At the New York premiere of the much talked-about film Hounddog, starring Dakota Fanning, the cast walked the red carpet with one simple message: "Judge the film for yourself." Dakota, her younger costar Cody Hanford, the legendary Piper Laurie, and director Deborah Kampmeier defended the film which has generated bad press over a rape scene featuring the then-preteen Fanning. (The gorgeous Robin Wright Penn who also stars and executive produced the film was expert in dodging the print media.)
While the cast loyally gave their support, Kampmeier saw the flip side of the controversy as well. "I have a lot of compassion for the people who were attacking the film. It's a very painful subject, and I think that a lot of people don't have the support to look at their own wounds. Instead of facing their own pain, they project their fear and their anger outside of themselves. I think a lot of people were projecting their agendas on the film that really had nothing to do with the film."
Whether or not the public decides to like the film or even see it, Kampmeier maintains that for her, Hounddog makes sense. "I grew up in the South. This is my wrestling with that world that I grew up in."
Dakota Fanning in the flesh lives up to the sentiment that she truly is an articulate and mature adult trapped in the body of a 14-year-old. She's polished and comfortable speaking confidently on everything from getting her driver's permit and dating, to dressing more grown-up and playing a character that experiences said horrific trauma.
Sharing why she decided to work on Hounddog, she said, "I liked the story, but also it was the character that I get to play. For a while, it seemed the film kind of centered around one topic and probably shouldn't have been. The movie isn't about that. Just because one thing happens to you in your life, doesn't mean it has to define you, and that definitely doesn't define this movie. It's about so, so much more. There's a wonderful message at the end of it. I just want people to see for themselves."
Who would you love to work with next?
"I've always looked up to Jodie Foster and have always wanted to work with her. She is just someone that I have always admired. I have The Secret Life of Bees coming out, and then I have Push. It was great working with Jennifer Hudson. We are very good friends. Those are coming out next year, and I'm not working on anything right now."
Cody Hanford mentioned when he asked you about Tom Cruise that you were pretty blasé about working with him [on War of the Worlds].
[giggling] "I had worked with Tom before this film, and I know him pretty well. He is a great person, and we still keep in touch. So he's great."
It's not easy to grow up in Hollywood, and you seem to be doing a good job. How do you stay focused?
"I think it's really important to keep your family and friends around. It's important to stay grounded. I am really lucky to have worked with wonderful people that have helped keep me that way."
Photo courtesy of Retna