Awful!!! - Beloved (1998) Discussion

[–] pinksunset79 19 years ago

I COMPLETLY AGREE WITH YOU! i watched it with my mother and grandma and for some unkown reason we decided to watch the whole thing. truth be told i fell asleep a little. the movie was disgusting and so meaningless i dont even no where to start. WAYY to LONG! three hours! if a movie is three hours it has to be pretty damn good or at least have some VERYY SEXYY actors!

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[–] pianocellolove 19 years ago

The book was no better than the movie. I was so disappointed in Toni Morrison. My respect for her writing took a deep nose dive after reading the book and watching the movie. The only reason I watched it from beginning to end was because I was hoping the movie could have made sense of the fanciful mess that I read. No so. The movie was too vague, used too much symbolism and seemed to exploit symbolism. Oprah portrayed such a foolish character who seemed to not have the good sense to separate fact from fiction and the character Beloved served no purpose other than to confuse and frustrate the audience watching it or the reader if reading the book. The 2 characters, Carl D. and the daughter looked like fools and such a fine actress as Beah Richards portrayed a character that for one second in her ramblings made sense then all of a sudden, the words sounded like the gibberish talk of a 3 year old while playing with an invisible friend.
Toni went off on the deep end here. A waste of paper and a waste of film.

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[–] dbodak 19 years ago

Actually, the book won the Pulitzer Prize...which means that a certain level of intellect is required for reading it. If you can't watch/read the movie/book well enough to retain one of the main character's name....Paul D not "Carl"....then surely you can not be expected to grasp any deeper meaning.

A slave killing her child to protect it from horrors is not far fetched...neither is her being "haunted" by committing such an act. While there are underlying bits of truth (in terms of slavery really being that bad), in the end, the book is still fictional....a ghost story. You don't have to believe in ghosts to enjoy a ghost story.

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[–] crazypoohbear69_050 19 years ago

Well said!

*claps*

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[–] drama_angel_9876 19 years ago

You are the only intelligent person on this board. Also, there wasn't even a "Carl" in the whole novel...and this person says they 'respect' Toni Morrison...

Books of this caliber made into movies are not meant to be "enjoyed"; on the contrary, these artistic visions are meant to disturb and shake up every day life.

For those who study the book and its significance in Oprah's cannon, you will find this book to be a revelation of books. For those who couldn't care less, don't waste your time pretending to be a critic when you know nothing about what you are talking about.

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] DisturbedPixie 16 years ago

I think ignorant people should still be allowed to have opinions, and we are allowed to critique it.
My fiance hates "downer" films like this. I would never have him watch this with me. Some people just want a happy ending. Other people want action/erotica/comedy etc. And they can't imagine watching a film without at least one of those points. They should be more careful what they watch so they don't waste time. It's good to research something before you watch it.
And I know the first scene in this movie made me actually turn it off in anger. I don't like seeing helpless animals in pain. But I then turned it back on.
It's not my favorite movie, but I will defend it's artistic visions.

If you are Anti-American: Admit you are doing it just to be cool. Does it feel good to hate?

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] smoochy0711 19 years ago

he's right if you think it stunk you were just confused and didn't get it because well... your slow plan and simple

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[–] dramaticsuzy 19 years ago

Actually, "Beloved" is based on the same true story that "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is based off of.

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[–] sardukar78 19 years ago

Yes, horrid. One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Disgusting was an adjective I found myself thinking throughout the entire movie. It seemed to have no direction either. I knew what they were going for, but it was so over the top, and far to the right(or left, take your pick, they missed), it totally missed whatever they were going for, and landed in WTFamIwatchingville. I, like you, have never read the book, but to Mr. Pulitzer Smartypants here, this movie STUNK. I don't care what awards it won, it stunk, and one need not be a genius, or have a doctorate of film to appreciate when something smells from that far away.

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[–] rhythmchyc 19 years ago

I can't believe what I'm reading.

It's a shame that so many fail to see the truth and beauty to what the filmmakers wanted the world to learn about one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

Even if I am overthinking it, for you guys to hate a movie because one character was "disgusting" is pretty ludicrous. There are plenty of drawn-out films with characters we hate but they're still great films. Gollum, for example, was pretty "disgusting" at times, as was Danny Glover's character in The Color Purple.

It's your prerogative not to like this film, of course. Still, what you might've thought what it was "going for" might not be what others think. Just ponder over that for a moment because I don't think anyone spent that much time pondering over this movie.

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[–] pianocellolove 19 years ago

I don't care if his name is Carl D, Paul D or Saul D. I am not even concerned about any accolades or awards that it may have won,dbodak. This has nothing to do with anyone's intellect or deep thinking. This is not some intellectual forum here. Merely a message board. This is not even about the like or dislike of ghost stories. Personally I do not enjoy any movie that depicts any race of people as being weak and crazy with ghosts in it who appear in the flesh. If you like this mess, good for you. I don't.
And even though it is not that important to me in regards to this particular work alone, Morrison received the Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature in 1993, 5 years after Beloved was published and she received the Pulitzer Prize in 1988, 9 years prior to Beloved. She did not receive either award specific to this work. These awards acknowledged her artistic genius and overall accomplishments of which I felt she duly deserved.

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[–] tigerkittyskf 19 years ago

I saw it for the first time today and I do not get it. It was crazy!!! It was hidious!!! I didn't understand what the hell was going on. What is it about anyway? Ten-million things were happening at the same time, it was just too hard to follow.

tigerkittyskf

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[–] kreplatch 19 years ago

"What is it about anyway?" It was about Miz Oprah trying to flex her acting muscle and failing miserably. Don't recall her trying any more acting outings after this mess---outside of her acting sporadically as being "down wit da sistahs" on her show...Burp...Puh-leeze

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[–] In-a-Haze 19 years ago

Doesn't anyone have any intellect here? The book "Beloved" is all about Sethe, a beautiful black woman haunted by her past as a slave.Right? So, why don't people get that?? Reading "Beloved", for me, was like reading a seventh grade novel study! The movie was just the same. I'm not a huge Oprah fan either, but I can at least see a good movie, without being blinded by prejudist mind frames and racial comments. Besides, the movie/book was not racial against Afro-Americans, it was just looking at the life of one particular woman, it was NOT looking at the whole race and pointing out its faults! (Why does everyone on this board use words like 'racial' and 'horrid' when they can barely define what they mean??) I abhore what you all say about Toni Morrison being racist! She was not painting everyone with the same brush, she was just recording the life of Sethe on paper for others to read, and ENJOY!! Not to critisize!! If you think the movie or book was confusing, just write to me with any of your questions, instead of posting them on this board, using up valuable space and making a good movie/book, look bad!!

Thank you, that is all I have to say on this subject, although I should say a whole lot more!
lol, Claire!~

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[–] pianocellolove 19 years ago

It is interesting to me how often 'intelligent' people equate this minor work with intellect. Last I checked this was a message board, therefore this is an appropriate place to voice an opinion whether in be in praise or criticism of any movie. People have the right to see all art forms as they see it be it music, painting, and in this case literature that attempted it's way into yet another art form.....film. Simply said, some highly intelligent people are not going to like this work so why would an 'intelligent' person waste THEIR time commenting on a thread that they are opposed to. Truly intelligent people realize that you cannot make anyone like something or dislike something that they just do not like or enjoy and that you cannot convince anyone when it comes to creative judgement. They also don't have to use labeling and excessive exclamation points to make a point or try present their futile attempt to 'teach' someone something. to the masses. I would think that they have a firm handle on objectivity vs subjectivity but what do people who thinks it awful know, huh? According to some folk, anyone (me included) who does not appreciate this book/movie are questioned intellectually. Unbelievable.
BTW, since when did Beloved become a gauge of intellect? I thought IQ tests, grades and overall accomplishments assisted in determining that. It is narrow minded thinking to believe that one is intelligent' because one can read a certain book and comprehend someone else's concept (oh did I mention objective/subj......oops I did) on what is worthwhile reading and watching. And when all is said and done, some highly and equally intelligent people will still consider Beloved an unsuccesful work and laminate their card as Mensa members with extreme confidence.. Very amusing.

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] pianocellolove 16 years ago

@ Elijah

Not as much of an idiot as you are fool and for your information, as a teacher soon to be administrator, my opinion and let me repeat, OPINION has been and will remain the same.

PCL

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[–] pianocellolove 19 years ago

Someone must be 'off the boat' cause I don't remember anyone stating the word prejudiced, minds or frames in this thread. Who are the"everyones" that you mentioned. Who mentioned "racial" or "horrid" except you and who even eluded to Morrison being racist in this thread with the exception of you?

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[–] NYHensonAlmonte 19 years ago

If you categorize Beloved as just a "ghost story" you've clearly missed some things. You might want to try to gain a better understanding of what Morrison was aiming for.

Just a thought.

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[–] deadsetlace 19 years ago

Ok I caught this movie on basic cable and missed like 25 minutes of the film. I watched it and from what I saw I want to watch it from the beginning. It's good but could easily brush up in some areas.

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] pianocellolove 14 years ago

This is a dam shame but......

I know it's been a while since you wrote this. But, you think these characters that survived slavery are weak?

Never said they were.

You think living in this level of human bondage wouldn't drive people crazy?

Maybe they were maybe they weren't..whose to say...

The people that died during the middle passage and the babies and pregnant women that were dumped off ships...you don't think their story is worth telling, even if it's fictional?

No, not this way

I'm just wondering if I'm understanding how you feel, correctly? Also, I'd like to know if you still feel the same way four years later?

You don't? well maybe because I don't 'feel' anything about it..I merely had an opinion and yes I 'feel' the same way 4 years later.

Thank you
Peace

PCL

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] pianocellolove 14 years ago

Wow! Four years doesn't increase your maturity or decrease your defensiveness does it?

Maturity or the lack there of has nothing to do with what I expressed and once you grow up, perhaps you will learn exactly what an opinion is. If I appear defensive, it is because I have very little tolerance of anyone who questions an opinion or thought. Too bad that bothers you and you equate that fact with maturity. Says a lot about your level of comprehension and maturity.

I'm sorry I asked.

Then think first next time. No need to analyze what I say (or anyone else for that matter) and try to make big ordeal. Too many other things in this life matter more than a mere choice of words.

Thanks for responding! Have a great night!

Likewise!! :)

PCL

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] pianocellolove 14 years ago

Oh, just grow up! Don't assert your opinion publicly, if you don't want anybody to question it. Who do you think you are that you can't be questioned? Not only are you immature and defensive, you think you're more important than you really are. How stupid is that?

OMG!!!!!! I'm rollin!!!!

PCL

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] pianocellolove 14 years ago

No I am not and I certainly don't appreciate the name calling. Also, your 'congratulations' is patronizing and unnecessary in lieu of the fact that you know nothing about me.

PCL

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] rimbaud-6 19 years ago

I just saw Beloved for the first time and I think it was great! For me, it brought the book, which I read several years ago, back to life. It stays true to the book, but brings clarity to it with images of things you may have had a hard time imagining in the reading.

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] belanshar 19 years ago

I liked the general idea of the film, but the pacing was wrong. It started off too fast in the beginning, and then it dragged on in other areas.

I know a lot of people are going to hate me for saying this, but if they would have made Beloved into more of a creature, like in "The Grudge" or "The Ring" movies, it would have confused less people. The effects overall were horrible.
The director, the screenwriter, and the marketing team should all be blamed for the failure of the movie. It had a lot of potential.
----------------------------------------
Only the good die young.

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[–] cornflowermonroe 19 years ago

if you mean awful brilliant, i agree. i wanted to hate this movie because Oprah Winfrey makes me ill, but it grabbed me and held me tight until the end. i think most people hate it because it's Oprah Winfrey, but much to my chagrin, Oprah's a really excellent actress, like in The Color Purple and Women of Brewster Place can attest. i have to give credit where credit is due, and Oprah did an outstanding job, and i think it's one of Jonathan Demme's better films.

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] I_Shall_Return 19 years ago

Opera should have just stuck with talk show host.

"the only ugly people in the world are the ones who are not true to themselves"

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[–] holly-race 19 years ago

I actually watched the film because I was studying the book for A-level and couldn't get into it in the first few pages. Once I had watched the film I was able to get a grip on the book, and it's now one of my favourite novels. I can see why people would dislike the film: it's too slow, and it seems to miss a lot of the point of the book, which is that Beloved is far more than just Sethe's murdered daughter - she represents the suffering, the anger, and a very complicated desire both to dominate and be dominated.
I thought the girl playing Denver was excellent, although the others tended to go a bit over the top. I just don't think that a film can do justice to the novel, in the end - they turned it into a straight horror movie (which is I guess is why people think Beloved should have been portrayed as the girl was in 'The Ring' etc) - it's not a horror movie at all. It can't be categorised!

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[–] kauaismokesyou 19 years ago

Yeah, I only suggest this movie to those who are intelligent enough to understand it and for those who have read the book first. I haven't seen the movie, but I read the book for my AP Senior English class and it's a hard read! After reading it though I found it to be an amazing book, and those who say it's boring are just better off watching some American action movie, since they obviously do not have the attention span for deep thinking.

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[–] primechoiceladee 18 years ago

I have attempted to view this film several times so I could try and get some understanding from it. The movie just did not do it for me. Beloved was a disgusting character. Beah Richardson was great.

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