Hounddog

Name: Hounddog
Director: Deborah Kampmeier
Released: 2007

Synopsis

A drama set in the American South, where a precocious, troubled girl finds a safe haven in the music and movement of Elvis Presley.

70
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Fanning is a child actor with a grown-up soul, and every move, every breath, seems mysteriously right.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
In spite of a few missteps, the cumulative impact of the film is undeniable.
50
Village Voice
In the wake of the inadvertent betrayal that leads to her now-notorious rape (a sequence that, ironically, seems to have lost the horrific impact it needs), the film turns listless.
50
Chicago Tribune
The film is responsible, earnest, well-intentioned and, as it was in Sundance, maddeningly inconsistent.
50
The A.V. Club
Pretty but overwrought, Hounddog doesn't deserve its infamy, nor does it merit being seen or remembered.
38
ReelViews
A failure on pretty much every level, Hounddog would never have been known beyond Park City had it not been for the notoriety surrounding the rape scene.
38
Premiere
It was received at Sundance 2007 with a resounding thud. Not because of this controversial rape scene, but because, well, it just wasn't good. Unfortunately, even with over a year of rejiggering, it's still not good.
30
Film Threat
Overall, director Deborah Kempmeir mistakes ominous and depressing for deep and meaningful, a misfire that undermines the effect it tries to achieve.