Tomorrow in class, we will be watching 3 clips from Beloved, the film. If you are not aware, Beloved was not particularly well-received--and it did not make nearly as much money at the box office as the production team had hoped. Oprah Winfrey, who owned the rights to the book (which allowed her to turn it into a movie) and played Sethe, has stated in interviews that she was very depressed as the result of the film's poor reception.
For your posting: you are to discuss the trailer in relation to your understanding of the novel. A trailer is a teaser and is meant to pique interest in a soon-to-be-releasted film. You know the novel--does the trailer appear to be accurate? Does it appear to be an appropriate audio-visual enactment of the text?
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ReplyDeleteThis small trailer seems to accurately depict the story line present in "Beloved". The trailer depicts many key events such as Paul D's arrival at 124 Bluestone Road, Sethe's attempted murder of her children, and the arrival of Beloved. The trailer also does a good job of depicting the various characters and in portraying their attitudes and personalities. A few things from the trailer strike me as odd though. Reading through the novel I always depicted the characters as being young. Although Denver is stated as being eighteen years old, I imagined Sethe and Paul D as being in their late twenties to mid thirties. In this trailer, however, they appear much older. It actually appears as if Sethe is a great deal older than Paul D. Another choice that struck me as odd was the actor choice for Beloved herself. In the novel, Beloved is a malicious and cunning girl who attempts to remove anything in her way that could take away her mother's attention. In this trailer, however, Beloved appears to speak with a lisp and seems a bit slow. This could have been a choice designed to reflect that she had been murdered as a child, but the film adaptation of Beloved's character seems less like a cunning manipulator and more like a helpless child. Overall, it does seems like this film is an accurate representation of the novel. Casting aside, the trailer does a good job of representing the plot of the novel and I believe that this is a trait shared throughout the length of the film.
ReplyDeleteOff-Topic: Posted this early because I'm waiting for my game to release at 12:01 am, Tuesday morning.
Also, why is edit not a feature? I understand grammar is a part of the grade, but it seems a bit odd to have it finalized with no option to fix it.
I agree with Leighlin that the trailer portrays the plot of "Beloved" in an accurate fashion. Regarding the impression that Sethe and Paul D seemed old, I would like to propose an explanation to why it may seem so. At the time of escaping Sweet Home, Sethe was pregnant with her fourth child, which would probably place her age somewhere in the twenties. Sethe does not see Paul D again for another 18 years. This may explain why Sethe and Paul D look older. They are probably 40 years old when Beloved returns, give or take a few years. In response to Leighlin's observation about Beloved, I completely agree. I expected Beloved to be a much more cynical and supernatural character whereas the trailer depicted her as being helpless and dependent. I understand that Beloved is supposed to act childish due to the fact that she was murdered as a child, but the casting choice of her was not what I had in mind while reading the book. I suppose that these questions are all the more reason to watch the movie and see what the director had in mind for the film adaptation of Toni Morrison's novel.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I agree with Leighlin and Austin. I believe that the trailer is a good representation of the novel, although it has a few flaws. I have a few issues with casting as well. Like Austin, I think the actors who play Paul D and Sethe are an appropriate age. When I was reading the book I pictured those two characters to be in their late thirties to early forties, but appear older because of the traumatic experiences they have endured during their time in slavery. Stress can age a person prematurely. I do agree that the person who plays Beloved in the movie is not an accurate representation of the character. The actor who plays Beloved seems very innocent and naïve. Actually, it seems as if the directors switched the traits of Beloved and Denver. The images that depict Denver in the trailer make Denver look cunning and more mature. While reading this novel, I pictured Denver as a naïve, sometimes sassy child and Beloved as a very manipulative woman. I applaud the casting directors for their casting of Baby Sugg’s character. The actor’s voice is exactly what I pictured Baby Sugg’s to sound like. The storyline seemed to be kept intact except for one scene that I found quite confusing. In the trailer, Paul D is heard talking about him and Sethe starting a new life together. He goes on to mention how no one is going to hold his children. In the novel, Paul D never claims Sethe’s children as his own nor does he mention having his own children or wanting to have children. The relationship between Sethe and Beloved is unchanged and is portrayed accurately in the two minute trailer. Whether, this accurate portrayal will be continued throughout the movie is yet to be seen.
ReplyDeleteThis was posted by Vanessa Dos Anjos.
Okay take two because it looks like my first post didn't go through! (UGH!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Leighlin, Vanessa and Auston. The trailer shows that the movie should be a good representation of the novel. The three of you mentioned the ages of Paul D and Sethe. I have to agree with Vanessa, that they seemed to be appropriately aged. I also pictured them to be older (late thirties/early forties) while I was reading, so that is probably why it seems appropriate. Sethe's face seems a lot younger in the trailer than I pictured though. Her face seems to be wrinkle free in some of the shots and that just does not seem accurate. Paul D's beard helps him to seem older than Sethe in the trailer, but I am not sure how different in age they are in the novel. I have a feeling that Beloved seeming young and needy was a director's choice. I pictured her to be malicious and cynical, like Leighlin and Auston said. In my mind Beloved was demon-like yet she seems slow in the trailer. The only thing I can think of that might explain this would be the fact that the director was trying to show that Beloved was murdered. One last casting note, I totally agree with Vanessa's opinion on Baby Suggs. I thought it was fantastic! I hope that the movie will help clear up some of our questions about characters and properly represent the plot of Toni Morrison's work.
I agree with Leighlin, Auston, Vanessa, and Kayla. I think the trailer shows a great representation of the book. I also agree with Vanessa's opinion of the ages of Paul D and Sethe. While reading the book, I imagined Sethe and Paul D to be in the mid-to-late forties using the same reasoning as Auston. I disagree with Leighlin when he said, "Beloved's character seems less like a cunning manipulator and more like a helpless child." I viewed the trailer as the director playing both sides. He makes Beloved's voice seem "slow" and "innocent," but her body language and facial expressions prove otherwise. For example, Beloved's deceitful eyes right before the title "Beloved" appeared on the screen. I think the director was trying to make viewers think and did not want to give them a clear cut answer as to who Beloved or any other characters truly are, and in my opinion, is the best way to introduce a movie.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Brittany as far as Beloved's character is concerned, but I want to add my own opinion to her point. I think that the way the director chose to portray Beloved was brilliant. Part of Beloved's character in the novel was that she was childish and needy, and that adds to her manipulation of not only Sethe but also of Denver. We cannot discount the fact that when Beloved first arrived, Denver was completely enthralled with the needy and ill Beloved. Through her neediness she is able to strongly influence Sethe and Denver in the respect that they both start to devote all of their attention to her, and that in itself is extremely manipulative. If she was portrayed as somebody who was quick and menacing I don't think that her full identity would be grasped entirely by viewers. I also agree with Brittany that seeing the menacing look in Beloved's eyes as the trailer faded out was a great way to show Beloved's manipulative personality.On another note, I would like to disagree with Vanessa and her opinion regarding Denver's portrayal. Though Denver was occasionally presented as somebody who was naive and needy, I felt that she had a strong sense of who she was. She never presented herself to me as somebody who was childish and I always viewed her as somebody who was incredibly mature-especially towards the end of the novel. Touching on that, Denver said that she pretended to love her mother because she was afraid of her and did not want to be killed. This alone shows maturity and intelligence. The idea that she is naive and needy can be discounted in my opinion. Overall, I feel that the trailer did an excellent job following the novel's story line and plot and that the casting is incredible.
ReplyDeleteWell first of all I would just like to say that I couldn’t see the clip on my laptop or phone, so I went to YouTube and watched one that seemed to be the same… I hope it was!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everybody so far that for the most part the trailer seems very accurate in relation to the novel. My one big qualm about it was that it seemed to depict the movie as more about the relationship between Sethe and Paul D, where as to me the novel seemed more about the relationships between the women, specifically that of Denver and Beloved. I agree with Vanessa in that the casting for Baby Suggs was on point, while I pictured Sethe and Paul D to be older or more haggard because of all the things they went through in their lives. The same goes for Denver and Beloved; although they were seen acting like children several times, I don’t recall them ever being referred to as such. As far as I can remember they were always called “women.” I agree with Brittany that Beloved’s characterizations could have just been a director’s choice to take things in a different direction; personally I think that would make her more relatable. In the novel she always seemed to be witty in her own violently malevolent way, but in the trailer her attitude seems too much like a young girl to be able to pull it off. Overall I think the trailer was put together very well in accordance with the plot.
After watching the trailer, the movie seems to depict the book quite accurately. I agree with Auston about the portrayal of Sethe and Paul D as adults in their forties, because Sethe would have had her fourth child (Denver) in her mid-twenties and at the time of the novel, Denver was eighteen. An explanation for the belief that Sethe and Paul D were younger in the novel was Morrison did not explicitly define the passage of time between the different events that took place. Along with Vanessa, I commend the actor who portrayed Baby Suggs. Not only did she look the part of a wise grandmother, but also had the powerful voice that was necessary to be the "unchurched preacher" in the Clearing. Also, I applaud Oprah for really capturing Sethe's borderline obsession with the welfare of her children. The monologue played over the music captures this as she refuses to allow her children to "live in a Hell here on Earth." I agree with the opinion that Beloved was far too childlike in the trailer. In my reading, I pictured Beloved to be ignorant to the makings of the world, due to her being killed as an infant, but also more supernatural than human. To me, she came across as semi-omniscient, in a sense where she knew all of what Sethe told her, but feigned ignorance to attract Sethe to her curiosity about the past. However, in the full movie, the "childlike" Beloved could be the director's view on her manipulative nature. Overall, I found the portrayals of the characters and the mood set by the trailer to be extremely appealing, and look forward to watching the story come alive in the full movie.
ReplyDeleteThe trailer really did put a picture to the novel. I thought that the trailer made the themes of "Beloved" more evident, especially the spirituality part of the novel. I have to disagree with Sarah though, I thought that the relationship with Paul D and Sethe seemed like it was in the book, and I thought that the relationship with between Beloved and Sethe was more apparent. I thought that Baby Sugg's was portrayed very well as Vanessa had mentioned, especially the faith aspect of her character, she seemed as a very wise person who really had gone through hell and back! Beloved was also almost exactly how I pictured her especially with her voice and the violence that she shows, I agree with Brittany about the director's use of her features. I thought that the relationship, as I had mentioned earlier, between Sethe and Beloved is very accurately portrayed and Denver being slowly ignored because in the book we see Beloved growing closer and closer to Sethe as Denver gets more and more separated. I think that the separation of Denver and Sethe is shown very well when Beloved comes into the picture. I honestly think that the trailer focuses on Sethe and Beloved's relationship which I think was key in understanding the book and it's nice that the trailer did that.
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ReplyDeleteAfter watching the trailer, I personally feel that the casting is perfect, including Sethe and Paul D. In reference to Kayla and any others who may say that Sethe appears to be a bit young: I like to think that Sethe would be at least a few years younger than Paul D. and the other Sweet Home men, considering she was only fourteen when she arrived at Sweet Home. I agree with Daniel, Sarah, and Vanessa that Baby Suggs was portrayed flawlessly, right down the the voice. Story-wise, I did pick up on one discrepancy. I believe that it is about 53 seconds into the trailer when Sethe is shown running away with a baby that I assume to be Denver, before she dramatically swings it toward a wall, only to be stopped by Stamp Paid. While Sethe did try to kill Denver by swinging her at a wall, and while Stamp Paid did protect Denver, in the novel, Sethe did not run away from the Sheriff, Schoolteacher, and the nephew, rather, she hid in the empty woodshed with all four of her children. Aside from that one point, the rest of the story seems to be relatively accurate and the characters are definitely on point.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this was a very accurate representation of the novel "Beloved." I agree with Leighlin that the trailer did a good job at mentioning key events in the novel. I agree with Auston, Vanessa, and Kayla that Paul D and Sethe's ages were accurately represented. I also agree with Vanessa, Kayla, Sarah, Ethan, and Daniel, that the most accurately portrayed character was Baby Suggs. She was only in the trailer for a short period of time, but you got a complete sense of the faith-filled, wise character she was. I understand that Beloved was portrayed differently in the clip than in the book, but I agree with Kate in terms of how she acted. Beloved was killed as a child, causing her to act more childish and needy, and it basically made Denver and Sethe trust her and take care of her. I feel that she should not have been portrayed as the malicious girl she ended up being, especially because it would spoil part of the movie for those who have not read the novel. I feel that the trailer was missing more depictions of slavery, because that was a primary theme of the novel. Overall, I believe that this was a good depiction of the plot of the novel and it did not give too much information away for those who did not read it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all previous posters, especially on the topic of character portrayal. I also had previously pictured Sethe and Paul D as younger, but that would be because, in the novel, Toni Morrison does not over emphasize their actual number age. In fact, the only time an exact number is brought up as far as years goes, it's when Paul D and Sethe first reunite--eighteen years later. I love the point made by Ethan and Kate--Beloved is not displayed in the novel as maniacal or controlling; she controls and manipulates Sethe, Denver and Paul D by appearing innocent. She knows exactly what she is doing throughout the novel, and the evil look in her eyes at several points in the trailer displays her duplicity perfectly. Also, another point: many of my classmates made a point about the portrayal of Baby Suggs. Although her character is played well, I disagree with the director of the trailer putting the flashback to the clearing in the trailer at all. That scene's purpose in the novel was to contrast the sense of community in Baby Suggs' preaching days to Sethe's current disconnect with the community. It almost sets an atmosphere of unity for the film, which is not the case at all. The residents of 124 are actually rather disconnected from the outside world. Other than that, it appears that the trailer portrays the novel and it's characters accurately.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Leighlin and everybody else that the trailer is an accurate representation of the movie. Regarding the ages of all the characters, I agree with Jarrett that Toni Morrison does not really articulate their exact ages. The movie depicts Sethe and Paul D to be middle-aged and I think it is fairly accurate because Sethe has had four children and she has not seen Paul D for 18 years. Within the discussion of Beloved’s representation, I agree with Brittany that the director is trying to show two sides. Beloved, in the novel, is not necessarily manipulating anyone by being crafty or cunning. Instead, from the beginning when Beloved was found on the steps of 124, she plays out as an innocent person who needs protection and help. However, I disagree with Jarrett about Beloved’s “evil-looking eyes”; I think they are not intentionally portrayed to be evil to show Beloved’s duplicity because Beloved is a ghost overall and her intentions should not be seen based on human reactions. Beloved’s vengeful actions toward Sethe are just part of who she is. And I did not like the representation of Paul D, because I expected him be more callous. In the movie Paul D seems like a loving person but in the book I think he is more reserved and is afraid to settle down. Overall, the trailer is fairly accurate and I would like to see the whole movie for more details.
ReplyDeleteI felt that all of the characters portrayed in this trailer were accurate representations of the characters in the novel. I agree with Leighlin that many key plot points in the book were shown in the trailer, such as the ceremonies at the clearing, the murdering of the baby beloved, and many more scenes. I also agree with Leighlin with his opinion that the casting of Beloved seemed off. In the novel Beloved gave me the impression of sounding sweet and appearing unassuming, but in the trailer there were points where Beloved's voice was raspy and almost supernatural. I think the trailer gave too many hints to the evil in Beloved's supernatural presence, and left no suspense for the viewers. Also I agree with Andy, Jarrett and everyone else who said that the ages of the characters portrayed in the trailer could fit those of the book. The novel never specifically set an age for any character besides Denver. The novel did state that Sethe arrived at Sweet Home at the age of 13, than many years passed until she escaped. When meeting with Paul D at the beginning of the trailer it is stated that another 18 years has passed sense the escape. Overall, I felt the trailer accurately represented the novel.
ReplyDeleteWell this is upsetting. I had my comment ready and tried to post but it got deleted. For future reference to everyone else, I think our comments will not post if we are not signed in to our Google accounts or whatever you are using to post. Let's try this again.
ReplyDeleteAfter having watched the movie trailer for Toni Morrison's "Beloved" I find it safe to say that the novel is accurately portrayed in the movie. As Leighlin mentioned the trailer was successful because key events and elements from the novel were present such as Paul D's arrival at 124, Sethe's attempted murder of her children, Baby Suggs' preaching in the Clearing, and even the red atmosphere in 124 that represented Beloved's ghost. I agree with Vanessa and all those who applauded the casting choice for Baby Suggs because I believe it is 100% appropriate. The actress brings forth a strong presence and voice which viewers, even those who have not read the novel, can take as hints that Baby Suggs is a very central character. On a related note, I found Jarrett's point of the use of the scene in which Baby Suggs is preaching to be very interesting. I have to agree with him in saying that the scene should not have been used in the trailer because it misrepresents the atmosphere that Morrison created around her novel. The novel is full of disconnect and isolation between Sethe and her family and the community so the use of that particular scene gives a false sense of unity and community that just simply is not present in the novel. As for the portrayal of Beloved, I have to say that I was very surprised by the trailer. While reading the novel I always pictured Beloved as a conniving and manipulative woman and I feel as if her portrayal as a young girl in the trailer is not accurate. I suppose it could be said that her portrayal as a young, childish, and dependent girl could be a manipulative tool being put to use by Beloved but it is a stretch. In order to prove that theory I believe we would need to watch the movie in its entirety. With that being said, I am intrigued by the movie trailer and hope to watch the complete movie in order to make a more complete judgement.