Hounddog: A+

Watching Hounddog was a mesmerizing, sublime experience with incredible performances, consummate directing and exquisite cinematography. Dakota Fanning, who turns 13 next month, proves herself to be an accomplished and intelligent actress in this challenging and richly detailed role as Lewellen, a poor southern girl with an Elvis fixation. Director/Screenwriter Deborah Kempmeier has woven together a sensitive and spiritual story of lost innocence and brutality with a forthright honesty that's refreshing, disturbing and soul-tapping. Robin Wright Penn, David Morse, Piper Laurie, and Afemo Omilami turn in convincing, compelling and sometimes wrenching performances. It took ten years to get this film made and I applaud Kempmeier for her perseverance and her ability to serve her vision with such strong, clear talent and artistry. Hounddog is perhaps the most important film in the festival this year and shouldn't be missed.