MovieChat Forums > Beloved (1998) Discussion > liked it, but it was confusing

liked it, but it was confusing

posted 13 years ago by ChefLucretia
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I liked this film a lot, but the unclear parts made me a little crazy. I appreciate that this is a movie that "makes you think" but sometimes a little clarity is a good thing! The red lights were weird, Beloved's mannerisms (while terrifying!) were bizarre, and a few other little quirks were off putting as well. I think that the theme of slavery and the horrors (especially for a female slave) were represented well. I understood Sethe's motivation despite the nature of her crimes. I just wish that the supernatural element was either played up more, or played down completely. Beloved should have either been a vengeful, traumatized spirit, or completely cast in that light only by Sethe's guilty conscience and projection. The way it was done was too wishy washy for my taste. Anyone agree or disagree?

[–] [email protected] 13 years ago

When I went to see the film in 98 when I was young (19), I left disappointed because I was VERY confused. Just watched it again on TV One and I was able to pick up on themes, motifs, references and enjoyed the art and storytelling of the film. I found it beautifully done. Gonna Netflix it soon, because I think they edited a bit out. Beloved was weird because she was a child's spirit which possessed, I think, a grown woman's body. The red lights represened TO ME the haunting and maybe the rage the child died in. I DO agree that the supernatural should have been played up more. This would have been an even more unique film had they done so. Here's the only thing I was left wondering after the second watching: Was beloved actually a possessed human? Or was she only a spirit. Which would explain her complete disappearance. Did she actually exist? Maybe only Sethe, Denver and Paul D could actually see her. Either way, I'm fine without an explaination, no movie needs to tie up all loose ends, right? I can understand a little confusion, but I cannot understand how anyonecan think this is a terrible movie. It's art, pales in comparison to the book, but still great. I would consider it one of the best if not the best film ever made with mostly black cast. This film was a decent representation of book by one of our greatest storytellers.