I watched the movie, and in a vacuum, I can see where the more controversial scenes can be interpreted as lascivious. But in the context of the movie, it really didn’t feel out of place at all. The scenes are intentionally awkward, and I think part of the film’s message is to make you feel uncomfortable. It tackles several themes, actually, and has quite some depth. Really, the biggest complaint I have is the movie is rather boring.
I tried to watch some videos, but every single one is a reactionary take that uses a hammer when a chisel would be far more appropriate. Anyone come across any reviews or videos that take the issue rather seriously, but can also critique the film on its own merits?
I don’t think the film looks good. Its pretty problematic.
I wonder if the person who made it had swing and a miss or if their is some weirdness going on.
Why I Made Cuties | Maïmouna Doucouré Interview
Doucouré says it’s clear from the backlash that people upset with her film have not streamed it, telling Zora, “I realize that the people who have started this controversy haven’t yet seen the film. Netflix has apologized to the public and to myself. I’m hoping that these people will watch the movie now that it’s out. I’m eager to see their reaction when they realize that we’re both on the same side of this fight against young children’s hypersexualization.” -source
I’m eager to see their reaction when they realize that we’re both on the same side of this fight against young children’s hypersexualization.”
The problem here is that her words and the text of the film may say one thing, but the way she shoots the scenes says another. Film is a visual medium, and she shoots the scenes of the children in extremely sexualized ways- she’s playing into the thing she says she condemns. Lindsay Ellis has a great video about the way the text of a film and the way it’s shot can send different messages.
I don’t think comparing an independent, Muslim French-Senegalese production to a multi-million Hollywood blockbuster Michael Bay franchise like Transformers is in the same realm, but I do buy that people will interpret art in different ways, and sometimes in contrast to authorial intent.
