TOWELHEAD Uproar: Alan Ball on Title Controversy

It's an interesting topic and probably a needed defense from director Alan Ball. His case was simply put (and, therefore, probably more effective). To have him stare directly into the camera worked well in this case.

The background is a little "busy" and I found myself wondering what he was having for lunch (probably not a good distraction, especially in this serious context). I know it's nearly impossible to keep a camera steady, especially if you are using a small hand-held. The camera motion detracts somewhat to the discussion. I would suggest that while shooting without a tripod try moving the camera a little which can actually "smooth" the take and look more active.

Well done, though. Very compelling piece.

Hello,

I actually didn't have a problem with the title, UNTILL you pointed out that it's a pejorative name for a particular race. (I knew it, but hadn't thought of what it would mean to me if there were a movie called "Nigger" coming out. ) Just because its a term that's out there, doesn't mean that its something that should be used. Shouldn't the film subject itself be enough to explore the topic?

Though the idea of a young lady dealing with the pressures of being different in an American homogenous society was compelling to me, I was interested in seeing it--- until I saw the trailer and it appears as though there's the underage sexual tension thing between the young lady Aaron Eckhardt's character. I didn't make it through American Beauty for that reason. It's just not a subject in which I am interested.

Perhaps the most enduring source of shame and mental and emotional damage for the victims of childhood sexual abuse is the fact that the victim usually experiences a certain level of physical and/or emotional pleasure - a fact that is almost never dealt with in even the most frank and open discussions of the subject within the media and the aspect most difficult for the victims to address. Now that I know that Mr. Ball has included this in his depiction, I am much more likely to see Towelhead whereas I would have avoided it for fear of the negative thoughts and emotions such a film will almost definitely stir within me.

Both interviews were very good. Good information in a short time.
Alan Ball makes a very good point when he talks of how forbidding the use of a word only makes it more powerful.
The shakey camera was a little distracting, but the content is good.