enjoyed its vision.

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  2. I've avoided reading the review as I'm seeing on Monday but great to see you gave it an A-! Excited.

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    1. Nice, really curious to hear what you think of it. I wonder if its power will carry over to foreign audiences at all. I could honestly see that going either way.

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  3. So jealous. I really want to see this. And your A- just reinforces that. :)

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    1. It's a damn fine film. Hopefully it'll grow a little as its buzz builds. But with bigger fall fare coming... who knows.

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  4. Hey Alex, I'm glad we're in agreement that this will be at the top of the very best of the year when all is said and done. The natural acting (with all non-professional actors), the cinematography, fantastical elements and even the narration all mixes to form an instant masterpiece of cajon flavor. Loved your favorite Directors list, can't really argue with any, I always put Kubrick at the top personally. Already thinking of your next film project?

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    1. Hey there, yeah I read your review and was glad to find another champion of this film, it's just so good. I do think it's a tad early for me to say it'll be one of my favorites of the year, simply because I think we're going to have one hell of a film fall.

      Glad you liked the directors list, you should make one too!

      In terms of filmmaking, I'm enjoying a much needed break from that right now. Slowly marketing Earrings, but that's about it. There are definitely ideas floating around, but that flick drained me. Gotta get refreshed!

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  5. Man...this thing is going to sweep up at the Oscars.

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    1. Nah I don't think so. Granted, there is usually one (or two) tiny sleeper indies that racks up a few noms, but I don't think this'll be the one this year. It is definitely good, but doesn't carry with it a whole hell of a lot of Oscar weight. Who knows, I could be wrong!

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  6. Excellent review! I never heard of this movie but I love Louisiana so I'll watch it for sure.

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    1. Thanks! Oh if you like the area, then you'll definitely dig this. It explored a part of that state I have never seen. Crazy.

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  7. I'm so jealous you got to see this, it's one of my most anticipated movies this year, I can't wait to see it! Lovely review, made my expectations go even higher

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    1. Nice! You live in London, right? I figured the indie scene would be really good there...? Either way, it's a damn fine flick that really deserves a wider audience. Hope it comes your way!

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  8. It still blows my mind that this film was comprised of nearly entirely newcomers, crew included. Hell of a debut for Zeitlin, and I can't wait to see what he does next. Glad you dug this one as well, man.

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    1. Yeah they really pulled their resources together and made a flick with and using no one we've ever heard of. Great stuff here!

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  9. Really can't wait to see this. Hoping it pops up in my area within the next two weeks.

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    1. Be really curious to read your thoughts on it. Very different and bold.

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  10. I was absolutely blown away by this film. So fresh and ambitious, everything in this film worked for me and I haven't even begun to attempting to decipher the metaphor presented by the boars

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    1. Yeah man, couldn't agree more. The screening I attended actually held a Q & A with one of the producers after the film, so I know what the boars are all about, if you're interested...

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