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Lee Daniels addresses outrage over Glenn Close scene in Deliverance

2024-09-04 00:00
American director, producer, and screenwriter
American actress
American content platform and production company
  • The Deliverance, a horror film directed by Lee Daniels, features Glenn Close in a controversial role that has sparked outrage.
  • The film is based on the real-life experiences of the Ammons family, who claimed to be haunted by demonic forces in Indiana in 2011.
  • Daniels has defended the film's content, praising Close's performance and emphasizing the importance of representing diverse characters in horror.

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Insights

Lee Daniels has addressed the backlash surrounding a controversial scene featuring Glenn Close in his new horror film, which has quickly become the most-watched title on Netflix. The film, inspired by the real-life claims of a family in Indiana who reported demonic hauntings in 2011, showcases Close as Alberta, a character that embodies a familiar archetype within the Black community. Her performance has drawn significant attention, particularly for a shocking line delivered during an exorcism scene that has gone viral on social media. The film's narrative revolves around the Ammons family, who reported various supernatural occurrences, including unexplained noises and sightings of shadowy figures. The story escalates with claims of possession, including a chilling incident where one of the children allegedly levitated. These elements contribute to the film's horror, drawing parallels to classic horror films like The Exorcist. Daniels has expressed his admiration for Close's portrayal, emphasizing the importance of representing characters like Alberta on screen. He believes that her performance brings a unique perspective to a character that has not been adequately depicted in cinema before. The director's decision to include the controversial line was met with mixed reactions, with some viewers expressing outrage while others praised the boldness of the scene. As the film continues to gain traction on Netflix, Daniels remains committed to showcasing the complexities of the characters and the cultural significance they hold. The conversation surrounding the film highlights the intersection of horror, representation, and the impact of storytelling in contemporary cinema.

Contexts

The Deliverance, a horror film directed by Lee Daniels, has faced backlash since its Netflix release in the UK, particularly regarding Glenn Close's portrayal of Alberta. Critics have highlighted the film's incoherent plot and character development, which may have contributed to the outrage surrounding Close's role. This criticism underscores the difficulties filmmakers encounter when adapting complex narratives, especially those based on true events. The film is loosely inspired by the true story of LaToya Ammons, whose Indiana home was reportedly haunted. This connection to real-life events likely raised expectations for authenticity and depth in storytelling, which many viewers felt were not fulfilled. The polarized response to the film indicates that while it failed to resonate with a significant portion of the audience, some viewers appreciated Close's performance. In a broader context, the film's controversy reflects ongoing discussions in the film industry about representation and narrative coherence. The challenges of adapting true stories into engaging cinematic experiences are evident, as filmmakers strive to balance artistic interpretation with audience expectations. Additionally, the importance of representation in media is highlighted by other projects, such as Netflix's Kaos, which focuses on transgender representation and challenges traditional narratives. This emphasis on diverse storytelling may influence audience perceptions and expectations in future adaptations.

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