The Problem With Dakota Fanning IS…

By Elizabeth

The “problem” with Dakota Fanning, in my opinion, is that she’s a REAL actress who happens to still be very young. This, of course, shouldn’t be a problem, but because Dakota’s abilities often overpower her actual age, people have a hard time figuring out what to do with her.

Dakota has always been able to bring to life realities in characters that I sincerely doubt most other actresses her age–or even older–could do. However, her desire to do more than simple ‘sweet and innocent’ roles have caused some people to cringe.

Her much talked about film that will be released this summer, “Hounddog“, has had most of the acting community biting their lips since it first showed up at Sundance last year. The controversy surrounding this film has been building, and in case you haven’t already heard, here’s why:

Twelve year old Dakota Fanning has taken on a role in this film that is not at all unreal, despite how disturbing it may or may not be to posh families across the country. The story is about a girl who has survived abuse on many levels. She, like so many other young girls and boys, turns to music.

Dakota’s role is a difficult one. It calls for her to adopt the nerve shaking characteristics of a girl who has been raped. And this is where the trouble with the film really begins. Many people don’t like the idea of a girl so young playing a role like this.

But to condemn this film because of this is downright outlandish to me. To dismiss support for this project because of this particular content is not only to simultaneously limit the artistic freedoms that filmmakers are entitled to have, but it’s also to turn a blind eye to a reality. Young girls in this country are sexually abused regardless of how well Americans are able to sweep the fact under the rug. If any young actress out there can take on this role maturely; it is Dakota.

I DO understand why the entire atmosphere of this film makes so many people so uncomfortable. However, I don’t feel as though it is fair for us to punish a young actress for aspiring to do more with her talent than a Disney production.

What’s your view?