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?

  • LoMeinTenants [any]
    1·
    4 years ago

    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

    • HarryLime [any]
      ·
      4 years ago

      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.

      • LoMeinTenants [any]
        3·
        4 years ago

        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.

        • HarryLime [any]
          ·
          4 years ago

          I guess my problem with the way she shot it is that the pedos who are jerking off to her movie don't give a shit that her intent was to condemn them.

          And I think Elizabeth Bruenig has raised some good points about it on twitter.

          • LoMeinTenants [any]
            2·
            4 years ago

            Do you hold similar consternation to the desensitization and glorification of violence? Also, should we apply strict "no dancing" for minors restrictions on social media?

            And I like Elizabeth Bruenig, but I try not to take my moral cues from self-professed theists. There's always a catch. Twitter handle for anyone who wants to follow along

            • HarryLime [any]
              ·
              4 years ago

              Do you hold similar consternation to the desensitization and glorification of violence?

              Well, like everything, it depends on the context. I

              Also, should we apply strict “no dancing” for minors restrictions on social media?

              I don't think so, because I'm generally against censorship, but how social media should be regulated is a whole different can of worms. I never suggested that Cuties should be censored in any way, I just said that I disagree with the director and I don't like how she shot it. I think the director is guilty of the very sexualization she condemns.