Quvenzhane Wallis: At The Oscars

In an age of miracle and wonder a little princess goes to the ball. When director Ben Zeitlin cast the role of Hushpuppy for his soon to be lauded “Beasts of the Southern Wild” he found a gem in Quvenzhane Wallis. She embodied everything Zeitlin was look for and more. Wallis was strong, intelligent, self-assured, plucky and well…cute. There was more to her though and most importantly she won Zeitlin over with heart, compassion and a sense of what can only be described as honor. Both Wallis and Zeitlin were nominated for “Best” in their categories as well as the film itself was respectfully. No Oscars were awarded but the hearts and minds of many were won for the duration. They have been enlisted as friends and admirers for life.

 

At the Oscars and all the preliminary events, glamour and glitz Wallis was magnificent in the special way only an innocent can be. She was stylish of dress and lovely with her little puppy-purses and shoulder bags. Her interviews were on point and she showed a wit and aplomb that equaled many an older and more accomplished actress. Her best moment was a view of her dancing way past her bedtime (that had been extended for the events) and spinning in a circle until she was dizzy. Oh; the joys of childhood!   

Congratulations Quvenzhane! Congratulations for being there; at the ball, for showing us grace and joy and for filling our hearts.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

A modern parable of life, love, the metaphysical wonder of childhood and the longing to connect our primordial beginnings to our ultimate destinies.  A world of flood, survival, fears and death are viewed through the eyes of a small child in an obscure delta community. The strongest little heroine the big screen has seen probably since the Great Depression is enchanting her own world and pretty much every viewer of this remarkable thing; “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” This is of course an after- thought looking back at a remarkable screen experience. Watching this is to be very much in a state of entrancement, abandon and awe.

 

 

To describe this film is almost to do it an injustice. It is the most unique cinematic style of story-telling to come around in many years; it is the real thing. It can only be truly appreciated in the viewing. It will live with you for a while.The center of the film is Hushpuppy; portrayed by at (the time five year old) Quenzhane Wallis. She is dynamic…you will be drawn in from her first frame on screen.  She and her single parent father Wink; Dwight Henry (who is superbly cast) go on an amazing journey that cuts to the core of life and existence in a rare thing of beauty. Ben Zeitlin directs and shares a co-writer credit with Lucy Alibar. Alibar’s one act play “Juicy and delicious” was the basis of the film. 

 

“Beasts” has already been lauded at Cannes and Sundance. More acclaim is certain to come. It is what film is about when thinking of the new and daring. Add it to your must see list…you will not be disappointed by this miracle!