Well, I can't say that I had no forewarning.
The reviews and articles I read on Towelhead made it clear this was a story about a 13 years old girl discovering her sexuality with (amongst others) an adult neighbour.
Although the sexual moments are not shown explicitly, there is no doubt what is being depicted and in those moments of the movie I literally squirmed in my seat, uncomfortable with the confronting nature of the storyline. Those moments aside, I felt the film presented a very telling picture of cultural ignorance and intolerance. It also vividly showed how males can take advantage of and, in the wider sense, abuse females.
The audience at the session I attended was mainly senior citizens with a majority of females. No one walked out of the movie nor did I notice any restlessness amongst that audience so I believe that, like me, they accepted the movie as a serious representation not some salacious potboiler.
This is not a film for those who prefer their movies be 'entertaining' rather than challenging the viewer. Interestingly, I felt a dilemma in my reaction to this film which I will post about separately.
I loved it. I thought it was so well-written and acted. Although am starting to think that Toni Collette is becoming typecast in these earth mother roles....she's played the mother in Little Miss Sunshine, Six Sense, Black Balloon,About A Boy...the list goes on
ReplyDeleteColin - I agree about the writing and acting, it is in many ways a very good movie.
ReplyDeleteI like Toni Collette and I suppose she is being typecast by her looks. She can be quite glamorous given the opportunity, her later scenes in the movie In Her Shoes is an example.
I would have been the same squirmish type, along with looking down or away from the screen.
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