MovieChat Forums > The Secret Life of Bees (2008) Discussion > A scene from Dakota that fell flat...

A scene from Dakota that fell flat...

posted 16 years ago by rosek102
29 replies | jump to latest

I can't believe I just said that, because over the years, it has seemed virtually impossible that Dakota could turn in a weak performance at any given time. She is almost incapable of being false. However, I have watched this movie numerous times, and I always cringe at her big crying scene near the end with Queen Latifah. Just watching her go down to the ground and start bawling...it seems flat and unconvincing. She was able to get the tears out, and the message of the scene was powerful, but I just didn't like Dakota's performance there.

However, that is probably the only complaint I have in Dakota's otherwise phenomenal acting career. I don't mean to be rude at all, because I am a huge fan of her work, and I still think she's going to turn into the Meryl Streep of her generation. I was just wondering if anyone noticed the same thing I did with this particular scene.

[–] mnewlands 15 years ago

No I cant say I did infact I was captivated by her wonderful acting only having seen her in War of the Worlds, maybe you have watched the scene too many times?

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[–] SweetSorcia 15 years ago

I can only speak for myself, but that scene made me cry (a pretty rare occurrence for me). I will admit that mostly what I was feeling was that I hope my daughter (who is 2) NEVER has to feel that way because of something I did or did not do. So it rung true on a deeper level for me.

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[–] amandawillett0 15 years ago

I'm not a real big Dakota Fanning fan of hers. But without a doubt this young lady can act!! I fell in love with her and her character in this film. And I would have to disagree with you on the scene you thought she didn't do too great. I thought she nailed that scene so well...to me she just drew me in and how all the emotions she went through. Nothing that she did in that scene was bad at all. I actually give her so much more credit as an actor because of this film. Dakota is truly one of the greatest leading ladies of her time!!

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[–] LadyVirgoxoxo 15 years ago

I respectfully disagree with you OP. I thought she did a wonderful job in that scene.

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[–] soileddove2002 15 years ago

Really?

I thought she turned in a near flawless performance.

[–] rosek102 14 years ago

Her performance in this movie WAS nothing short of amazing...it was just that one little scene that I had a problem with. It felt a little awkward to me...but I know everyone has different opinions.

[–] d_argy 14 years ago

I completely agree. It felt like it should have been more convincing for such a significant scene. It looked like an exceptional actor, acting. Rather than a realistic performance. Otherwise I think her overall performance in the film was fantastic.

[–] best_of_jess 14 years ago

Actually, this is the first work of hers that I've liked her in. I'm not a big fan, but I had read the book a long time ago and wanted to see it. And the crying scene felt real to me, one of the more convincing scenes of hers. [guveup]

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